News

Fines for members of cabinet who breach code

July 28, 2010 Edition 2

THE cabinet announced interim fines yesterday for members of the executive - including the president - who breach the ethics code.

If they fail to comply with the code, they can be fined up to a month's salary, or have their salaries and benefits reduced for up to 15 days, government spokesman Themba Maseko said.

Maseko said these measures were prompted by Public Protector Thuli Madonsela's report finding President Jacob Zuma in breach of the code for not declaring his interests within 60 days of taking office.

The fines will apply until Justice Minister Jeff Radebe tables a report on a comprehensive review addressing weaknesses in the code listed by Madonsela.

"This report is expected to reach the cabinet no later than November," Maseko said.

He said the interim penalties and Radebe's review would also apply to the president, but it appears that Zuma would not be made to pay for declaring his interests some eight months late.

Justice ministry spokesman Tlali Tlali said the interim penalties were not retroactive.

In her report on Zuma in May, Madonsela noted that he was not the only member of the executive who had failed to respect the guidelines, and put sustained pressure on government to implement her directives. - Sapa