/ 5 December 2006

Motshekga rapped over knuckles in legislature

The Gauteng legislature ordered provincial education minister Angie Motshekga to apologise for infringing its code of conduct by not disclosing her husband’s financial interests in dormant companies, the provincial house said on Monday.

”The mere fact that Dr Mathole Motshekga has registered companies which are designed to benefit his family meant that the MEC and her husband must disclose these companies in the public section of the register,” legislature spokesperson Raphala Mogase said.

Her husband is also a member of the legislature.

The ethics and privileges committee also warned Speaker Richard Mdakane not to declare certain interests in the confidential section of the register of members’ interests instead of the public section.

The committee also registered a concern that provincial finance minister Paul Mashatile disclosed shares that he did not own.

”He should be careful with the information he provides when registering his interests in the register of members.”

Deputy speaker and committee chairperson Sophia Williams De Bruyn said: ”This process, I believe, will continue to encourage public confidence in the Gauteng legislature and the transparency with which it conduct its business.

”In this regard the legislature will provide training and support for MPLs on issues of disclosures relating to business or financial interests.” – Sapa