Proposed amendments could affect division of assets
READ | Hong Kong govt proposes limited recognition of same-sex couples' rights
One proposed change would empower the courts to redistribute assets in the event of a divorce or death, even overriding certain terms of a marriage contract.
The aim is to protect spouses who might otherwise be left with nothing. Melusi Xulu, Managing Director at Donda Attorneys discuss this further with eNCA.
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Daily Maverick
an hour ago
- Daily Maverick
Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen received best haul of gifts, Parliament register reveals
Each year Parliament puts out a Register of Members' Interests that never fails to provide entertaining and elucidating reading. It is more than 600 pages, so here are a few tidbits. Stuffed animals, 48 bottles of fine wine, a leather hat and shotgun cartridge case, biltong, a fieldbar cooler, four Nguni hides, a windbreaker, a mohair jersey and a beekeeping suit and instruction manual. This, you might think, sounds like the beginning of a potential wild night out foraging for honey while taunting killer bees in Constantia with either a taxidermied dassie, or a plushy penguin, depending on your interpretation of 'stuffed' animal. These are just a few of the cool gifts DA leader and Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has scored so far since the Government of National Unity (GNU) kicked itself into life in 2024. Agrilove Steenhuisen experienced first hand the hospitality of the agricultural sector, which showered him with the abovementioned gifts. There are others including 'a tartan wool tie' from the UK Minister of Trade and Industry, and which we look forward to seeing the minister wear. Then there is an Ostrich RSA flag and various plumes 'for display in his office in Pretoria' — a very queer-eye-for-ministerial-decor moment. And the least appealing of the lot, 'a breakfast display/various cereals of unknown value from PepsiCo'. Steenhuisen pointed out that this was for the office, probably somewhere in a corner, maybe there by the photocopier. Added to this were 'various Macadamia products' and 'ostrich meat'. With regard to Steenhuisen's shares and other interests he ticked 'nothing to declare', said he did not perform paid work outside Parliament and had no sponsorships. He declared a townhouse of 112 square metres in Sea Point. The minister got to travel to Uganda, sponsored by the African Union, and caught a plane to bucket-list Bothaville, sponsored by GrainSA. Blues for Carl EFF MP Carl Niehaus, on the other hand, had absolutely 'nothing to declare' apart from his political genius (with apologies to Oscar Wilde). As an ordinary party-hopping MP the gift train seems to have passed him by. Niehaus, notorious for his fancy financial footwork, informed Parliament that at this point in time he had no land, property, shares or other financial interests, no work outside Parliament, no directorships or partnerships, no sponsorships, no gifts whatsoever, no travel, nada. No trusts, no income-generating assets. He lived in a rented 100 square metre apartment in Gauteng, and the only 'retainership' he mentioned was a 'public relations and media consultancy in his personal capacity'. 'Reputation in tatters?' 'Call Carl', 'Carl Niehaus' — (just a suggestion, take it or leave it). Commander-in-Chief EFF leader Julius Malema has had years of experience handling money, so one would expect astute future squirrelling. He had nothing to disclose in the category of shares and other interests, but did mention his listing as a director of Mgagao Shamba PTY, 'which is involved in farming, events, and sales activities'. 'Farming events' of course is open to interpretation, probably in the new Land Court later in the year. Malema declared no sponsorships but fessed up to a bottle of wine and Lindt Lindor chocolates, a gift from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China. Perhaps Steenhuisen and Malema can arrange an evening of competitive wine tasting as a toenadering (rapprochement in Fringlish). The BaPedi Queen, Leganabatho 11 Manyaku Thulare, gifted the commander-in-chief two live sheep, which were valued at R7,000, said Malema. He also owned no land, no property and no rented property. He remained a beneficiary of the famous Ratanang Family Trust and was a trustee and beneficiary of the Munzhedzi Family Trust, along with Mantoa Matlala, Ratanang Malema, Munzhedzi Malema and Kopano Malema. The leader noted he was also a trustee of the Kopano Charity Trust, a trustee and beneficiary of the Mazimbu Investments Trust, alongside Mantoa Matlala, Ratanang Malema, Munzhedzi Malema, and Kopano Malema. MK finances Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of former president Jacob Zuma and now an MP in his family project and the country's official opposition, the uMkhonto Wesiswe (MK) party, is as asset-free as her father, it seems. She had zilch shares or financial interests to declare and said she received no remuneration for work outside Parliament (this she does for free on social media). She has no directorships, partnerships, consultancies or retainerships. Zuma-Sambudla received no gifts (counting out