Diamond Scandal Hits South Africa’s Second-in-Command: Mashatile Fined, Faces Scrutiny

In another ethical storm rocking South Africa’s political elite, Vice President Paul Mashatile has been fined R10,000 by the Parliament’s Joint Ethics Committee for failing to declare a diamond gift he received from Louis Liebenberg, a controversial businessman currently on trial for fraud.

The sanction follows an ethics complaint initiated by Democratic Alliance (DA) chief whip, George Michalakis, who discovered inconsistencies in Mashatile’s asset declarations filed in March 2024.

The Diamond That Sparked a Firestorm

According to the parliamentary ethics committee, Mashatile received a diamond from Mr Liebenberg, a self-proclaimed diamond dealer and an ally of embattled former President Jacob Zuma.

Liebenberg is currently being tried for operating a diamond investment scam that defrauded numerous investors—raising alarms about the nature, source, and legality of the gift Mashatile accepted.

While R10,000 may seem minor, the political and ethical implications are far from negligible.

“There are also questions around the legality of this diamond, its nature, source and certification,” the DA said in a statement.
“The relationship between the deputy president, his wife, and Mr Liebenberg that led to the visit at his home also requires immediate investigation.”

Mashatile’s Properties Also Under Scrutiny

The Vice President’s troubles don’t end with the diamond scandal. He’s also under parliamentary probe over two luxury properties—valued at a combined R63 million—that he reportedly occupies but did not declare.

Mashatile, however, denied ownership of the properties, stating they are owned by his son-in-law, not him.

“There’s nothing in parliament that I said I own a house. I said I live there,” Mashatile said during a press engagement.
“There is no government money in those houses… So what are you looking for?”

While technically accurate, critics say the explanation raises deeper concerns about transparency, ethical conduct, and the use of political office for indirect personal gain.

DA Demands Deeper Investigation

The Democratic Alliance welcomed the fine but said it was “not nearly enough”, calling for a full investigation into the diamond’s origin, and the true nature of Mashatile’s relationship with Liebenberg.

If further impropriety is uncovered, political analysts suggest Mashatile could face greater disciplinary action, and potentially lose public trust just as South Africa approaches a critical electoral cycle.

Political Fallout: Ethics, Power, and Public Trust

This scandal adds to growing public frustration with South Africa’s political elite, many of whom are already viewed as detached from everyday citizens facing poverty, load shedding, and joblessness.

For Mashatile, the optics of receiving a diamond from a fraud-accused businessman and living in lavish mansions while denying formal ownership could become political liabilities in the months ahead.

The case also reopens uncomfortable questions about:

• Gifts and influence peddling among government officials

• Accountability standards within the ruling ANC

• The need for tighter asset declaration laws and conflict-of-interest enforcement

Conclusion: A Fine or Just a Slap on the Wrist?

While the R10,000 fine may seem symbolic, the scandal surrounding Vice President Paul Mashatile’s undeclared gift is anything but trivial. With pressure mounting from opposition parties and public watchdogs, this may just be the beginning of a deeper unraveling.

If South Africa hopes to restore public trust in its democratic institutions, then transparency, full disclosure, and impartial investigations must become the rule—not the exception.