Business leader Mavuso Msimang has warned that Paul Mashatile should never become president of South Africa, arguing that the era of State Capture is far from over. Speaking during a recent public discussion on governance and corruption, Msimang said the country remains vulnerable to the same political and institutional weaknesses that allowed state capture to flourish during the administration of former president Jacob Zuma.
Msimang stressed that although several commissions and investigations have exposed widespread corruption, the underlying networks that enabled the looting of state resources have not been fully dismantled. He argued that placing individuals with questionable political associations in the highest office would risk reversing progress made in rebuilding public institutions.
State capture is not over, Msimang said, warning that South Africans must remain vigilant about who leads the country in the future. His remarks come as internal debates intensify within the ruling African National Congress over potential leadership succession ahead of future national elections. Mashatile, who currently serves as the country’s deputy president and deputy leader of the ANC, is widely viewed as a potential contender for the presidency.
However, Msimang said leadership choices should prioritize integrity and accountability, particularly after the damage caused by years of corruption and weakened governance structures. He noted that the country’s recovery depends on restoring trust in government institutions, strengthening law enforcement bodies, and ensuring that political leaders are beyond reproach.
The controversy surrounding state capture was extensively documented by the Zondo Commission, which uncovered how private interests allegedly influenced government appointments, contracts, and decision-making processes. Msimang’s comments have reignited debate within political and civil society circles about leadership standards and the future direction of South Africa’s governance.
While Mashatile has not publicly responded to the remarks, political analysts say the statement reflects growing anxiety among reform-minded leaders who fear that unresolved corruption networks could undermine efforts to rebuild the state. As the country approaches another critical political cycle, Msimang urged citizens and political parties alike to ensure that the lessons of the state capture era are not forgotten. He said South Africa’s democratic institutions can only be protected if ethical leadership remains the central priority.