Deputy President Paul Mashatile Constantia disclosure of a luxury home in Cape Town has ignited public debate about his financial dealings and transparency.
Paul Mashatile Constantia mansion raises fresh scrutiny over financial transparency
According to News24, Mashatile officially declared ownership of a R28.9 million mansion in the upscale Constantia suburb of Cape Town. This comes two years after his office had previously denied any property ownership in the city and misled Parliament.
The property was purchased in 2023 by his son-in‑law, Nceba Nonkwelo, through a company then called Bilcosat, later renamed Duntaw Guest House. Though purchased via the company, authorities and observers believe Mashatile benefits from the property.
The seven‑bedroom house boasts 7.5 bathrooms, a separate cottage, a wine cellar, a cinema, and a large pool and garden—all spread over approximately 820 square metres.
Although Nonkwelo maintains the residence was meant to operate as an upmarket guest house, reports indicate that a Presidential Protection Service team is stationed there, suggesting Mashatile or his immediate family may use it when in Cape Town.
This Constantia mansion is only one of two major properties now linked to Mashatile. In Johannesburg, his son-in‑law also acquired a R37 million home in the Waterfall estate via a company in which Mashatile is said to benefit indirectly.
Altogether, between March and May 2023, Nonkwelo and his entities funded property purchases worth roughly R65.9 million, raising concerns about source of funds and financial ties.
Questions over source of funds and debts
Nonkwelo reportedly owes around R7 million to the Gauteng Partnership Fund for a failed housing development. Yet, within months, he financed luxury property acquisitions. Critics question how someone with a substantial debt could fund such purchases, and whether Mashatile had any undue involvement.
The Democratic Alliance has filed criminal charges against Mashatile over alleged corruption and nepotism. Meanwhile, the Hawks’ Public Sector Serious Corruption unit is investigating the origin of funds for the Constantia home.
Mashatile’s spokesperson, Vukani Mde, called the allegations a smear campaign, asserting the deputy president owns no property in Cape Town and only uses his official residence, Highstead.
On protection detail, Mde stated:
“I am not at liberty to confirm, deny, or disclose any details relating to protection … for the deputy president.”
Nonkwelo defended the acquisition as a legitimate business deal, saying the property was financed via loan, not cash.
Mashatile is widely considered a frontrunner to succeed President Cyril Ramaphosa. The sudden declaration of the Constantia mansion, previously denied, adds to wider scrutiny over his personal wealth and transparency.
These developments remind the public of previous revelations regarding his use of luxury homes linked to other businessmen with government contracts.