Paul Mashatile’s luxury Constantia estate raises eyebrows as he claims ownership of a mansion registered under his son-in-law’s company
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| The R28.9 million mansion in Constantia, Cape Town, now declared by Deputy President Paul Mashatile as a “family residence,” despite being owned on paper by his son-in-law’s company. |
South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile is once again in the headlines this time for officially declaring a luxury mansion in Constantia, Cape Town, as his own. But there’s a twist: the R28.9 million property is registered under a company owned by his son-in-law. So, what’s really going on?
The Declaration That Sparked a Storm
On July 15, 2025, Mashatile quietly listed a R28.9 million Constantia mansion in his parliamentary declaration of interests, describing it as a "family residence." While this might seem like a simple update, the move raised immediate red flags.
Why? Because the mansion isn’t registered in his name but rather under Bilcosat (later renamed Duntaw Guest House), a company owned by his son-in-law, Nceba Nonkwelo.
That’s the same property Mashatile denied having any connection to for over a year. Back in 2023 and early 2024, he dismissed questions about the estate, claiming it belonged solely to his son-in-law. Yet media reports and the fact that the Presidential Protection Service was stationed there suggested otherwise.
Who Owns What?
Let’s break it down:
- Registered Owner: Bilcosat/Duntaw Guest House, controlled by Nceba Nonkwelo
- Declared Owner (as of July 2025): Paul Mashatile
- Property Details: 7-bedroom Constantia mansion, purchased in May 2023 for R28.9 million
- Additional Assets Linked to Nonkwelo: A R37 million property in Waterfall, Johannesburg also allegedly used by Mashatile
This sudden change in Mashatile’s narrative is what has drawn political fire.
Criminal Charges and Ethics Complaints
In 2024, opposition parties most vocally the Democratic Alliance (DA) lodged criminal charges and ethics complaints against Mashatile. They argued he had failed to declare the benefits he enjoyed from the property, violating parliamentary ethics and transparency regulations.
The DA also pointed out a deeper financial web. Nceba Nonkwelo reportedly owes around R7 million to the Gauteng Partnership Fund for a failed housing project. Critics argue that these luxury properties may have been purchased with misappropriated public funds or through influence trading allegations that are now part of a Hawks investigation.
A Timeline of Key Events
May 2023 Constantia mansion purchased by Nonkwelo's company
Jan–Feb 2024 Media exposes Mashatile-linked properties and alleged luxury lifestyle
Feb 2024 DA files criminal and ethics charges against Mashatile
July 15, 2025 Mashatile declares the Constantia mansion as his own in Parliament
July 2025 Hawks confirm investigation into property funding and public fund links
This scandal isn’t just about real estate it’s about trust, transparency, and the abuse of power. South Africa’s Deputy President is now in the awkward position of explaining why he denied using or owning a property that he has now declared under oath.
The Hawks’ ongoing investigation could bring more clarity or further chaos. If evidence links public funds to these luxury acquisitions, Mashatile could face not only public outrage but serious legal consequences.
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