Steenhuisen Calls for Mashatile’s Dismissal Amid Corruption Allegations

In South Africa's ongoing struggle with political integrity, Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen has issued a bold challenge to President Cyril Ramaphosa, demanding immediate dismissal of Deputy President Paul Mashatile. The demand stems from a series of investigative reports by News24, dubbed 'Mashatile Unmasked,' which revealed Mashatile's alleged involvement in a patronage network and personal enrichment from questionable property deals.

The latest installment of the investigative series reported on Monday that Mashatile’s son-in-law, Nceba Nonkwelo, purchased a lavish R28.9 million home in Constantia, Cape Town. Notably, the house was acquired through Nonkwelo's company in a flurry of property transactions totaling R65.9 million - all intended to benefit Mashatile. These controversial dealings transpire even as Nonkwelo owes the Gauteng Partnership Fund (GPF) around R7 million for a failed Johannesburg housing project.

The GPF, under the provincial Department of Human Settlements, connects directly to the government where Mashatile held a position of influence. Adding to the scrutiny is a previous News24 piece revealing that the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements paid R828 million to Blackhead Consulting, owned by Edwin Sodi, from 2014 to 2020. Evidence presented at the Zondo Commission indicated direct payments of R370 000 to Mashatile by Sodi, coinciding with Mashatile's tenure as Gauteng MEC for human settlements.

Additional reports last year implicated Mashatile in the use of extravagant properties tied to businesspersons benefiting from public contracts. Among them, a R78 million home in Clifton owned by the corruption-accused Sodi and another valuable property in Fresnaye, close to President Ramaphosa’s own residence, owned by Ndavhe Mareda.

Responding to a crescendo of corruption allegations, the DA has not only called for Mashatile's firing but also for the Special Investigating Unit to probe these accusations. Steenhuisen, unyielding in his stance, has scolded President Ramaphosa for his perceived inaction, particularly juxtaposing Ramaphosa's promises to the State Capture Commission against his current silence. The opposition leader accuses the president of enabling Mashatile's suspected misconduct.

Steenhisuen's ultimatum to President Ramaphosa includes a deadline for action, accompanied by a warning of further measures from the DA. A comprehensive docket has been prepared by the opposition party, sketching out the extent of Mashatile's alleged 'web of corruption.' The DA is preparing to enhance pressure on the presidency with a scheduled press briefing at the Union Buildings, signaling their readiness to confront these allegations at the highest level of government.

This development reflects an increasing theme within South African politics where promises of accountability and transparency are weighed against the responses to corruption allegations within the government's ranks. The outcome of this challenge will not only affect the careers of those implicated but also have lasting implications for the political landscape and public trust in the country's leadership.