The Ethics Committee is planning a comprehensive review of the Code of Ethical Conduct, with stronger enforcement mechanisms to be implemented after public consultation in 2026. The Ethics Committee has issued a stern warning to Members of Parliament regarding their obligations under the Code of Ethical Conduct. The warning came following the adoption of five committee reports by the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Wednesday, exposing a disturbing trend of misconduct among some parliamentarians.
Co-chairperson Joseph Britz emphasised that the integrity of Parliament requires members to uphold the highest ethical standards, warning that persistent disregard for the code will lead to harsher penalties. “The committee has resolved to initiate a comprehensive review of the Code of Ethical Conduct and members’ interests. This review will focus on strengthening enforcement mechanisms, adopting provisions relating to visual conduct, and enhancing deterrence for repeated violations,” Britz said.
He stated that the details of the public participation processare set to be announcedin early 2026. The committee’s findings presented to the NCOP included complaints lodged against Deputy President Paul Mashatile, DA MP Ian Cameron, ANC MP Windy Plaatjies, and National Coloured Congress leader Fadiel Adams. In a notable case, the committee mandated that Mashatile be reprimanded and fined R10,000 for failing to declare a gift to his wife in the confidential section of his financial disclosure documents.
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In another instance, Cameron faced a reprimand and was cautioned to exercise greater caution in his public statements following comments made after the acquittal of several members of the VIP Protection Unit associated with Mashatile, stemming from a complaint by Popcru’s second deputy general secretary, Chakale Mahlatsi. Adams encountered disciplinary action after breaching the code for a second time.
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