ACTING Public Protector Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka has seven days to release a preliminary report on allegations that Deputy President Paul Mashatile is living a lavish lifestyle.
The organisation, RISE Mzansi, and the DA lodged a complaint with the Public Protector (PP) in June for breach of the Executive Members’ Ethics Act, the Constitution and Oath of Office, and demanded that the matter be investigated.
News24 reported that the multi-million Rand house in question is registered on a 99-year lease under Legacy Properties directed by Mashatile's son, Thabiso, and son-in-law, Nceba Nonkwelo.
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It is alleged that Nonkwelo Investments “received at least four loans from the Gauteng Partnership Fund totaling at least R30 million between 2013 and 2017 – overlapping with Mashatile's second stint as human settlements MEC".
The online publication further stated that the loans, which Nonkwelo received, were earmarked to “develop a property in Highlands, Johannesburg, for student accommodation, but construction was allegedly never completed”.
On Thursday, 20 July, RISE Mzansi said funds meant for people and their community needs were allegedly used to bankroll Mashatile.
RISE Mzansi spokesman Tebogo Moalusi said:
Moalusi said Mashatile was a recycled member of the political establishment that has done little to nothing to change the lives of South Africans.
”In terms of the act, a preliminary report must be produced by the Public Protector within 30 days, which falls on Thursday, 27 July. Whatever the outcome of the preliminary report and subsequent enforceable report, South Africans will have the final say in 2024 on the kind of country we all deserve by electing leaders of integrity who work with and in communities to build a safe, prosperous, equal, and united South Africa. Let us push the reset button in 2024 like we did in 1994,” said Moalusi.
