Deputy President Paul Mashatile told Parliament that the government will not allow mob violence in protests against undocumented foreign nationals. He urged security forces to act decisively against criminal acts while continuing to prioritise South Africans.
Mashatile made the remarks while answering oral questions in the National Assembly on 21 May 2026. He condemned any form of mob action and stressed that South Africa is an orderly country governed by laws.
The deputy president also addressed accountability issues involving former Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe. He noted that she had appeared before the relevant ethics bodies and the president after accusations of failing to declare luxury vehicles donated to the African National Congress Women’s League.
Mashatile rejected claims that he influenced a multi-billion-rand lottery tender. He said the matter had already been reviewed by Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau and required no further investigation.