Deputy President Paul Mashatile's Luxurious Lifestyle Revealed in Parliament's Register of Members' Interests

South Africa's Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, has openly declared a lavish lifestyle featuring big-ticket items and gifts in Parliament's recent Register of Members’ Interests for the year 2023. The purpose of this mandatory enter in the register was to maintain transparency and public trust in parliamentarians' interests and holdings.

During 2014 and 2015, Mashatile announced the ownership of two properties along with 250 ordinary Telkom shares. However, he made no statement in the following years until this record. In the current year's register, he listed two properties which include a residence in Midrand and Sandton. Some sources have previously suggested that the Midrand house is tied to a company where his son, Thabiso Mashatile, and son-in-law, Nceba Nonkwelo, hold directorial positions.

Interestingly, Mashatile's spokesperson, Vukani Mde, reported that the Deputy President resides in the aforementioned home for safety reasons, validating its entry in the Register of Interests. Despite not owning it, Mashatile listed because he derived benefits from it.

Another chunk of Mashatile’s wealth comprises a substantial R34.30 million investment with Old Mutual, funded by his governmental pension.

The Deputy President also claimed numerous unvalued gifts. These included a bottle of vodka from Russia's ambassador, a leather bag from Belgium's royal family and a Samsung Z Fold 5 - the latter priced approximately R40,000.

This latest declaration follows earlier reports alluding to Mashatile's high-end lifestyle, with ties to famous businesspersons Edwin Sodi and Ndavhe Mareda, contributing to the speculation over Mashatile’s wealth.