Mashatile’s houses and R43k phone: Here’s what SA’s top politicians declared

Parliament has published the annual register of members’ interests on Wednesday, just 24 days after the closing date for declarations.

This is the quickest it published the details of MPs’ interests after the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests resolved to release the report after a meeting on Friday.

The report was released in terms of Section 9.2 of the Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members’ Interests for National Assembly and Permanent Council Members.

“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.

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Gifts MPs declared

African National Congress (ANC) MP and Deputy President Paul Mashatile has been listed for the first time on the report with two houses in Sandton and Midrand.

Mashatile also received gifts from Tanzania, Russia,  China, the King and Queen of Belgium and the new Galaxy Z Fold 5 from Samsung. While the value of the device was listed as none on the register, according to the Samsung website, it has a sticker price of R42,999

John Steenhuisen

Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen declared Durban July tickets, a rhino darting experience and sponsored travel from the Brenthurst Foundation to attend a workshop on authoritarianism in Poland.

Julius Malema

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema  declared remunerated employment outside of Parliament from his farming business, the membership of three family trusts including Ratanang Family Trust, Kopano Charity Trust and Munzhedzi Family Trust.

Malema also declared some gifts including Islamic apparel among other items from the same donor.

Enoch Godongwana

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana also appeared on the list for the fist time.

Godongwana disclosed three properties, corporate gifts, a cellphone and a computer tablet from Huawei.

The public can peruse the 2023 register of declarations on Parliament’s website here:

The committee said it is steadfast in its belief that ethical and honest behaviour should be an integral pillar of an accountable Parliament which will enhance its legitimacy in holding the executive accountable.

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