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Deputy President Paul Mashatile has been found guilty by Parliament’s ethics committee for failing to declare a diamond gift received by his wife from controversial businessman Louis Liebenberg.
Paul’s office claimed the diamond was under verification and intended to be returned after Louis’s arrest for fraud and money laundering.
However, Parliament maintained the gift should have been declared immediately, regardless of its authenticity or future return.
In a statement to Parliament, the committee concluded that Paul had violated item 13(3)(f) in conjunction with item 16(1)(a)(ii) of the code.
[BREAKING] Parliament’s Ethics Committee recommends a R10 000 fine for Deputy President Paul Mashatile for failure to disclose a diamond that businessman Louis Liebenberg gave to his wife.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/caQTZ00JD6
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) July 31, 2025
“As a result, the committee will recommend to the National Assembly to impose a reprimand in the House and a fine of R10,000 for a first offence of a breach of the code.
“The committee remained steadfast in its quest to ensure accountability of all Members of Parliament as demanded by the code.
“The disclosure process not only facilitates public trust in Parliament but also enhances its credibility,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, Paul denied ownership of the Constantia mansion in Cape Town.
[WATCH] Deputy SA President Paul Mashatile says he doesn’t own an R28.9 million Constantia property. He says it belongs to his son-in-law, adding that he just stays there when he’s in Cape Town. Mashatile has come under scrutiny after declaring two luxury properties with a… pic.twitter.com/AG2SHtATLU
— SABC News (@SABCNews) July 31, 2025
First published by African Insider
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
Also see: Nomzamo Mbatha sets record straight after Paul Mashatile dating rumour