Deputy President Paul Mashatile has been fined R10,000 by Parliament’s Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests for failing to declare a diamond gifted to him by Louis Liebenberg, a businessman facing criminal charges. The fine will be deducted directly from his salary.
The committee found that Mashatile violated parliamentary rules by not disclosing the gift, as required by the Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members’ Interests. In addition to the fine, the committee has recommended that Mashatile be formally reprimanded in the National Assembly.
Failure to Declare Gifts
Under parliamentary regulations, members must declare gifts valued at R3,000 or more, including luxury items such as expensive wines, perfumes, livestock, shares, or loans. The rules also require disclosure of gifts received by spouses or partners in a confidential register.
“The Deputy President did not comply with these requirements,” the committee stated.
First-Time Offender, Standard Sanction
Section 20 of the parliamentary code mandates a R10,000 fine and a reprimand for a first offense. The committee confirmed that Mashatile had no prior violations.
Once both the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces adopt the committee’s report, the fine will be automatically deducted from Mashatile’s salary and returned to Parliament’s funds.
Other MPs Also Sanctioned
This ruling follows recent sanctions against nine other MPs, who were fined between R10,000 and R12,000 for failing to disclose their financial interests before the 2024 deadline. The committee has broader disciplinary powers, including suspending members from debates and committee meetings or docking their salaries.
Accountability in Question
The case has raised questions about transparency among high-ranking officials, particularly regarding undisclosed gifts from individuals facing legal scrutiny. Critics argue that stricter enforcement is needed to prevent conflicts of interest.
Parliament has yet to schedule Mashatile’s reprimand session. Meanwhile, the Deputy President’s office has not issued a public response.