MPs’ gifts from diamonds to dull
Register shows some MPs struck it rich last year but 14 failed to disclose interests
WHILE some MPs have received gifts of diamonds, cash and expensive whiskies as gifts over the past year, 14 members of parliament may face sanctions for failing to disclose their financial interests, gifts and travel in accordance with parliamentary rules.
The committee on ethics and members’ interests released the register for members’ interests yesterday but committee cochairs Amos Masondo and Aumsen Singh said an investigation into the 14 who had not disclosed would be conducted “before any consideration of sanctions can be entertained”.
Masondo said it had been decided that the 14 be given seven days in which to explain their non-compliance.
Acting registrar Nthuthuzelo Vanara said this would only be counted from when the MPs received letters asking them for an explanation – which would be sent out in due course.
Three more MPs did not disclose but the committee decided to condone these as two had been sworn in after the August elections and the other was ill.
Last year, DA leader Mmusi Maimane landed in hot water after failing to disclose any funds he had received towards his campaign to run for party leader.
Maimane challenged the matter in court and it was ruled that an ad hoc committee be set up to probe the matter.
Singh said this had been established and “we should get a response within the next 30 days”.
This year, Maimane declared a R25 000 cash gift from Alpha – a Christian mission organisation in London, a R10 000 painting from artist Helene Kapp, a painting of himself and Nelson Mandela, a revolving pencil holder, and a supply of socks.
Among popular gifts for MPs were tickets to sporting and social events, as well as wine, whisky, tea, biscuits, fruit platters, ties and socks.
Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan and Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa were among those with the most financial interests.
EFF leader Julius Malema lists four trusts but no gifts, travel or property.
State Security Minister David Mahlobo declared a diamond ring, diamond watch, diamond cufflinks, diamond pen and diamond neck chain valued at about R28 000 from Saudi Arabia.
Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba, meanwhile, was gifted petroleum jelly and lip balm from his Lesotho counterpart and a pack of blue towels from budget home decor store Sheet Street from a church.
He also received two food baskets from his physiotherapist.
DA MP Darren Bergman, who sits on the sports committee, received the usual Springbok jerseys and World Cup ties – and a R650 haircut.
Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula, who declared more than 30 gifts in 2015, did not receive so much as a biscuit last year.
ANC MP Rosina Semenya received a R10 000 watch from a “friend” and a meat pack valued at R201.95 from County Fair.
Minister Lindiwe Sisulu would no doubt have been delighted at her chocolates and wine from the Turkish Embassy, a cake plate from Malaysia and a cookie basket from Standard Bank.