Cyril Ramaphosa has been re-elected to carry the African National Congress (ANC) flag as presidential candidate in the 2024 general elections in South Africa.
Ramaphosa who defeated his rival Zweli Mkhize by 2,476 votes to 1,897 has been dogged by allegations of money laundering.
But he is still at risk as he is being investigated by police, the tax office and central bank over allegations that he stashed at least $580,000 (£475,000) in a sofa at his private farm, and then covered up its theft.
Mr Mashatile is now the front-runner to become South Africa’s deputy president, and president in the event Mr Ramaphosa is forced out of power.
“Ramaphosa has snatched victory from the jaws of defeat … He was on the verge of resignation just weeks ago but has emerged stronger and more powerful. It is a remarkable turnaround,” said Richard Calland, a professor at the University of Cape Town.
