The Democratic Alliance (DA) is escalating its efforts to address corruption allegations against South Africa’s Deputy President, Paul Mashatile. Despite President Cyril Ramaphosa’s failure to act on the allegations, the DA has announced its intention to lay criminal charges against Mashatile. This decision comes after the party’s leader, John Steenhuisen, issued an ultimatum to Ramaphosa, urging action against Mashatile if the corruption reports were not addressed.
Media reports have implicated Mashatile in corrupt activities during his tenure as the Human Settlements MEC in Gauteng. The DA has cited these reports as evidence of wrongdoing and is determined to pursue legal action against Mashatile. Last week, Steenhuisen attempted to deliver a document containing evidence of corruption to the president’s office, but the Presidency redirected the party to submit any evidence to the police.
In response to the Presidency’s redirection, the DA has announced its plan to open a criminal case against Mashatile on Monday. DA spokesperson Solly Malatsi emphasized the party’s commitment to combating corruption within the government, stating that they will take matters into their own hands in the absence of action from President Ramaphosa. The DA aims to hold accountable those implicated in corruption, highlighting their determination to rid the country of the African National Congress’s (ANC) corrupt practices.
The decision to pursue criminal charges against Mashatile underscores the ongoing battle against corruption in South Africa. With allegations against high-ranking officials surfacing, there is mounting pressure on the government to address corruption effectively. The DA’s move signals a proactive approach to accountability, demonstrating their resolve to uphold integrity and transparency in governance. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case against Mashatile is expected to draw significant attention and scrutiny from both the public and political spheres.