1. Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane
It was alleged in the Mail and Guardian of 25 November 2011 that Minister Nkoana-Mashabane did not disclose benefits accrued in respect of payments by Premier Fishing to a private security company at her private residence.
The Committee considered the Minister’s sworn statement in which she denied any knowledge of the benefit accrued by her brother in respect of security for her property. The Committee also considered the submission by the private security company which confirms that the contracts for the provision of security by them were signed by Mr Nkoana, the Ministers brother.
Thirdly, the Committee received a signed affidavit by Mr Bharat, spokesperson of Sekunjalo, in which he denies making the statements attributed to him by the Mail and Guardian.
The Committee accepts the Minister’s sworn statement that she was not aware of the benefit given to her brother. The Committee found that there was no breach of the Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament.
However, the Committee notes that as this matter is in the public domain the Minister should address perception that she may have benefited indirectly as the service provision relates to her private property. The Committee therefore requires that the Minister amends her disclosure to reflect the indirect benefit received from Premier Fishing.
2. Mr Thaba Mufamadi
The Sunday Independent newspaper article of 30 January 2012 raised questions about the conduct of Manaka Properties in relation to its business dealings with government. Mr Mufamadi holds interests in Manaka Properties.
Mr Mufamadi had disclosed his interests as required by the Code of Conduct. The Committee asked him to explain whether he disclosed his interests, and if he made any representations to any organ of state. In his response in a sworn statement, Mr Mufamadi said that the business transactions were concluded prior to his appointment in Parliament and confirmed that he did not make any representations in terms of paragraph 13 of the Code.
The Committee found that there is no breach of the Code of Conduct.
3. The Committee also adopted its Annual Report for 2011.
4. The Committee agreed that all parties must make submissions on the draft revised Code of Conduct.
