Parliament’s Ethics Committee has imposed a R10,000 fine on Deputy President Paul Mashatile for failing to declare a diamond gift from businessman Louis Liebenberg to his wife.
Mashatile failed to disclose 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 March 5, 2025, for an alleged breach of the Code of Ethical Conduct and Members’ Interests.
Item 13(3)(f) of the code requires Members of Parliament to disclose gifts received by their immediate family in the confidential part of the register.
Following consideration of the complaint and perusal of the confidential part of the Deputy President’s disclosed interests, the committee noted that the gift in question (a diamond from Louis Liebenberg) was not disclosed.
Although the committee acknowledged the Member’s response, which included his claim that he was awaiting the diamond’s appraisal to determine its value before making a declaration, and that he has since surrendered the gift to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the committee maintained that ethical behaviour necessitates declaring the gift, with its value to be disclosed at a later stage.
In a parliamentary statement, the committee found that Mashatile 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 remained 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,” the statement read.
Parliament said the full committee report will be published on the announcements, tabling and committee report.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
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