APSP

PP: The Code of Ethics also covers the prohibition of the wilful misleading of the legislature, conflict of interest, gifts and disclosure of financial interests, among other things.

PP: Over the years, we have investigated numerous complaints of alleged breaches of the Code of Ethics by members of the executive at both the national and provincial levels of government.

PP: These included alleged incidences of misleading the legislature, acting in a manner that was inconsistent with their offices, using the positions entrusted to them to enrich themselves.

PP: Others included improper benefiting of another person and in the processes Members of the Executive, exposing themselves to situations involving the risk of a conflict between their official responsibilities and their private interests.

PP: As I said earlier, in this province, the most notable case was that of the former MEC for Transport, Ms. Mapula Mokaba-Phukwana, who was found to have unlawfully awarded a tender of just under R500 000 for the conducting of forensic investigations in 2014.

PP: This whole ethical conduct regime is the reason we are targeting the new National and Provincial Cabinets, and Deputy Ministers as they take office

PP: As the institution that has the exclusive powers to enforce executive ethics, we are saying to them you just took an oath of office with the whole world watching, committing to respect and uphold the Constitution.

PP: If they keep their end of the bargain and observe the provisions of these three prescripts – sections 96 and 136 of the Constitution, the Executive Members’ Ethics Act and the Executive Code of Ethics – they will never have to worry about getting a visit from us.