Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota should resign or be fired after reports that he failed to declare business interests to Parliament, the Democratic Alliance said on Friday.
”Not only does it raise questions about his personal integrity but important matters of conflicts of interest arise,” DA Chief Whip Douglas Gibson said in a statement.
He contended Lekota clearly breached the Code of Conduct for all Members of Parliament.
”Because he is a minister his breach of the code is far more serious.”
Gibson said ministers had a stronger duty than ordinary MPs to declare their interests to Parliament because they wielded more power.
They were required to make declarations in terms of the Executive Members Ethics Act and the Ministerial Handbook.
”His (Lekota) failure to comply with these obligations leaves him with no alternative but to resign,” said Gibson.
”If he fails to do so, President Thabo Mbeki should set an example of clean government and fire him immediately.”
Gibson said he had brought the matter to the attention of the Registrar of Members’ Interests, and had requested action by the Ethics Committee of Parliament. – Sapa