Paul Mashatile Pushes Back on Calls to Publicly Disclose His Wealth

“I Report to Parliament and the President. That’s It.”

In a political moment that says a lot about South Africa’s trust deficit, Deputy President Paul Mashatile stood firm this week against growing demands for greater financial transparency.

It happened during a question-and-answer session in the National Council of Provinces, where the topic was ethical leadership and public trust. The question came straight from DA MP Nicholas Gotsell, who asked whether Mashatile, in the spirit of proactive transparency, would voluntarily lay bare his financial interests — not just to Parliament, but to the public.

The answer was clear: no.

The Line Between Legality and Public Expectation

Gotsell didn’t mince his words. He argued that real ethical leadership means going beyond legal obligations. According to him, it’s not enough to simply follow the rules. Leaders should also avoid even the perception of wrongdoing.

Mashatile, however, wasn’t buying it.

He reminded the House that he had a long track record as a legislator, and that it was under the ANC’s leadership that South Africa had first introduced financial declarations for public officials. These, he said, are already filed with Parliament in line with the rules.

“If you want to know what I own or where I live, it’s all in there,” Mashatile said. But he drew a firm line when it came to revealing things like his bank account balance or making declarations public outside of Parliament’s procedures.

“There’s no need for that,” he added. “I report to Parliament and the president, and that’s it.”

Allegations, Accountability, and the Role of Process

The conversation around financial transparency didn’t come out of nowhere. The DA and other critics have accused Mashatile of benefiting from nepotism and failing to declare certain assets. These are serious charges, especially in a country still struggling to shake off the scars of past corruption scandals.

But Mashatile brushed them off as unproven.

“Allegations are not convictions,” he said. “Proof is what matters. And that proof comes through our courts and legal processes.”

He emphasized that he had subjected himself to oversight mechanisms such as the ANC Integrity Commission and Parliament’s Ethics Committee, and that he would continue to cooperate with institutions outlined by the Constitution.

Staying on the Right Side of the Rules

To reinforce that he was playing by the book, Mashatile mentioned that he had appointed a staff member in his office specifically to make sure his financial declarations were up to date. This comes after reports suggested some items were missing.

He promised a tighter process moving forward and more timely responses to questions from the media — particularly when stories start circulating on social platforms.

“I didn’t fail to declare anything,” he insisted. “But we’ll make sure the public record is updated as needed.”

Trust is Earned, Not Declared

Mashatile’s resistance to public disclosure is part of a larger debate gripping South Africa: can legal compliance alone rebuild public trust?

For many, just ticking the boxes isn’t enough. The country has seen too many leaders obey the letter of the law while violating its spirit. The expectation is shifting toward radical transparency — especially from those who hold the highest offices.

Mashatile’s argument is that the existing system works, and that declarations to Parliament are sufficient. But critics say that the times call for more openness, not less.

Transparency is a Choice

South Africans have grown weary of political theatre. They’re asking hard questions — not just about what their leaders say, but about what they’re willing to show.

Whether Mashatile’s stance holds up in the court of public opinion remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: transparency, especially in 2025, is no longer just a legal requirement. It’s a test of leadership.

As public pressure grows, the question remains: will our leaders meet the moment or continue to hide behind the rules?

{Source: IOL}

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