SOUTH AFRICA’S LEADERSHIP CRISIS: THE RISE OF CHAUVINISTS AND THE URGENT NEED FOR ACCOUNTABILITY
From Mashatile to Shivambu – Why We Must Demand Higher Standards Before 2029
South Africa stands at a dangerous crossroads. As the 2029 elections loom, the political landscape is increasingly dominated by figures whose ambitions far outweigh their integrity.
The likes of Deputy President Paul Mashatile and EFF firebrand Floyd Shivambu exemplify a troubling trend—leaders who prioritise personal gain over public service, shielded by political connections rather than held to account by democratic scrutiny.
The Mashatile Scandal Machine
Paul Mashatile, once seen as a potential ANC president, has instead become a symbol of impunity. His tenure has been marred by controversies that would have ended careers in accountable democracies:
- The R37 Million Mansion Mystery: Reports confirm that his son and son-in-law are directors of a company linked to the luxury home he occupies. Yet, Mashatile remains silent, dodging questions.
- The Dubious France Delegation: His unofficial entourage—business associate Sibuyile Magingxa (beneficiary of Johannesburg’s R263m water tanker scandal) and romantic partner Lesedi Phala—exposed the blurring lines between state business and personal patronage.
- The Qatari R85 Million "Goodwill" Scandal: Allegations swirl around murky payments linked to ANC figures, while a law firm tied to his ally pocketed R337 million from the housing department.
To make matters worse, when questioned in Parliament by RISE Mzansi MP Makashule Gana about the widely reported incidents of threatening behaviour by VIP protectors towards ordinary citizens, he brazenly deflected accountability by invoking the false shield of sub judice — a clear attempt to dodge public scrutiny.
This is just a brazen disregard for ethical governance, making the Zuma-era State Capture seem almost quaint by comparison.
Floyd Shivambu: The Self-Styled "Commissar" with Questionable Credentials
Meanwhile, Floyd Shivambu continues to present himself as a champion of radical economic transformation, despite serious questions surrounding his own financial conduct. He appears to rely on the public's short memory regarding allegations that he benefited from illicit funds from VBS Mutual Bank.
According to convicted VBS mastermind Tshifhiwa Matodzi, Shivambu received payments via a front company, Sgameka Projects. These transactions had no legitimate business purpose — the explanation offered was that the funds were needed for a Soweto restaurant. Tellingly, efforts were later made to “regularise” the payments by backdating a contract that, in reality, never existed.
His political career has been less about policy and more about self-aggrandisement, positioning himself as an untouchable "guru" despite lacking the moral high ground to demand accountability from others.
Demand Change or Amend the Law
Some pundits are suggesting that Paul Mashatile plans to reconcile his chauvinist network, which includes Julius Malema and Floyd Shivambu, ahead of his ANC takeover. If South Africa is to avoid another decade of looting and decay, citizens must act now:
Mass Mobilisation: The public must pressure parties to drop compromised candidates before 2029, including the sooner local government elections in 2026/7.
Electoral Law Reforms: Stricter eligibility criteria for public office—such as asset declarations, corruption probes, and ethical vetting—must be enacted to bar charlatans from power.
Prosecutorial & Media Vigilance: Investigative journalism and an uncompromising judiciary must expose and prosecute abuse, not just document it.
No More Passive Acceptance
South Africa cannot afford leaders who treat the government as a personal ATM. The time for outrage is not after the 2029 elections—it is now.
If Mashatile, Shivambu, and their ilk remain unchallenged, the very foundations of our democracy will crumble.
The choice is clear: demand better or watch the country slide further into the abyss.