South African Officials Requested to Declare Business Interest

The South African government has issued a directive requesting ministers, deputy ministers and members of parliament to make full declarations of their business interests to the Parliament.

The move is seen as part of an ongoing anti-corruption campaign launched by the government.

The purpose of the disclosure is to ensure that officials serve the public in a fair and transparent manner and to hold them accountable for their exercise of power.

The government said it has noted media reports which highlighted the private business interests of President Jacob Zuma and members of the executive.

To this end, Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Members of Parliament have until August 15, to make full declarations of their business interests to Parliament.

The Ministerial Handbook clearly states that members may not receive remuneration for any work or service other than for the performance of their functions as members, and should not use their position or any information entrusted to them, to enrich themselves or improperly benefit any other person.

Source: GBC