The South African Parliament has made the decision to suspend Small Business Development Deputy Minister Dipuo Peters for a parliamentary term due to breaches of the MPs’ ethics code.
Peters, who previously served as the Transport Minister, was found guilty by the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests for various transgressions. This decision comes after three complaints were filed against Peters in September of last year.
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The Ethics Committee has confirmed the sanctioning of Peters for three breaches of the ethics code, and it has been recommended that she be barred from participating in parliamentary debates, sittings, and committee meetings for one term.
Typically, a parliamentary term runs for eight to ten weeks, according to Parliament’s 2023 programme framework.
During a plenary session on Tuesday, the National Assembly adopted the committee’s report, and National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula confirmed that Peters’ suspension for all three breaches will run concurrently.
In addition to Peters’ suspension, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) deputy president Floyd Shivambu will have nine days’ salary docked for breaching the ethics code. Shivambu failed to declare three payments totalling R180,000 that he received from VBS Mutual Bank in 2017 to the register of members’ interests.
The Joint Committee on Ethics produced a report on this matter five years after the initial complaint was lodged in October 2018. Shivambu has expressed his intention to challenge the report in a review.
The National Assembly adopted the report on Tuesday, with the EFF being the only party objecting to the decision. National Assembly Speaker Mapisa-Nqakula clarified that the rules do not specify when the sanction begins, and she will inform Shivambu accordingly.
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It is important for members of parliament to adhere to the ethics code to maintain the integrity of the parliamentary system. Breaches of the code undermine public trust and confidence in the government and its representatives.
The actions taken by Parliament in suspending Peters and docking Shivambu’s salary demonstrate a commitment to upholding ethical standards and holding members accountable for their actions.
