BY: Saneliso Mlambo
Deputy President Paul Mashatile is currently facing significant scrutiny over his involvement in a controversial deal with Communications Minister Solly Malatsi concerning the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) Bill. The dispute has sparked political debates and raised questions about governance and transparency within the South African government.
In November 2024, Minister Malatsi attempted to withdraw the SABC Bill, a piece of legislation aimed at introducing a new funding model for the public broadcaster. However, Deputy President Mashatile intervened, asserting that such a decision required prior Cabinet approval. He informed National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza that the bill would not be withdrawn, emphasizing that executive bills cannot be withdrawn without consultation with him and approval from the Cabinet and the President.
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni supported Mashatile’s stance, stating that Malatsi could not unilaterally decide to withdraw the bill without Cabinet consensus. Ntshavheni emphasized that the bill was a collective Cabinet decision and that any changes should be addressed within the Cabinet framework.
Beyond the SABC Bill controversy, Deputy President Mashatile has been implicated in broader allegations of corruption and misconduct. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has lodged complaints with the Public Protector, citing reports that Mashatile resides in luxury properties owned by businessmen who have benefited from state contracts. One such individual is Edwin Sodi, who faces charges related to the Free State asbestos scandal.
The DA’s national spokesperson, Solly Malatsi, highlighted concerns about potential breaches of the Executive Members Ethics Act and the Constitution. He called for a thorough investigation into Mashatile’s alleged connections with controversial figures and the use of properties linked to individuals facing corruption charges.
The allegations have elicited strong reactions from various political quarters. DA leader John Steenhuisen expressed dissatisfaction with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s lack of action regarding the allegations against Mashatile. Steenhuisen stated that, in the absence of presidential intervention, the DA felt compelled to pursue legal avenues, including laying criminal charges and filing complaints with the Public Protector and Parliament’s Executive Members’ Ethics Act.
Additionally, the term “Alex mafia” has resurfaced in discussions about Mashatile’s alleged network of political and business connections originating from Alexandra township’s anti-apartheid movement. While Mashatile has faced scrutiny over his ties to this group, he has previously been cleared of any impropriety related to these associations.
Mashatile’s spokesperson, Vukani Mde, dismissed the DA’s actions as politically motivated. Mde referred to the DA’s recent submission of a “dossier” to President Ramaphosa, reiterating that anyone with genuine evidence of criminal wrongdoing should report it to the appropriate authorities. He emphasized that there was nothing new to add beyond this stance.
The ongoing controversy surrounding Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Minister Solly Malatsi’s dealings with the SABC Bill, coupled with broader allegations of corruption, has intensified political debates and public scrutiny. As investigations proceed, the South African public and political entities await further developments and official clarifications on these serious allegations.