Democratic Alliance alleges ‘State Capture 2.0’ as they file a complaint against senior ANC figures, Mashatile and Mbalula, over corruption allegations. Images: Storm Simpson/The South African.
‘State Capture 2.0’: DA lodges complaint against Mashatile, Mbalula
The DA lodged a complaint with the Public Protector, dubbing recent controversies surrounding senior ANC figures ‘State Capture 2.0.’
Democratic Alliance alleges ‘State Capture 2.0’ as they file a complaint against senior ANC figures, Mashatile and Mbalula, over corruption allegations. Images: Storm Simpson/The South African.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) lodged a complaint with the Public Protector about the allegations of corruption and capture against senior African National Congress (ANC) figures Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Secretary General Fikile Mbalula.
DA LODGES COMPLAINT WITH PUBLIC PROTECTOR
The opposition party has coined the recent controversies surrounding both men ‘State Capture 2.0’ – a reference to the impropriety that characterised former President Jacob Zuma’s tenure – where ill-gotten money is allegedly being used to finance lavish lifestyles for the ANC elite.
Recent media reports have raised questions about Mashatile’s links to individuals who allegedly benefitted from government contracts, and questioned whether they are paying for the deputy president’s lifestyle.
Another report focused on a loan received by Mbulala, which is believed to have originated from the National Lotteries Commission (NLC).
The DA said these allegations warrant a thorough investigation as Mashatile and Mbalula may have breached the Executive Members Ethics Act, the Constitution, and other laws.
“We firmly believe that a comprehensive investigation by the Office of the Public Protector is essential to uphold the integrity of our democracy and ensure transparency and accountability in public affairs. The DA remains committed to fighting against corruption and safeguarding the interests of the South African people,” read a statement issued on Thursday.
MASHATILE DENIES ALLEGATIONS
As previously reported, Mashatile denied all allegations of wrongdoing on Wednesday. He said the news report contained “a number of potentially damaging yet unsubstantiated allegations…”
READ: State Capture 2.0? Mashatile hits back, denies allegations
“Left unchallenged, these could create the impression that the deputy president does not respect or seek to uphold his oath of office, the dictates of the constitution and national law, or is not mindful of the concerns of ordinary South Africans about corruption and unethical conduct from those who hold public office.”
The ‘new kid’ on the political party block, Rise Mzansi, also wrote to the acting Public Protector, Kholeka Gcaleka, this week to ask that she investigates whether Mashatile breached the executive ethics code.
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