“eMalahleni’s funeral of the year”
These three Mercedes-Benz G Wagons were part of the procession at Caswell Maseko’s funeral in eMalahleni, Mpumalanga, on Saturday.
The Presidential Cartel, which has 11 members, was formed three years ago to “inspire others, celebrate life and success”.
The group gained notoriety for being big spenders at top Johannesburg nightspots and the Durban July based on its high liquor bills, which often land up on social media.
Phillip Maseko, a businessman, married father of five and the group’s president, said: “The misconception is that we are about girls and spending money carelessly and we’re not good people to associate with.”
He said for a new member to be considered, a vision, ambition and plans, which were aligned with the group’s, were the criteria used.
“It’s not that they need to have money, we need to know your plans so that we can assist.”
They also own a charity organisation, The Presidential Cartel Foundation, which they have contributed R400 000 into bringing to life.
“We support an orphanage in Soshanguve, a school in Witbank and another one in Secunda. We’re now trying to attract outside investment so that we could do more charity work,” he said.
He said some of their members were professionals such as lawyers and engineers. –