Deputy President of South Africa Paul Mashatile lives in a sprawling mansion worth R37 million (about $2.5 million). The house is registered in the name of a company called Legacy Properties, whose sole directors are Mashatile’s son, Thabiso, and his son-in-law, Nceba Nonkwelo.
Deputy President of South Africa Paul Mashatile lives in a sprawling mansion worth R37 million (about $2.5 million). The house is registered in the name of a company called Legacy Properties, whose sole directors are Mashatile’s son, Thabiso, and his son-in-law, Nceba Nonkwelo.
Nonkwelo is married to Mashatile’s daughter, Palesa. Nonkwelo has received funding from Gauteng government entities, including the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements.
Mashatile’s spokesperson has said that the Deputy President moved into the house in March 2023 because of threats from a former girlfriend. However, the timing of the move has raised questions, as it came just weeks after Nonkwelo’s company received an R10 million loan from the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements. The loan was reportedly used to buy the Waterfall mansion.
The news of Mashatile’s living arrangements has sparked a debate in South Africa about the ethics of politicians using their positions to benefit their families.
Some people have argued that Mashatile’s decision to live in the mansion is a conflict of interest, as his son-in-law does business with the state. Others have defended Mashatile, saying that he is entitled to live in whatever house he wants. The matter is still under investigation.
The Waterfall mansion is located in an exclusive gated community in Midrand, Johannesburg. The property has six bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a swimming pool, and a tennis court. It is estimated to be worth around R37 million.
Nonkwelo’s company, Legacy Properties, was incorporated in 2018. The company’s main business is the development and sale of residential property. Nonkwelo has received several loans from Gauteng government entities, including the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements. The loans have been used to finance the development of several residential properties in Gauteng.