Members of Parliament declare gifts in register of interests

ALCOHOL, laptops, cellphones, flowers, books, shoes, portraits, free travel and soccer match or festival tickets are some of the gifts listed in the 2019 instalment of the register of members’ interests.

The joint committee on ethics and members’ interests published the register this week.

It said there were a number of MPs who did not disclose their interests before September 2019.

“As a result, the committee has approved a report to both Houses with recommendations of possible sanctions,” the committee said.

The register showed that ministers Naledi Pandor, Lindiwe Sisulu, Aaron Motsoaledi, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, Zweli Mkhize, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, Gwede Mantashe, Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and National Assembly Speaker Thandi Modise were among those who received long lists of gifts.

However, prized items money-wise included a R19 000 laptop from a Mr K Dilip to DA leader John Steenhuisen, and a R15 000 suit to ACDP leader Kenneth Meshoe from his wife.

Huawei gifted Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams with a smart cellphone worth between R11 000 and R15 999 and Al Jama-ah’ Ganief Hendricks received ad hoc gifts valued at R25 000 from his children.

Deputy President David Mabuza listed among the three gifts he obtained two Chinese art craft from the Chinese ambassador to South Africa.

ANC chief whip Pemmy Majodina received 600 school shoes from the MTN SA Foundation which were donated to schools and 300 shirts from SeeMe Printers to celebrate Mandela Day.

The register also shows that MPs are investing quite a lot in property.

Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan has the longest list of shares in companies while ANC MP Sfiso Buthelezi is a director of about 28 companies.

DA MP Glynnis Breytenbach disclosed R2 387 763 in sponsorship of legal fees from the FW de Klerk Foundation.

There are a few MPs who recorded remunerated employment outside Parliament such as the ACDP’s Wayne Thring and Meshoe as pastors, Steenhuisen at an asset business manager at North Star, the EFFs’ Ringo Madlingozi as a music performer and the ANC’s Nobuhle Nkabane as a Unisa tutor, among others.

In terms of consultancy work, Deputy Minister Sidumo Dlamini declared consultancy work valued at R14 000 with Nehawu and ANC MP Mathole Motshekga supplied the Modjadji Royal Council with advisory services.

ANC MP Beauty Zibula performed work as the National Bargaining Council Clothing Manufactory Chamber as the chair for R13 935.48.