Minister commits to financial disclosures

NEWLY-APPOINTED Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Willie Aucamp, has reaffirmed his commitment to annual financial disclosures required of MPs and Cabinet ministers.

- MAYIBONGWE MAQHINA

This comes in response to questions from MK Party MP Mzwanele Manyi, who sought clarity on Aucamp's stance regarding the reporting of financial interests, particularly relating to his family’s involvement in game-breeding operations.

Aucamp said while he, as an MP, is obliged to disclose his business interests, including trusts and companies, his family is not required to report their interests to Parliament.

“As private citizens, however, my family is not duty-bound to report business to Parliament,” he said.

Manyi had enquired whether Aucamp would disclose the full list of entities in which he and his immediate family hold direct or indirect interest in game-breeding operations.

He also wanted to know whether Aucamp will recuse himself from all departmental decisions, including the issuing of permits, exemptions, licences, and any regulatory and or policy changes that could be perceived to benefit any such entities.