Parliament Reprimands Paul Mashatile And Several MPs Over Ethics Code Breaches

National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has formally reprimanded several Members of Parliament, including Deputy President Paul Mashatile, after they were found to have contravened Parliament’s Ethical Code of Conduct.

The sanctions were issued on Thursday after the National Assembly adopted nine reports from the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests. The reports related to eight MPs from various political parties who were found to have committed ethical breaches.

Parliament Ethics Code Breaches Result In Sanctions For MPs

Among those sanctioned were Mashatile, former Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson, DA MP Ian Cameron, National Coloured Congress leader Fadiel Adams, Patriotic Alliance MP Marlon Daniels, and MK Party MPs David Skosana and Visvin Reddy.

The Democratic Alliance opposed the adoption of reports concerning Macpherson and Cameron. Both MPs attended the sitting virtually and were instructed to activate their cameras during the proceedings.

Addressing the House, Didiza reminded members that ethical obligations extend beyond parliamentary chambers.

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“I do want to appreciate that the majority of you showed remorse in terms of the actions that were intended to, but it says for each one of us that we do need to remember that our oath of office does not relate to what we do in the House but also what we write in social media and say to members of the public,” she said.

She added that the process should serve as a reminder to all MPs of their responsibilities as public representatives.

“This is a reminder to all of us that we should at all times remember the oath we have taken.”

Parliament Ethics Committee Orders Apologies And Salary Penalties

The sanctions imposed on the MPs included formal reprimands, salary deductions, suspensions and orders to apologise before the House.

Adams, who was found guilty of publishing a DA staff member’s personal information on Facebook without consent, offered an apology during the sitting.

“Let’s hope it does not happen again,” Adams said.

Nkabane also apologised after being found to have failed to uphold public trust and confidence during the appointment process of SETA board chairpersons.

“I just want to tender my apology on behalf of the House for my ethical conduct,” she said.

However, ACDP MP Steve Swart objected to the wording of her apology, saying Parliament itself had not committed any wrongdoing.

“I don’t think that is in order because we did not do any wrongdoing. I think it is to the House,” Swart said.

Didiza acknowledged the mistake and clarified that the apology was directed to Parliament and not made on its behalf.

Daniels also issued an unconditional apology after being found guilty of breaching parliamentary protocol by allowing fellow MP Raatiqah Tagodien into the Chamber after voting bells had already rung.

“I give my full commitment that I will not repeat what happened in the past. There is no justification. I take full responsibility,” Daniels said.

Paul Mashatile Fined As Parliament Ethics Committee Hands Down Punishments

Mashatile received a R10,000 fine after failing to declare a gift received from businessman Louis Liebenberg.

Cameron was cautioned to exercise greater care during interviews and public statements following a complaint by POPCRU. The complaint related to remarks he made during a television interview about the acquittal of Mashatile’s VIP protection officers, where he described the outcome as shameful and immoral and referred to the officers as rogue and criminals.

Macpherson was found to have breached the code after using the term “amaphara” when referring to ActionSA members, with the committee deeming the language derogatory and discriminatory.

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Adams was suspended from participating in parliamentary debates and committee activities for 20 days, with his salary to be reduced for the duration of the suspension.

Skosana received a 15-day suspension and was fined R15,000. Meanwhile, Reddy was reprimanded after failing to comply with instructions issued by National Assembly Deputy Speaker Annelie Lotriet during a plenary session.

Didiza said she would consult with Macpherson, his party and the Ethics Committee regarding the objection lodged against the report concerning him and Cameron.

The Speaker noted that the committee had already engaged the affected members before recommending the sanctions adopted by the House.