Members of Parliament (MPs) were showered with various gifts, including perfumes, fruit baskets, and alcohol, as revealed by the joint ethics committee during a recent hearing.
In a recent revelation, Members of Parliament (MPs) are facing increased scrutiny as disclosures of extravagant gifts, including perfumes, fruit baskets, and alcohol, were brought to light during a hearing by the joint ethics committee. This disclosure has raised questions about the transparency and ethics of MPs in their capacity as public representatives.
Ethics? What ethics?
The joint ethics committee, in a move aimed at bolstering public trust and confidence in elected officials, unveiled the 2023 register of members’ interests. This register was made publicly accessible on the Parliament’s website, but the timing of its release—exactly 24 days after the deadline for members to declare their interests—has sparked both public interest and concern.
Co-chairpersons Bekizwe Nkosi and Lydia Moshodi, at the helm of the committee, underscored the pivotal role of publishing this register in fostering transparency and accountability within Parliament. They emphasized that these disclosures serve as a vital mechanism for the public to hold their elected representatives accountable.
Some of the most noteworthy declarations in the register include:
Deputy President Paul Mashatile: His declarations included a bag containing coffee, nuts, and Tanzanian material obtained during a state visit to Tanzania, a bottle of vodka gifted by the Russian ambassador, wine from the National Youth Development Agency, and a Samsung Z Fold 5 from J Hee han, vice-chairman and CEO of Samsung.
National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula: The Speaker disclosed gifts of wine valued at R1,500 from House chairperson Cedric Frolick, wireless Bluetooth earphones, and a power bank from the Speaker’s Conference. Notably, she also declared gifts worth R1,500, comprising leather files, a black briefcase, and a Cartier Pen, received from the Cameroon Speaker.
ANC Chief Whip Pemmy Majodina: Among her declared gifts were 300 beanies and 200 blankets from the Al-Imdaad Foundation.
DA Leader John Steenhuisen: Mr Steenhuisen received Durban July tickets, a prestigious racing event, from Gold Circle Racing, along with accommodation and an exclusive rhino-darting experience at Kilima Private Game Reserve.
Official Opposition’s Chief Whip Siviwe Gwarube: The Chief Whip received a case of wine valued at R1,800 from Klein Goederust Wine Farm.
EFF Leader Julius Malema: In a somewhat unique set of declarations, Mr Malema disclosed an A4 leather pocket file valued at R850 from Karios Communications. Additionally, he declared receiving a five-piece braai set and a cutlery set from Mubarak Mahaboob.
Freedom Front Plus Leader Pieter Groenewald: A declared gift of note was a painting with a price tag of R3,000, presented by the Taiwanese liaison office.
Forestry, Fisheries, and Environmental Affairs Minister Barbara Creecy: Minister Creecy declared gifts including a Hugo Boss perfume worth R1,670, a hand-woven rug valued at R5,000, and a genuine leather bag.
Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development Minister Thoko Didiza: Minister Didiza disclosed receiving a Jimmy Choo perfume and a bottle of red wine.
Minister in the Presidency Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma: The Minister was not left out, revealing gifts of a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, wines, and notebooks.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana: Minister Godongwana declared a Huawei iPad and a bottle of 12-year-old Macallan whisky.
Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan: His declared gifts included a hamper comprising peanuts, dried fruits, Vitamin C tablets, and natural antibiotics.
Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande: Minister Nzimande raised eyebrows by declaring the reception of two sheep with a total value of R6,000, a generous gesture from SACP KwaZulu-Natal chairperson James Nxumalo.
The revelations surrounding these lavish gifts have ignited a wider discussion about the line between acceptable gifts and potential conflicts of interest in the realm of politics. Public sentiment and the ongoing debate about the influence of such gifts on the actions and decisions of MPs are likely to continue in the days to come. As the joint ethics committee seeks to strengthen the ethical foundation of parliamentary operations, these disclosures serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in public office.
