Deputy President Paul Mashatile recently appeared before the ANC integrity commission to address corruption allegations linked to his time as Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements. The DA also filed a complaint with Parliament’s Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests, accusing him of failing to disclose registrable interests and providing misleading information.
The DA alleged Mashatile hid properties, including a R37 million house in Midrand, breaching the code of conduct. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) hinted at possible charges, as analysts speculate about Mashatile’s uncertain political future against contenders like Fikile Mbalula.
The ANC’s national executive committee (NEC) decided members who skip the integrity commission would face the disciplinary committee. Experts question Paul Mashatile’s leadership qualities, while Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and former treasurer-general Zweli Mkhize emerge as potential challengers.
The Government of National Unity (GNU) faces turmoil as the DA aims to replace Mashatile as deputy president. The DA’s demand follows President Ramaphosa’s ongoing Cabinet negotiations under the new GNU arrangement.
Mashatile has served as deputy president to Ramaphosa since the 2022 ANC elective conference, where he succeeded David Mabuza. The ANC, DA, and IFP formed the GNU after the election yielded no outright majority, later joined by the Patriotic Alliance, GOOD Party, and PAC.
Recently, more parties like the Freedom Front Plus (FF+), UDM, RISE Mzansi, and Al Jama-ah joined the GNU, escalating tensions with the DA. A letter from DA federal chairperson Helen Zille to Mbalula, leaked on social media, revealed the party’s demand for 12 Cabinet positions, including the deputy president role.
Zille argued that the DA, as one of the largest parties, should hold significant posts, such as a Minister in the Presidency and a deputy finance minister. She emphasized power-sharing as a necessary condition for the DA’s continued participation in the GNU.
The ANC called the DA’s demands “outlandish” and accused them of negotiating in bad faith. ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri insisted that only the president can decide Cabinet appointments and warned against using the media to push demands.
NPA spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga told the media that he had no information on whether charges against Mashatile would proceed.