Paul Mashatile
By Thabo Mosia
Cape Town, South Africa – 10 May 2025 – Deputy President Paul Mashatile has assured Parliament that state resources will not be used for personal gain as the African National Congress (ANC) prepares for its 2027 elective conference. Speaking in the National Assembly on Thursday, Mashatile raised concerns about the potential abuse of state institutions and promised strict monitoring to ensure a fair process for choosing the next ANC leader. His statement comes amid allegations that ANC members, especially those in government, have misused public funds to sway election outcomes. As Mashatile campaigns for the ANC presidency against strong contenders like Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, he faces scrutiny over corruption and perjury accusations, which he insists are not backed by solid evidence.
A Firm Stand Against Misuse
During a lively session in Parliament, Mashatile responded to questions from MPs about the integrity of the upcoming ANC leadership race. Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema directly challenged him, asking if the accusations against him—including a corruption case lodged by the Democratic Alliance (DA) and a perjury probe tied to a North West provincial conference—were politically motivated to derail his presidential bid. Mashatile rejected the idea, saying there’s no concrete proof to support such claims. “Honourable Malema, we will guard against that,” he declared, stressing that leadership hopefuls should rely on internal party processes, like conference elections, rather than dragging law enforcement into political battles.
Mashatile urged ANC members to compete fairly without outside interference, a message aimed at calming fears of dirty tactics ahead of the 2027 conference. His pledge to protect state resources reflects a broader worry about their misuse, a problem that has dogged South African politics for years. By promising oversight, he hopes to ease tensions within the ANC and assure the public that the party is serious about clean governance.
The Road to 2027: A Defining Moment
The ANC’s elective conference in 2027 will decide the party’s next leader, a role that could lead to the presidency of South Africa if the ANC wins the national elections. Mashatile, as Deputy President, is a frontrunner, but he’s not alone in the race. Fikile Mbalula, the ANC’s outspoken Secretary-General, is among the top officials vying for the position, setting the stage for a fierce contest. The conference will test the ANC’s unity, with factions already jostling for influence.
Historically, these gatherings have reshaped the ANC. In 2007, Jacob Zuma ousted Thabo Mbeki, steering the party toward a more populist path. A decade later, in 2017, Cyril Ramaphosa edged out Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, promising to tackle corruption and rebuild trust. The 2027 event could be just as transformative, deciding whether the ANC doubles down on reform or slips further into division and decline.
Allegations Cast a Shadow
Mashatile’s campaign isn’t without baggage. The DA’s corruption case and the perjury investigation have put him under a spotlight, raising questions about his fitness to lead. Critics argue these issues undermine his credibility, especially as he vows to protect state resources. Yet Mashatile remains defiant, calling the accusations baseless and politically driven. His supporters see them as a smear campaign by rivals desperate to weaken his chances.
The DA has seized on the controversy, with spokesperson John Steenhuisen saying, “While we welcome the deputy president’s commitment to preventing the misuse of state resources, we remain concerned about the ongoing investigations against him.” Political analyst Dr. Sipho Seepe added, “Mashatile’s statement is a step in the right direction, but it’s hard to ignore the ANC’s history of internal conflicts and power struggles, which often lead to unethical behavior.”
Corruption: A Long-Standing Thorn
The misuse of state resources isn’t a new problem in South Africa. The State Capture Inquiry exposed how public funds were siphoned off during Zuma’s tenure, tarnishing the ANC’s image. In 2023, a scandal linked ANC officials to the misuse of State Security Agency funds for party purposes, further fueling public anger. Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index gave South Africa a score of 43 out of 100, showing corruption remains a stubborn challenge.
Mashatile’s pledge comes against this backdrop, offering hope to those who want change but skepticism to others who’ve heard similar promises before. “The ANC has a habit of talking big but acting small,” said activist Vusi Khoza. “If Mashatile means it, he’ll need to prove it with real steps, not just words.”
The Law and Ethics of Power
South African laws are strict about public funds. The Public Finance Management Act and the Municipal Finance Management Act ban their use for party politics, while MPs must follow a Code of Ethics that demands honesty and fairness. Breaking these rules can lead to penalties or jail time. Yet, enforcement has often been weak, allowing abuses to slip through.
Mashatile’s call to keep politics within the ANC—rather than involving police or courts—has sparked debate. Analyst Xolani Dube supports it, arguing, “In a highly polarized environment, it’s crucial to maintain the independence of law enforcement.” But Khoza disagrees: “If there’s evidence of wrongdoing, it must be investigated, no matter who’s involved. The ANC can’t hide behind party loyalty.”
ANC at a Crossroads
The ANC is under pressure. Its vote share has dipped below 50% in some local elections, a sign of growing discontent. Factionalism has muddled its policies and weakened its grip on power. The 2027 conference could be a turning point—either a chance to rally behind a strong leader or a slide into deeper trouble. Mashatile’s focus on fairness might help heal rifts, but only if it’s more than talk.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. If Mashatile wins, his leadership will be judged on whether he can deliver reform. If he loses, the winner’s vision will set the tone. Either way, the ANC’s future—and South Africa’s—hangs in the balance. The media and public will watch closely, with social media amplifying every move. How Mashatile handles the allegations and sticks to his promises will shape his fate and the party’s.
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