By BAKANG MOKOTO
31 July 2025 – The Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests has resolved that the National Assembly should reprimand the Deputy President, Paul Mashatile and impose a R10 000 fine on him for his failure to declare a gift to his wife in the confidential part of his financial and registrable interests register. The committee, through the Office of the Registrar, received a formal complaint against Mashatile on 5 March 2025, for an alleged breach of the Code of Ethical Conduct and Members’ Interests.
The Co-Chairpersons of the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests, Lusizo Makhubela and Henni Britz said item 13(3)(f) of the code requires Members of Parliament (MPs) to disclose gifts received by their immediate family in the confidential part of the register.
Makhubela said following consideration of the complaint and perusal of the confidential part of Mashatile’s disclosed interests, the committee noted that the gift in question (a diamond from Mr Louis Liebenberg) was not disclosed. Makhubela said while the committee noted the Member’s response, among others, that he was waiting for the appraisal of the diamond to determine its value before a declaration was made and that he has since surrendered the gift to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the committee contended that ethical behaviour required that the gift be declared, with the value disclosed at a later stage.
“The committee found that the Member breached item 13(3)(f) as read with item 16(1)(a)(ii) of the code. As a result, the committee will recommend to the National Assembly to impose a reprimand in the House and a fine of R10 000 for a first offence of a breach of the code.
“The committee remains steadfast in its quest to ensure accountability of all Members of Parliament as demanded by the code. The disclosure process not only facilitates public trust in Parliament but also enhances its credibility,” she said.
Britz shared the same sentiments and said the full committee report will be published on the Announcements, Tablings and Committee Reports.
The Guardian 