Those close to Mashatile say he was deeply hurt by Zuma's decision. They say he has never forgiven the president for the snub ANC Gauteng chair Paul Mashatile and President Jacob Zuma — PICTURE: MARIANNE SCHWANKHART Those who worked at Luthuli House at the time tell the story of how President Jacob Zuma, soon after he took office in 2009, rejected Gauteng chairman Paul Mashatile when he was put forward as a candidate for provincial premier.Mashatile’s name, and that of his deputy at the time, Nomvula Mokonyane, were two of the three submitted by the province in terms of the ANC’s policy for the selection of premiers.Although Mashatile was the province’s preferred choice, Luthuli House opted for Mokonyane, who was housing MEC at the time. In describing how Zuma rejected Mashatile, insiders quote Zuma as having told top party leaders: “Ngizwe ngani ukuthi lomuntu yisela. [You are the ones who told me this man is a thief.]”Mashatile was given the junior post of deputy minister of arts ...
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