"Mashatile Unmasked" is an investigative project by News24 that seeks to unearth the apparently opulent and off-the-books lifestyle of deputy president Paul Mashatile.
Allegations that Mashatile has been at the centre of a group of friends and associates that have all benefitted from government posts and contracts have followed him for years and now, after more than two decades serving mostly in the Gauteng provincial government, Mashatile is a heartbeat away from the office of the presidency.
This in-depth probe seeks to uncover the intricate web of individuals who have contributed to maintaining Mashatile's life of excess, and what they benefitted in return.
This includes undisclosed payments to romantic partners and stays in big-budget residences.
None of these lavish perks are officially registered in Mashatile's name, nor does he directly shoulder the expenses or provide a clear explanation for their origins, and he has seemingly perfected the art of gaining value from these assets while keeping his name out of the paperwork.
By News24 investigative journalists Azarrah Karrim, Sipho Masondo, and Kyle Cowan
The secret luxury life and state capture links of a president-in-waiting
Deputy President Paul Mashatile leads a life of luxury and seeming excess, using multimillion-rand homes owned by tenderpreneurs and beneficiaries of government contracts on Cape Town’s exclusive Atlantic Seaboard to entertain a string of lovers and friends.
One of Mashatile's largest benefactors is Edwin Sodi, the politically connected businessman currently on trial for charges of corruption and fraud linked to a R255-million Free State asbestos eradication tender, together with former Free State premier and now ex-ANC bigwig, Ace Magashule.
Mashatile, who is open about his ambition to supplant President Cyril Ramaphosa as the next head of state, has also perfected the art of attaining what appears to be beneficial ownership without having it registered in his name, nor does he pay directly for it, or explain the source of the benefaction. Regular companions and sources with direct access to Mashatile and his lifestyle say he almost never pays for anything directly out of his own pocket.
The R37m Waterfall mansion, his son-in-law and a Gauteng govt housing loan
Deputy President Paul Mashatile is staying in a R37-million home bought by his son-in-law Nceba Nonkwelo – who has received funding from Gauteng government entities – and his son, Thabiso.
Mashatile's spokesperson and son said Mashatile had to move to the house because of threats in March 2023 by a former girlfriend shortly after he married another woman.
This is despite the fact that the purchase of the property was set in motion months before the alleged threats, with Mashatile taking occupation shortly after the registration was finalised at the deeds office, which happened to coincide with the time frame in which the threats were made.
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Interview | Mashatile on the R37m house, cadre deployment and the economy
In an interview with News24, Deputy President Paul Mashatile insists his integrity is above reproach and talks about his views on key issues for business.
Adriaan Basson | Sorry Mr Mashatile, but you cannot fool all South Africans all the time
Deputy President Paul Mashatile and his coterie of spin doctors won't succeed in "changing the narrative" of the very real and troubling revelations exposed by News24, writes Adriaan Basson.
Pieter du Toit | A kept man: Mashatile poses a massive test for ANC, Parliament and law enforcement
Chief Justice Raymond Zondo was clear about the ANC's refusal to act when claims of state capture emerged years ago. The party "abdicated" its responsibilities. Pieter du Toit sees this happening again.
All Mashatile's men: the advisors behind the scenes
Deputy President Paul Mashatile is a newcomer to the West Wing of the Union Buildings. Carol Paton looks at who he brought with him.
EDITORIAL | Is Paul Mashatile captured?
After News24's exposé on the president-in-waiting, South Africans are fully justified in asking who is the real Paul Mashatile and who are the people behind him pushing him in this game of thrones, write News24's editors.
Pieter du Toit | State capture 2.0 fears: If Mashatile wants to be president, address Sodi matter
The reaction from the ANC, the Presidency and Paul Mashatile's offices shows an alarming refusal from those in power to consider the possible re-emergence of a new form of capture, writes Pieter du Toit.
A Mashatile presidency may be coming soon. What does he stand for?
ANC deputy president Paul Mashatile is an unknown quantity to the markets. Carol Paton looks at what he stands for.
Paul Mashatile's R37m home may not cost him politically, but his son-in-law now faces investigation
A declaration by the Gauteng government that no wrongdoing will be swept under the carpet signalled the first movement of a probe into Deputy President Paul Mashatile's family, but analysts don't believe it will impact his presidential ambitions.
Maile probes millions in loans to son-in-law of his 'older brother and comrade', Paul Mashatile
Gauteng Human Settlements MEC Lebogang Maile is leading the charge to investigate matters linked to his self-proclaimed "older brother" and "comrade", Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
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