Eight MPs fined for missing disclosure deadline
National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has reprimanded eight members of parliament for failing to declare their financial interests on time.
They include Monitoring and Evaluation Minister Moropene Ramokgopa, Public Works Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala, Justice Deputy Minister Andries Nel, and Transport Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa.
Other MPs include uMkhonto weSizwe Party national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndlela, and African National Congress MPs Mluleki Dlelanga, Mzoleli Mrara, and Masetshego Mofokeng.
The MPs were reprimanded during a house sitting on Thursday and were subsequently fined R10 000 each.
"These members failed to disclose your financial interest for 2024 in due time. If a member has missed the date, you shall be reprimanded as such but you are still equally obliged to tender your interest. So, it doesn't mean that these members have not declared for 2024, but they were late in terms of the deadline."
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"This is unacceptable. It's also objectionable and deserving of serious consequences as it has already been determined by the committee in terms of the fine that you have been given,” Didiza fold MPs.
"I also note, as indicated above, that financial penalties have been imposed. These penalties will be implemented without delay. I trust therefore that this reprimand sends a message to all of us as members to live up to our obligations."
The committee found that the MPs were in breach of the Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members’ Interests for 14 October 2024 deadline.
Following last year's general election, members were required to disclose their registrable interests within 60 days after the opening of parliament.
The disclosure period occurs from 1 April to 30 June annually.
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