Thoko Didiza
By Lerato Mpembe
National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has formally reprimanded eight Members of Parliament and slapped each with a R10 000 fine after they failed to declare their 2024 financial interests within the official deadline.
During a plenary sitting on Thursday, the MPs were asked to stand in the chamber as Didiza delivered a stern rebuke. The group includes:
• Monitoring and Evaluation Minister Moropene Ramokgopa (apology tendered, to be dealt with upon return)
• Public Works Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala
• Justice Deputy Minister Andries Nel
• Transport Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa
• uMkhonto we Sizwe Party national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndlela
• ANC MPs Mluleki Dlelanga, Mzoleli Mrara, and Masetshego Mofokeng  
Speaker Didiza emphasised the importance of timely disclosure, stating, “These members failed to disclose … in due time. … It doesn’t mean they have not declared, but they were late,” and warned that such delays could “erode public interest in Parliament” .
Repercussions & Ethical Framework
All eight MPs were fined R10 000 each, deducted directly from their salaries. These penalties stem from violations of the Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members’ Interests, which requires annual disclosures within the 1 April – 30 June window. As per 2024’s election-year rules, members were given 60 days from the opening of Parliament, with the submission deadline set as 14 October 2024 .
Didiza confirmed that fines would be carried out “without delay” and urged all MPs to meet their statutory obligations: “I trust … this reprimand sends a message … to live up to our obligations” .
Why It Matters
Timely financial disclosure is a cornerstone of transparency, designed to:
• Reveal assets, gifts, travel, and family interests
• Prevent conflicts of interest in public office
• Maintain public confidence in Parliament 
The Registrar of Members’ Interests oversees the process, ensuring filings are complete and accurate. Those finding discrepancies or falsifications are referred to the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests, which can recommend fines, reprimands, suspensions, or other sanctions .
What Comes Next
Didiza reminded MPs that Monday marks the next disclosure deadline and urged that there be no delays. Members with no interests to declare must file a “nil” return. Quarterly updates are required whenever there are changes .
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