We Are Colombia Now
Johannesburg – In a hard-hitting interview that has sparked widespread debate, political analyst Prince Mashele has warned that South Africa has turned into a mafia state like Colombia, where criminal cartels have infiltrated the ruling party and the government. Speaking on the SMWX podcast with host Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh, Mashele unpacked the explosive testimonies from the Madlanga Commission and Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee, pointing fingers at the African National Congress (ANC) for allowing criminals to take control. His comments come as former Police Minister Bheki Cele took the stand on 23 October 2025, contradicting his successor Senzo Mchunu on key issues like the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT). Mashele’s stark message: South Africans must vote out the ANC in future elections to save the country from total collapse, or history will judge them harshly.
The interview, which has already racked up thousands of views on YouTube, highlights growing fears about corruption, political interference, and murders linked to criminal networks. Mashele did not hold back, calling the ANC a party of criminals and thieves that has criminalised every level of society. He urged a complete reset, including jailing political criminals, improving education for black people, and building a market-based economy led by competent leaders. As the Madlanga Commission continues to expose alleged ties between politicians and syndicates, Mashele’s words echo the frustrations of many South Africans tired of broken promises and endless scandals.
Mashele’s Chilling Comparison: South Africa as a ‘Mafia State’ Like Colombia
Mashele painted a grim picture of the country’s slide into lawlessness, saying, “We are Colombia now.” He explained how criminals infiltrate ruling parties by donating money through fronts like the ANC’s Progressive Business Forum, which he called a criminal mechanism. Once inside, they sponsor key figures in the criminal justice system, paying for ministers’ homes, school fees, or holidays. This gives them control to decide who gets arrested or released, allowing them to run drugs, killings, and other crimes without fear.
Drawing from recent testimonies, Mashele pointed to how law enforcement agencies are made to fight each other. For example, during a raid on businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s home, one police unit was disrupted by another, with helicopters overhead – tactics straight out of Colombian cartel playbooks. He linked this to broader issues, like the construction mafia extorting sites and taxi bosses controlling routes through violence. A recent book, “Mafia Land” by journalist Kyle Cowan, backs this up, detailing how these syndicates have gripped sectors from taxis to construction, leading to billions in losses and countless deaths.
Mashele stressed that the ANC’s internal divisions have worsened the problem, turning the party into a tool for criminals. He cited the ongoing feud between Cele and Mchunu as proof that factionalism is paralysing governance, with no real renewal in sight. “The ANC has turned South Africa into a mafia state. We are now a mafia state,” he said, urging voters to remove the party if they want a future.
Explosive Testimonies at the Madlanga Commission and Ad Hoc Committee
The Madlanga Commission, chaired by retired Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga and set up by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2025, is probing claims by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Mkhwanazi alleged that top officials, including Mchunu and Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, interfered in investigations and protected criminals. He provided evidence like WhatsApp messages from seized phones showing coordinated sabotage.
On 23 October, Cele appeared before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee, chaired by Soviet Lekganyane, and directly contradicted Mchunu. Mchunu had claimed he was empowered to disband the PKTT in December 2024 after briefing the President a month later, saying it was part of restructuring approved at the highest level. But Cele said Mchunu acted without consulting National Commissioner Fannie Masemola, calling it a rash decision that harmed ongoing probes into political murders. “I know Cat Matlala very well,” Cele admitted, revealing he had stayed at Matlala’s house twice but insisting it did not influence his work.
Mchunu wrapped up his testimony on 22 October, denying ties to Matlala or Brown Mogotsi, another figure linked to extortion demands. He struggled with MPs’ questions, often giving long-winded answers that drew criticism. The committee, with a deadline of 31 October, has a legal team led by Advocate Norman Arendse SC to sift through evidence. Overlaps with the Madlanga Commission have caused delays, frustrating opposition parties like the EFF and ActionSA, who demanded subpoenas.
Witnesses have revealed shocking details, like the assassination of Transnet supplier Aman Swart, whose murder followed inflated contracts through middle companies. In uMkhanyakude Municipality, three finance officials have been targeted: one murdered, another shot and injured, and a third killed. This pattern mirrors the killing of whistleblower Babita Deokaran, showing how murder is used to silence those exposing corruption.
Ramaphosa’s Legacy Under Fire: Calls for the President to Testify
Mashele saved his sharpest criticism for President Cyril Ramaphosa, calling him a liar and professional denialist who thrives on fake ignorance. “90% of South Africans have lost confidence in Ramaphosa,” he said, pointing to scandals like Phala Phala, where the President denied knowing details only for more to emerge. Mashele accused Ramaphosa of knowing about the PKTT disbandment and criminal networks, asking why Mchunu faced no consequences if the President was truly in the dark.
He linked Ramaphosa to figures like Matlala through family ties – a book revealed Matlala is the President’s nephew, despite initial denials. Questions also swirl around the Presidency’s calls to police about a Richards Bay mine and links to the Thembisa Hospital scandal. Mashele insisted Ramaphosa must testify last at the commission to answer everything, rejecting any secret sessions for national security reasons. “The testimonies are meant for the population of South Africa,” he said.
Despite the mess, Mashele opposed early elections, saying the Constitution’s five-year cycle must stand. He warned that removing Ramaphosa alone won’t help – the ANC as a whole must go. However, he noted 2029 feels far away, with more damage likely, but South Africans are reaching a breaking point.
The Way Forward: Mashele’s Blueprint for Rebuilding South Africa
To pull the country back from the brink, Mashele outlined a bold plan. First, confront political criminals head-on by appointing Mkhwanazi as national commissioner with a mandate to investigate everyone from presidents to directors-general, focusing on Zuma-era procurement. “Follow the money,” he said, insisting even Ramaphosa must face jail if guilty.
Second, address the leadership crisis by bringing in educated, ethical South Africans – black and white – to replace the “scoundrels” in Parliament, where over 80% are unfit. He called for competence tests and ethical checks to bar the corrupt.
Third, prioritise quality education for black people, declaring disruptions like burning schools as treason punishable by life in jail. Clinics and universities must be protected the same way.
Fourth, build a market-based economy governed by a competent state, ditching failed socialist ideas. Mashele rejected early elections, saying no current party is ready, but urged a new movement of professionals to flood politics, like Botswana’s President Duma Masisi did.
On the Government of National Unity (GNU), Mashele called it a shambles with no coherent policies, failing to stop looting. He predicted the ANC will lose big in 2026 local elections, weakening it further for 2029, but warned coalitions won’t improve services without better councillors.
Broader Implications: A Nation Drifting Apart
Mashele warned that without a unifying force, South Africa – a “nation of many nations” – risks fragmenting along tribal lines, with parties like MK Party appealing mainly to Zulus. The rich have already created private sub-states with better schools, hospitals, and security, leaving the poor exposed. International criminals could exploit this chaos to grab resources.
He called for a centrist party that pulls all races together, like the ANC once did. “South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white,” he echoed. As the commissions continue, with more testimonies expected, Mashele urged patience: grab popcorn and watch the movie unfold. But the real work, he said, is for citizens to build a future free from incompetent leaders and criminal grips.
In the end, Mashele’s interview is a wake-up call. With trust in leaders at rock bottom and crime rampant, South Africans must decide: keep the status quo or fight for real change? The 2026 elections could be the first big test.
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