State Capture 2.0: DA to lay complaint against Mashatile and Mbalula with the Public Protector

28 June 2023

The DA will put up a vigorous fight to halt the alarming emergence of State Capture 2.0, where corrupt tender flows finance lavish lifestyles for high-ranking ANC officials.

Not even 18 months since the conclusion of the Zondo Commission into state capture, and we are confronted with an eerie replica of the Gupta-Zuma nexus that plagued our nation in the past.

Recent revelations have exposed the disturbing connections between Deputy President Paul Mashatile and businesspeople who have profited from state contracts, raising serious concerns.

Of utmost concern is the revelation that Mashatile has been living a life of luxury in opulent residences owned by individuals who have benefited from state tenders. Notably, Edwin Sodi, one of his prominent benefactors, currently faces corruption and fraud charges related to a R255 million Free State asbestos eradication tender.

Adding to these troubling findings, it has come to light that the wife of the former Chief Operating Officer of the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) loaned R3 million to Fikile Mbalula, the current Secretary General of the ANC and former sports minister. This disclosure establishes a direct financial link between ANC members, government ministers, and the NLC, a public entity established to assist disadvantaged communities.

To address these alarming developments, the DA is taking decisive action against State Capture 2.0. We are laying a formal complaint with the Public Protector, referencing the pertinent information revealed in the "State of Capture" report from 2016. This action aims to hold Mashatile and Mbalula accountable for their involvement in this disturbing nexus of corruption, making our commitment to fighting State Capture 2.0 clear.

We will also make an important announcement about this matter next week.

Laying the complaint with the Public Protector is a crucial step in our efforts, and we urge all South Africans to join us in safeguarding the integrity of our democracy and protecting the interests of the people.

The DA remains unwavering in our dedication to transparency, accountability, and the pursuit of justice. Until the scourge of corruption is eradicated from our government and the lives of all South Africans are improved through fair and ethical governance, we will not rest in our mission.

Issued by Solly Malatsi, DA National Spokesperson, 28 June 2023