Register shows MPs live high life
Tickets, cellphones, alcohol and gifts revealed
The R25m project was set to save the island 275 000 litres of diesel annually, while reducing the use of diesel-powered generators by almost 14 to 45%.
The PV mini-grid has a backup battery storage which provides the island with energy during cloudy days and night. SOLA Future Energy chief executive Dom Wills said the company was enabling the realisation of the NDP’s vision from an economic infrastructure and environmental sustainability perspective through its commitment to providing African businesses with affordable solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery systems.
“We are ecstatic to be a finalist in the energy category. We aim to boost economic prosperity in South Africa through clean and affordable energy.” Wills said the company had installed more than 25MW of solar PV capacity on large buildings and ground-mounted structures, which in total produced around 40 000 000kWh of renewable electricity.
“The company is assisting businesses to adopt cheaper, cleaner energy by providing a private solution that can work in combination with, or independent of, the state utility.
“Since adopting a green energy system, Robben Island has already produced 650 000kWh of solar energy, which has reduced its reliance on diesel generators.”
The winners will be announced on June 21 at Emperors Palace. – Staff Reporter
BEING a member of Parliament can put you in the pound seats, with shares and directorships not to mention the gifts as revealed by the Register of Members’ Interests. Two former finance ministers looked after their finances pretty well, judging from their long list of shareholdings and directorships of several companies, while other prominent MPs were spoilt with cellphones, expensive alcohol and VIP tickets to lavish social events.
Sifiso Buthulezi, deputy minister of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, holds a large number of directorships and shares in several small and large companies that cover two pages in the register.
Buthulezi served a stint as deputy minister of finance.
He has more than 50 interests, shares and investments in local companies, ranging from local media, water providers, jewellery, travel and logistics businesses.
He also has directorships, shares and partnerships with 50 companies, but nothing to disclose in respect to sponsorship or work outside Parliament.
Buthelezi declared that the Russian Embassy gave him a bottle of Noble Russian Vodka worth R2 399, he also received a gift hamper of R500 (unknown source) and a wall picture worth R580 from the China Development Bank.
He owns three houses – a 2 000m2 property in Johannesburg, a 4 000m2 home in Morningside, Durban, and a house in Hilton, Pietermaritzburg, that is 8000m2 in size.
Buthelezi has a private pension in the Makana Investment Corporation and one with the Military Veterans Pension, a public scheme.
He is also a trustee of two trusts, but no benefits are listed.
Former finance minister Pravin Gordhan, now Minister of Public Enterprises, has interests in some of the biggest JSE-listed companies.
Gordhan’s portfolio of shares include the country’s major banks, well-known retailers, telecommunications, a media company and transport services.
Some of the big names include MTN, Pick n Pay, Steinhoff, Growth Point, Naspers, Tiger Brands and pharmaceutical giant Aspen.
THE 25M PROJECT WAS SET TO SAVE THE ISLAND 275 000 LITRES OF DIESEL ANNUALLY