Deputy President Paul Mashatile has officially admitted to owning a R28.9 million property in the Cape Town suburb of Constantia, following years of public and official denials.
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.
Questions Over Affordability and Transparency
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.
Mashatile’s Response and Public Scrutiny
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.
Paul Mashatile register declarations
1. Shares and other financial interests
Nothing to disclose
2. Remunerated employment or work outside of parliament
Nothing to disclose
3. Directorships and partnerships
Nothing to disclose
4. Consultancies and retainerships
Nothing to disclose
5. Sponsorships
Nothing to disclose
6. Gifts and hospitality
| Description | Value | Source |
| Portrait of Deputy President |
Estimate R3 000 | National Youth Development Agency |
| HILIA designed box: silver Omani Daggers. Collection (Wildlife of Russia) made in 2022, Manufacturer: TISSO – The collection consist of three sets dedicated to animals, birds and fish that are mainly found on the territory of the Russian Federation |
Estimate R2 000 | Russia Prime Minister: Mikhail Mishustin, during the Deputy President working visit in Russia |
| PYCCKNE CAMOLIBETBI (sets of two saucers and tea cups). Tea sets: four cups, one small kettle and four saucers |
Estimate R1 500-R2 000 | Russia Prime Minister: Mikhail Mishustin, during the Deputy President working visit in Russia |
| Backpack bag (black and grey in color with written Harambee on the back) Hoodie Jersey Bennie |
Estimate R700 | Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator: CEO – Kasthuri Soni. |
| RT Mirco Phone Thelema The Mint 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Wine and Lindor double chocolate |
Estimated R1 000 | China council for the promotion of international trade (CCPIT) |
| Japan Bottle of Wine and Small grey bowl |
Estimate R2 000 | Ambassador of Japan and Takeshi Iwaya, Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs |
| Hibiki Suntory Whisky Bottle, Edo Glass for Whisky Isuzu light-duty truck (Toy display), 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 External Affairs New Delhi, India |
7. Benefits and interest free loans
Nothing to disclose
8. Travel
Nothing to disclose
9. Ownership in land and property
| 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 |
10. Pensions
| Source of the pension | Public / Private |
| GEPF | Public |
11. Rented property
Nothing to declare
12. Income generating assets
| Description of income generating asset |
Nature of the income |
| Old Mutual Unit Trust | Interest generated on account |
13. Trusts
Nothing to declare
Best guess as to how Paul Mashatile managed to afford to buy his Constantia mansion?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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