Cape Town – Deputy President Paul Mashatile has responded to a report by News24 that suggested he was a beneficiary of persons who benefited from state capture.
In a statement, Mashatile’s office emphasised his commitment to upholding his oath of office, respecting the Constitution and national law, and addressing concerns about corruption.
Mashatile denied the allegations and criticised News24 for lacking evidence and resorting to innuendo and guilt by association.
“As such, the Deputy President would like to assure the nation that he is committed to his oath of office and the principles of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.
“The Deputy President would also like to reiterate his commitment to fighting corruption and building an ethical and competent developmental State.”
He clarified that his interactions with various individuals over his career are normal and denied any involvement in awarding state contracts or owning properties acquired by those individuals.
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“For the record, the Deputy President has, throughout his life as an activist and public representative, met many people from different walks of life, including the individuals mentioned by News24. Naturally, some of the people he has interacted with throughout that long time have become close personal associates. There is nothing wrong or unusual about this, and the attempt to scandalise such associations is unfortunate.
“The Deputy President has never awarded, influenced, or in any way caused any state or public sector contract to be awarded to the individuals and companies mentioned by News24. Nor does the Deputy President have ownership or permanent use of any properties bought by these individuals and companies. The Deputy President would challenge anyone to prove otherwise,” his office said.
Mashatile’s office also refuted claims that he is working behind the scenes to become president, stating that his primary mandate is to support the president and address obstacles to service delivery.
“All of this work is mandated by and supported by the President, aimed exclusively at enhancing the capacity of the State to deliver to the people. None of it is in service of some political machinations against or in favour of any government leader. To allege otherwise, based only on the say so of nameless sources, is irresponsible in the extreme,” said the statement.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
