Parliament has fined South Africa’s Vice President Paul Mashatile R10,000 for failing to declare a diamond gift he received from controversial businessman Louis Liebenberg, who is currently facing fraud charges related to a diamond investment scheme.
The fine was imposed following a recommendation by Parliament’s Joint Ethics Committee, which ruled that Mashatile had violated asset declaration laws.
The issue was flagged by Democratic Alliance (DA) chief whip George Michalakis, who raised suspicions after reviewing Mashatile’s March asset declarations. The DA, South Africa’s official opposition, has welcomed the ruling but insists more must be uncovered.
“There are also questions around the legality of this diamond, its nature, source, and certification,” the DA said in a statement. The party also called for full disclosure from the Vice President and the Department of Justice.
Additionally, the DA has demanded clarity on reports that Liebenberg visited Mashatile’s residence in November 2023.
More Scrutiny Over Lavish Properties
Mashatile is also under investigation for failing to declare two luxury properties valued at R63 million. He has denied owning the properties, stating they belong to his son-in-law.
“People must read. There’s nothing in Parliament that says I own a house. I said I live there,” Mashatile told reporters. “That house is owned by my son-in-law. There is no government money in those houses. So what are you looking for?”
This development adds to mounting ethical and transparency concerns surrounding the Vice President, who now faces growing pressure to explain his financial ties and personal assets.