Johannesburg — Fresh controversy has hit the office of Deputy President Paul Mashatile after revelations that his sons benefited from multimillion-rand tenders with the Gauteng Provincial Government. According to official documents tabled in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, companies linked to Mashatile’s children secured contracts worth more than R91 million, sparking widespread debate over political influence, nepotism, and misuse of taxpayer money.
Tenders Under Scrutiny
The matter came to light after the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) Gauteng Health spokesperson, Jack Bloom, made public a reply he received from Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko. The response confirmed that two companies, Modipadi Nokaneng and Ngwato and Manzi Group (NMG), had been awarded contracts for maintaining fire detection and suppression systems at various Gauteng hospitals.
The contracts were initially reported to be worth R49 million, with the companies collectively paid R36.4 million. However, the MEC’s official reply revealed that the figures were much higher: Modipadi Nokaneng received R28.7 million, while NMG was paid R28.8 million. Additionally, the provincial government still owes Modipadi Nokaneng R43.9 million and NMG R94,000, bringing the combined value of the contracts to roughly R91 million.
Family Connections
Both companies have direct ties to Mashatile’s children. Modipadi Nokaneng is linked to his son Thabiso Mashatile, while NMG is connected to Tinyiko Mvelase, another of Mashatile’s sons from a different relationship. Although the companies are registered as separate entities, investigations revealed that they share office space, staff, and other resources. Reports also suggest that the companies retrenched employees without paying outstanding salaries totaling more than R200,000, raising concerns about governance and financial mismanagement.
Mashatile’s Wealth Under Question
This is not the first time Mashatile has faced public scrutiny over financial dealings. Earlier this year, Parliament fined him for failing to declare diamonds he received from businessman Louis Liebenberg, who faces fraud charges. Mashatile claimed he had sent the diamonds for valuation before making a formal declaration.
In addition, he was compelled to acknowledge ownership of a luxury Constantia Estate mansion in Cape Town, valued at R28.9 million, after previously denying any connection. Reports indicate that the property was purchased through a company linked to his son-in-law, further fueling speculation about hidden wealth and questionable financial practices.
Public Reaction
The revelations about the tender contracts sparked an immediate backlash on social media. South Africans expressed outrage at what many see as yet another example of state resources being exploited for personal and family gain.
One user wrote: “Mashatile is on the front page every three weeks for corruption and wrong reasons.” Another added: “He should step aside. These assets must be frozen pending investigation.” Others criticized politicians for living “like superstars at the expense of taxpayers,” while some emphasized that ordinary South Africans continue to suffer under poor service delivery while the politically connected enrich themselves.
Political Fallout
President Cyril Ramaphosa has already distanced himself from Mashatile’s controversies, including the diamond scandal. Speaking at a public event in August, Ramaphosa stressed that Mashatile would have to provide answers to the allegations.
For the DA and other opposition parties, the tender scandal provides further ammunition in their calls for accountability and transparency in government procurement processes. With public anger mounting, pressure is growing on Mashatile to address the allegations and clarify his family’s involvement in lucrative state contracts.
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