SA leaders must declare all gifts above R2,500

MINISTERS, their deputies, and MECs will soon be obliged to reveal donations received, particularly those related to leadership contests within their political parties.

- MAYIBONGWE MAQHINA

The draft presidential proclamation, which was published in the government gazette by President Cyril Ramaphosa eight months ago, is now under consultation in Parliament.

The public has until Wednesday to make written submissions to the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests. The draft proclamation seeks to align the existing ethical requirements with the stipulations of the Protection of Personal Information Act.

Among the notable changes is an increase in the threshold for gifts requiring disclosure. Members of the executive must now seek permission from the president or the premier to retain or accept gifts valued at more than R2,500. This is an increase from the previous limit of R1,000.