ROGUE MPs, including a minister and three deputy ministers, have been rebuked and fined R10 000 each for failing to declare their financial interests.
During its plenary sitting on Thursday afternoon, 26 June, the National Assembly adopted the report of the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests on the non-disclosures of members' interests for 2024.
The committee found eight members of Parliament in breach of the Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members' Interests for failing to submit their financial and other registrable interests by the deadline of 14 October 2024.
Members found in breach include Mluleki Dlelanga (ANC), Mkhuleko Hlengwa (IFP), Nhlamulo Ndhlela (MK party), Mzoleli Mrara (ANC), Masetshego Mofokeng (ANC), Minister in the Presidency Maropene Ramokgopa (ANC), Public Works Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala (ANC) and Justice Deputy Minister Andries Nel (ANC).
National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza said Parliament remains committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and transparency, reinforcing its role as a trusted representative of the South African people.
"This allows the public to confirm that no member may have been exposed to any conflict of interest. Honourable members, who are standing today, you have failed to disclose your financial interest for 2024 in due time," she said.
Parliament spokesman Moloto Mothapo said the mandatory disclosure of members' financial and other interests is a cornerstone of ethical governance.
"It helps prevent conflicts of interest, ensures accountability, reinforces public confidence in Parliament and safeguards Parliament's integrity against undue influence or personal enrichment," he said.
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He pointed out that during 2024, which was an election year, members were required to disclose their registrable interests within 60 working days after the opening of Parliament.
He said whenever there are changes to their registrable or financial interests, MPs must update their disclosures during the remaining three quarters of the financial year.
"A member with no interests to declare must still submit a 'nil' return. Disclosures must be submitted electronically and include detailed information on, among other things, employment, assets, gifts, interests held by immediate family members, and travel. The 2024 Public Register was published on the Parliamentary website," Mothapo said.
He emphasised that the registrar of members' interests plays a central role in administering the disclosure process.
He said among other things, the registrar maintains the register, oversees the timely submission of disclosures and handles complaints and preliminary investigations into breaches of the code.
"Where members fail to disclose their interests or submit false information, the matter is referred to the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests. Depending on the severity of the breach, penalties may include reprimands, fines, suspension or other corrective actions as recommended by the committee," added Mothapo.