the removal of Floyd Shivambu as secretary-general of the party), no loans and had no land or property to declare apart from a 60 square metre rented property in Cape Town's Waterfront. Over and above this, there are no trusts in her name. Former Transnet executive and MK MPs Brian Molefe, who handed himself over alongside Siyabonga Gama to the Investigating Directorate for Corruption (Idac) in June, had little to declare other than their upcoming fraud matter. Molefe declared 100 ordinary shares of nominal value in Karibu Farming PTY (Ltd) with no land or trust or sponsorships or gifts (those are in the charge sheet). Former Prasa Ceo Lucky Montana, also an MK MP, declared a directorship in the Montana Strategy Group involved in 'strategy development, consulting and advisory services but dormant since establishment'. Under 'Benefits and Interest Free Loans', Montana listed Midtownbrace (PTY) LTD 'investment into joint venture agreement for property development'. Mmusi Maimane's smarts Build One South Africa (Bosa) party leader Mmusi Aloysias Maimane appears to be more astute about planning for the future. He declared shares in two companies, 100 ordinary shares in Bokamoso PTY LTD, with the 'nominal value of R100' and described as 'consulting and trading'. He also declared 40 shares with a nominal value of R40 in Black Shots. With regard to work outside Parliament, Maimane said he had resigned from 'Phangela Security'. Directorships and partnerships declared were: Equanimity Wealth in the business of 'consulting and catering', the New Africa Foundation of which he is the chair, Bosa NPC, categorised as 'political work', and the MPO One South Africa movement. Under consultancies and retainerships, Maimane wrote that he provided 'security' consulting to 'Phangela to Bokamoso'. The swings and roundabouts of consulting, they say. Maimane declared no gifts, no travel or sponsorships. Property assets were disclosed as a residential home in Roodepoort with an estimated size of 1,000 square metres. (Take that, Carl.) The Bosa leader listed his involvement with the Kgalaletso Kgosi Trust, with beneficiaries being Kgalaletso, Natalie, Kgosi and Kutlwano Maimane. From the arms of Papa Former convicted bank robber turned politician and now Minister of Sport and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, of the Patriotic Alliance, is involved in more than 28 companies, either as a director or in partnership. He declared no shares or other financial interests or work outside of Parliament, but it is clear McKenzie has been building a nest egg since his release. Directorships and partnerships (since deregistered) in which McKenzie had a stake include logistics, media, mining and exploration, film and television, a micro brewery, a record label, health and wellness, night clubs and entertainment and liquid gas distribution. The companies listed by the PA leader were: Amantenda 523, Lexshell 138 (General Trading), Raystar Productions (film and TV), Gas Afrique (investments), Afrobrew Beverages (micro brewery), G Gas (LPG distribution) Dirbyn Utilities (general trading), Gayton McKenzie (general trading), African Australian Minerals and Energy (mining and exploration), Dirbyn Investment Holdings (investment), Daringo Trading 213 (general trading), Taboo Trading 189 (nightclub and entertainment), Megafone Telecoms (ICT), Halowiz Investments (investments), ZAR Productions (film and television), Dream Weaver Trading 445 (general trading), Dirbyn Publications (media), Gayton McKenzie Distributions (general trading), Tobiwell (health and wellness), Talirex (general trading), NSO What Trading (film and television), Nu Money Records (record label), Black Solar (solar trading), Damash Minerals (mining and exploration), Portkey SA (logistics), Hustlers Empire (investment holdings), Science Fixing (mining consultancy). McKenzie also listed the Patriotic Alliance under this heading. The register noted under 'Gifts and Hospitality' that McKenzie is mentioned as the source of a gift of 'Soweto Derby Soccer tickets' of unknown value to Ms Nonceba Bianca Mhlauli, the Deputy Minister in the Presidency. However, in his own declaration, he had nothing to disclose in this category. McKenzie declared no land or property and no trusts. Rise Mzansi Songezo Siphiwo Zibi, leader of Rise Mzansi and currently chairperson of Parliament's Standing Committee on Accounts, was a former associate editor of the Financial Mail and former editor of Business Day. It comes as no surprise that he is familiar with the financial markets and foresees old age and retirement. It also makes him a perfect chairperson for the Standing Committee on Public Accounts as the man is financially literate. (Feel free to absorb any financial tips here.) Zibi listed shares and other financial interests in Absa Group Limited: 7,000 ordinary shares valued at R1.1-million; Investec Bank Limited: 3,050 ordinary shares, valued at R410,000; Shoprite Limited: 1,300 ordinary shares, valued at R377,000; Sibanye Stillwater: 1,000 ordinary shares, valued at R17,700; MTN Group: 1,300 ordinary shares, valued at R122,000; Ninety One Limited: 1,488 ordinary listed shares worth R65,400. Zibi had 'nothing to disclose' under the rest of the headings.
