Rise Mzansi asks Public Protector to probe Mashatile’s alleged links to tenderpreneurs

Rise Mzansi has approached the office of the Public Protector to investigate Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, following a damning News24 expose.

The report claims that the Deputy President lives a life of luxury that’s allegedly funded by state contracts.

The report also lists disgraced businessman, Edwin Sodi, as one of Mashatile’s benefactors.

Mashatile is accused of using Sodi’s multi-million luxurious Clifton home as a base despite it being sold by the state last year. He is said to also have access to another house in Fresnaye registered in the name of a company owned by businessman, Ndavhe Mareda.

It is alleged that the Deputy President would entertain female friends and members of his inner circle at both homes and treat them to expensive alcohol, among others.

According to the report, Mashatile only has one property registered in his name in Kelvin, Johannesburg.

Rise Mzansi want Acting Public Protector, Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka, to investigate Mashatile.

The party’s president, Songezo Zibi, says Mashatile has committed serious violations of at least the Constitution, his oath of office, and the Executive Members’ Ethics Act.

He says the powerful in the country have placed themselves above the law.

“The South African political establishment has built a culture of zero accountability, especially when those in power are alleged to be or found to be corrupt or involved in other acts of criminality.”

Zibi has reiterated that South Africans have the power to put a stop to the politics of the cheque and corruption by voting for leaders of integrity.

“Justice and the rule of law are cornerstones are of our constitutional democracy, and any actions inconsistent with those values must be treated the utmost seriousness. If Deputy President Mashatile is found to have violated any law of the land, he must be held accountable in the same way that any citizen without the backing of public office would be,” says Zibi.

Rise Mzansi says it will not let the matter rest until it reaches legal conclusion.

Ynews reached out to the Deputy President’s spokesperson, Vukani Mde, for Mashatile’s take on the matter and his phone was off.