Mashatile hits back: 'l've never influenced public sector co
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has denied any involvement in the awarding or influencing of public sector contracts.
Mashatile was responding to an article by News24 which claimed his lifestyle is funded by entrepreneurs with government contracts, including corruption-accused Edwin Sodi.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Mashatile's office says the News24 story contains a number of unsubstantiated allegations against the deputy president.
"Left unchallenged, these could create the impression that the deputy president does not respect or seek to uphold his oath of office, the dictates of the constitution and national law, or is not mindful of the concerns of ordinary South Africans about corruption and unethical conduct from those who hold public office," the statement said.
"As such, the deputy president would like to assure the nation that he is committed to his oath of office and the principles of the constitution of the Republic of South Africa."
Mashatile, who was elected as ANC deputy president at the party's national conference in December, said he remained committed to the fight against corruption."
"In line with these commitments, the deputy president has always conducted himself in ways that comply with the letter and spirit of the law and executive disclosure requirements throughout his career spanning nearly 30 years of service to the people of South Africa.
"Any allegation or insinuation that he has ever betrayed this commitment is categorically denied."
The statement also accuses News24 of failing offer any concrete evidence of misconduct on the part of Mashatile.
"For the record, the deputy president has, throughout his life as an activist and public representative, met many people from different walks of life, including the individuals mentioned by News24.
"Naturally, some of the people he has interacted with throughout that long time have become close personal associates. There is nothing wrong or unusual about this, and the attempt to scandalise such associations is unfortunate.
"The deputy president has never awarded, influenced, or in any way caused any state or public sector contract to be awarded to the individuals and companies mentioned by News24. Nor does the deputy president have ownership or permanent use of any properties bought by these individuals and companies."
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