The South African
7 hours ago
- The South African
MPs travel and gifts received made public
Parliament has released the 2025 register on the financial interests and other benefits of Members of Parliament (MPs). Due to the nature of their jobs, MPs are required to disclose financial interests, such as shares and other financial interests in companies and other corporate entities; remunerated employment or work outside of Parliament; directorships and partnerships; consultancies and retainerships; sponsorships; gifts and hospitality as well as benefits and interest free loans. In addition, they are required to disclose travel; ownership in land and property; pensions; rented property income generating assets; and trusts. Declaring such interests enhances transparency and strengthens public trust and confidence in parliamentary processes and decision-making. On Friday, the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests adopted the 2025 Register of Members' Interests per item 12 of the Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members' Interests for National Assembly and Permanent Council Members. The 2025 register is the second of the seventh Parliament following the 2024 General Elections. 'As per convention following the adoption, the committee resolved to release the register to enable access to the public section of the register. The new code adopted by the sixth Parliament established the submission of interests using the prescribed electronic form, which is aimed at streamlining declarations and making the process seamless and quick. 'The adoption of the electronic declaration submission form was a strategic decision in line with the move to ensure a paperless Parliament. Also, to ensure seamless submission, the office of the Registrar availed staff to support and assist Members of Parliament with their online submissions,' Parliament said. Item 12 (7) of the Code is clear that a Member must disclose his/her registrable interests in the first quarter of the financial year. 'The code promotes a culture of openness and accountability, and the release of the register is a bold step in building public trust and confidence. Furthermore, by ensuring accountability of public representatives, the release ensures credibility of the oversight work over the executive,' Parliament said. As per item 12 (1) of the Code, the Register consists of both a public and confidential section. The public section of the register is now available to be perused by the public to ensure accountability. 'The Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests further communicates that the 2025 disclosure process had a 100% compliance by the due date of all Members of Parliament. No Member of Parliament submitted late. The committee commends this milestone.' The full public section of the register can be accessed here: A full report will be published in the Parliament's Announcements, Tabling's and Committee Reports. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
10 hours ago
- IOL News
The uninsured status of Parliament buildings during the fire: A closer look
The restoration and rebuilding work is set to be completed in November 2026 for the New Assembly building and the following month in the Old Assembly just in time for the State of the Nation Address in 2027. Image: Phando Jikelo At least R574 million has been spent to date on rebuilding the Parliament buildings gutted by fire in January 2022. This, as the buildings were not insured when they went up in flames, Secretary to Parliament Xolile George said on Friday. 'The State does not insure immovable property to a large extent as we know, including movable property. There is no insurance. It covers that by placing funds to rebuild whenever there are issues or replaces those assets,' he said. George was responding to questions from MPs when implementing agent, the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and Parliament briefed the Joint Standing Committee of Financial Management of Parliament on the rebuilding and restoration work. George also said the National Treasury had issued an instruction note in 2007 that clearly stated departments not to insure immovable properties. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The restoration and rebuilding work is set to be completed in November 2026 for the New Assembly building and the following month in the Old Assembly just in time for the State of the Nation Address in 2027. Image: Phando Jikelo / Independent Newspapers During the meeting, MPs heard that at least R574 million has been spent to date on rebuilding the buildings. DBSA group executive for infrastructure delivery, Chuene Ramphele, said the cost of restoring and rebuilding the gutted buildings was R4.4 billion. 'We have already spent R574 million. These are reconciled by the National Treasury and Parliament,' Ramphele said. He told the MPs that the work done at the precinct had entailed five work streams that included enabling a work safe access route, MPs' offices, rubble removal, asset recovery, and spatial planning and designs, among other things. Ramphele also said the construction and restoration started after construction companies were appointed following the issuing of a work permit for construction by the Department of Employment and Labour. He said work was happening underground. 'You may not see things really happening. You see cranes. We started the kind of work happening in the basement,' he said. The presentation made to the committee showed that work in the New Assembly and Old Assembly would be completed in November 2026 and January 2027, respectively, just in time for the State of the Nation Address. Ramphele said they projected to commission, test, and hand over the New Assembly in November 2026. 'At that time, the building will be practically complete at 95%. It can really be used.' He stated that the building can be used around January 2027. Ramphele also said the Old Assembly will be commissioned, tested, and handed over in January 2027. He said they were monitoring the timelines closely. 'We really work hard with contractors, consultants, Parliament, and everyone involved to make sure these milestones are achieved and get these buildings completed,' Ramphele said. George echoed the sentiments of MPs that issues of weather could not be used as an excuse for not completing the project unless something unreasonable happened. However, George said a stream of ground was found under the Old Assembly buildings. 'It is known that the stream has always existed. I think the engineers, like any other, would find answers so that it does not materially impact the progress per set timelines. We will be watching that also to ensure the project is completed as planned,' he said. Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel. Cape Argus
