Parliament’s new presiding officers could face lifestyle audits in seventh administration
Parliament’s joint committee on ethics is proposing an update to its code of conduct for members last refreshed in 2014.
FILE: Refurbishment after Parliament was gutted by a fire in January 2022. Picture: Supplied
CAPE TOWN - Parliament’s new presiding officers could face lifestyle audits in the seventh administration if the house adopts a new code of conduct for members proposed by its joint committee on ethics.
The same may apply to chairpersons of committees and party chief whips.
It comes as this committee is expected to close the book on a corruption investigation into former Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula after she resigned last week.
Parliament’s joint committee on ethics is proposing an update to its code of conduct for members last refreshed in 2014.
According to the revised code lifestyle audits for certain categories of members of Parliament (MPs) will be risk-based, and not all disclosures will be audited.
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Any member red-flagged through the annual electronic disclosure system could face an audit, as well as any other member the committee may identify from time to time.
The registrar of members’ interests would have to publish the outcome of such an audit since the committee meets behind closed doors.
Until last week, the committee was investigating whether Mapisa-Nqakula had breached the code in light of allegations that she received tender kickbacks.
The existing code of conduct already outlaws MPs from receiving any benefit related to a tender.
The revised code also makes provision for Parliament to clamp down on MPs who bring the house into disrepute while using and engaging on social media.
Derogatory, racist or sexist language or content could land an MP in trouble, as will inciting violence or promoting hate speech.
The amended code is still to be considered by the house for final approval.