After years of denial, Paul Mashatile admits to owning lavish Constantia mansion
The revelation has sparked renewed calls for transparency and accountability from government officials.
The admission comes after more than two years of speculation and investigative scrutiny.
The property, located in one of South Africa's most prestigious neighbourhoods, boasts seven bedrooms, a private tennis court, swimming pool, and extensively manicured gardens – amenities consistent with the suburb's reputation for multi-million-rand estates.
Financial experts estimate that maintaining such a property would require monthly mortgage repayments of between R250 000 and R280 000, implying a net monthly income of around R1.2 million.
This stands in stark contrast to the Deputy President's officially declared annual salary of approximately R2.9 million before deductions.
Additional expenses, including municipal rates (estimated at R20 000 to R40 000 per month), private security, domestic staff, and landscaping, add significantly to the ongoing costs.
Opposition parties and watchdog groups have responded swiftly, demanding full disclosure on how Mashatile financed the acquisition and maintenance of the property – including any loans, gifts, or undeclared business interests that may have contributed to the purchase.
In a statement this past week, Paul Mashatile's office said: 'All declarations have been made in accordance with the Public Finance Management Act. Supplementary documentation will be made available later this week.'
The Deputy President's acknowledgement comes amid rising public concern over corruption and financial transparency within government, and his case is expected to become a touchstone in South Africa's ongoing debate over ethical leadership and asset disclosure.
The release of supporting documents in the coming days will likely determine whether the controversy eases – or intensifies.
Nothing to disclose
Nothing to disclose
Nothing to disclose
Nothing to disclose
Nothing to disclose Description Value Source Portrait of Deputy
President Estimate R3 000 National Youth
Development Agency HILIA designed box:silver Omani Daggers.Collection (Wildlife ofRussia) made in 2022,Manufacturer: TISSO –The collection consist ofthree sets dedicated toanimals, birds and fishthat are mainly found onthe territory of the
Russian Federation Estimate R2 000 Russia Prime Minister:Mikhail Mishustin, duringthe Deputy President
working visit in Russia PYCCKNECAMOLIBETBI (sets oftwo saucers and teacups).Tea sets: four cups,one small kettle and four
saucers Estimate R1 500-R2 000 Russia Prime Minister:Mikhail Mishustin, duringthe Deputy President
working visit in Russia Backpack bag (black andgrey in color with writtenHarambee on the back)Hoodie Jersey
Bennie Estimate R700 Harambee YouthEmployment Accelerator:
CEO – Kasthuri Soni. RT Mirco PhoneThelema The Mint 2021CabernetSauvignon Estate Wineand Lindor double
chocolate Estimated R1 000 China council for thepromotion of international
trade (CCPIT) Japan Bottle of Wine and
Small grey bowl Estimate R2 000 Ambassador of Japanand Takeshi Iwaya,Japan's Minister of
Foreign Affairs Hibiki Suntory WhiskyBottle, Edo Glass forWhiskyIsuzu light-duty truck (Toydisplay), N Series, and
Decor Pot Estimate R2 000 Working Visit in Japan The Taberer Avontuur
Stellenbosch Wine Estimate R500 Ahmed Kathrada legacy
fundraising breakfast Black pot for décor Estimate R1 500 People's Republic of
China, H.E GAO Yunlong Silver Elephants Statue
display Estimate R2 000 The Minister of ExternalAffairs
New Delhi, India
Nothing to disclose
Nothing to disclose Description of property Area where property is
located Size of the property in
square metres Residential family home Constantia, Western Cape 4 000 square metres Residential family home Waterfall, Midrand
Gauteng 9 000 square metres Residential Kelvin, Johannesburg
Gauteng 3 000 square metres Source of the pension Public / Private GEPF Public
Nothing to declare Description of income generating
asset Nature of the income Old Mutual Unit Trust Interest generated on account
Nothing to declare
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