New MPs, who were sworn in after the May general elections, have disclosed their financial interests including property and directorships and gifts they have received.
MPs and ministers are obliged to make a declaration of their interests including gifts valued at R500 or more, properties, pensions and shares. This is part of measures to manage conflicts of interest.
“The new code codifies the submission of interests using a prescribed electronic form to streamline declarations and make the process seamless and quick. Adopting the electronic declaration submission form was a strategic decision in line with the move to ensure a paperless parliament that considers the current environmental needs in an era of global warming,” parliament’s joint committee on ethics and members’ interests said.
“Item 12 (4) of the new code clearly states that after a general election, a member must disclose his/her registrable interests within 60 working days of the opening of parliament.
“The release of the register entrenches parliament’s commitment to building public trust and confidence in their public representatives, thereby protecting and promoting the integrity of parliament,” it said.
Deputy president Paul Mashatile disclosed that he received a variety of gifts including a photo frame of Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, from the British royal family valued at R500 and two books from the Chinese embassy valued at R450 and R500. He disclosed that he owns two residential properties located in Midrand and Sandton.
DA leader and minister of agriculture John Steenhuisen disclosed that he received a tie from Taiwan’s consulate, he attended a coalition study tour to Germany paid for by the German NGO, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung. He owns a town house in Sea Point, Cape Town.
John Hlophe, leader of the official opposition and deputy president of the MK party, disclosed properties including land in KwaDukuza in KwaZulu-Natal and a residential property in Pinelands, Cape Town. He also owns two farms in Paarl in the Western Cape.
Former Transnet and Eskom CEO and now MK MP Brian Molefe disclosed a farm in the North West and is a director of Karibu Farming. Former Prasa CEO and now MK MP Lucky Montana disclosed three residential properties in Johannesburg and Pretoria. He is also a director of Montana Strategy Group, an advisory and consultancy firm.
EFF leader Julius Malema disclosed that he owns no residential property and did not disclose any land or properties in his name. He listed his financial interests linked to the Ratanang Family Trust, Kopano Family Trust, Munzhedzi Family Trust and Mazimbu Investment Trust. He is also a director of Mgagao Shamba, a farming and events company.
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