Paul Mashatile brought before ANC integrity committee - report

The committee, chaired by veteran pastor Frank Chikane, has reportedly summoned Mashatile to appear in Houghton on Saturday.

Vice President Paul Mashatile has reportedly appeared before the African National Congress (ANC) integrity committee in a bid to clear his name of numerous allegations.

Mashatile is accused of buying a R28 million house in Cape Town with cash in December 2023.

However, he has denied this, stating that he owns no property in Cape Town or elsewhere, apart from a house he and his late wife bought through a bank loan in Kelvin, Johannesburg.

Mashatile also denied ownership of another property in Waterfall Estate, Johannesburg, which was allegedly purchased for R37 million in cash through his sons, who allegedly had tender dealings with departments he oversaw as MEC.

He clarified that he lives in a Waterfall property jointly purchased by his sons and his son-in-law, Nceba Nonkwelo, with a bank loan, citing “better security” as the reason for his move from his Kelvin home.

Mashatile further denied that he had been investigated by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), the Hawks or the Public Protector over a so-called ‘lavish lifestyle’ allegedly funded by tenderpreneurs.

According to him, these accusations are attempts to damage his reputation.

‘He must take into account’

Despite his previous denials, sources said City Press that the ANC’s integrity committee wanted to hear his side directly.

The committee, chaired by veteran pastor Frank Chikane, has reportedly summoned Mashatile to appear in Houghton on Saturday.

He was reportedly one of several ANC leaders expected to appear after volunteering to clear his name before the committee.

“He was held accountable for all allegations made against him in the media. The committee tried to get him to appear, but he was always busy with government work and organisation,” said an ANC insider.

Simelane at the ANC’s integrity committee

In September, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Thembi Simelane appeared before the integrity commission over her loan of R575,600 from Gundo Wealth Solutions.

The company is alleged to have brokered unlawful investments in the Venda Building Society (VBS) Mutual Bank by the Polokwane Municipality while Simelane was mayor in 2016.

Ralliom Razwinane, the owner of Gundo Wealth Solutions, is currently on trial for corruption in connection with the VBS looting scandal.

However, she has denied that the money used to start her coffee shop in Sandton came from money allegedly stolen from VBS.

The committee’s findings during its hearing have yet to be announced.