Democratic Alliance (DA) national spokesperson Solly Malatsi announced on Wednesday that his party will be laying a State capture complaint with the Office of the Public Protector against Deputy President Paul Mashatile.

This follows a recent expose which suggested that Mashatile has benefitted from government tenders and has links to the corruption-accused businessman Edwin Sodi.

The DA says laying the complaint with the Public Protector is crucial and has urged all South Africans to join them in “safeguarding the integrity of our democracy and protecting the interests of the people”.

Malatsi expressed concern that the recent revelations against Mashatile were surfacing less than 18 months since the conclusion of the Zondo Commission into State Capture, which had impacted the country’s economy.

The State capture recommendations are yet to be acted on by the South African authorities.

Malatsi says his party will put up a vigorous fight to halt the alarming emergence of “State Capture 2.0”, where corrupt tenders finance lavish lifestyles for high-ranking African National Congress (ANC) officials.

“Of utmost concern is the revelation that Mashatile has been living a life of luxury in opulent residences owned by individuals who have benefited from State tenders. Notably, Edwin Sodi, one of his prominent benefactors, currently faces corruption and fraud charges related to a R255-million Free State asbestos eradication tender,” he said.

The ruling party is also dealing with the allegations that its secretary general, Fikile Mbalula, was loaned R3-million by the wife of the former chief operating officer of the National Lotteries Commission (NLC).

Malatsi said this issue establishes a disturbing direct financial link between ANC members, government Ministers, and the NLC, a public entity established to assist disadvantaged communities.

“The DA remains unwavering in our dedication to transparency, accountability, and the pursuit of justice. Until the scourge of corruption is eradicated from our government and the lives of all South Africans are improved through fair and ethical governance, we will not rest in our mission,” he stressed.