Mashatile grilled in Parliament as diamond gift to his wife resurfaces

Renewed scrutiny during oral questions

The matter surfaced in supplementary questions from DA deputy chief whip Baxolile Nodada, who linked the diamond to broader concerns about undeclared luxury gifts and asked whether ministers should be required to declare gifts received from foreign governments.

Parliamentary reprimand and fine

The diamond gift had previously been handled by Parliament: Mashatile was reprimanded and fined R10,000 for failing to disclose it in the confidential section of the register of financial interests. Mashatile told MPs the issue had been referred to the Ethics Committee and that he had responded when it was considered.

Ethics and accountability on display

Mashatile emphasised that transparency and accountability are non-negotiable and quoted the executive members’ ethics code, saying members are required to disclose gifts above the prescribed threshold.

“Failure to declare such gifts would constitute a breach of the code in this regard.”

He added that where mistakes have been made the rules must apply and that nobody is above the law.

Opposition pressure and related allegations

Nodada referenced the sacking of former Social Development minister Sisisi Tolashe and alleged failures to declare vehicles received from the Chinese on behalf of the ANC Women’s League. He also linked Mashatile’s case to other controversies, noting that Liebenberg is on trial for fraud, racketeering, and money laundering, and mentioned tender businessman Edwin Sodi in relation to a multibillion-rand lotto licence.

Mashatile responded that accountability measures had been applied in Tolashe’s case and commended President Cyril Ramaphosa for acting when explanations were unsatisfactory.

Parliamentary exchanges and procedural notes

The session included lighter moments: DA chief whip George Michalakis joked that Mashatile was sweating and offered a handkerchief, which Speaker Thoko Didiza acknowledged. Mashatile replied that he had his own.

Review of the Ethics Code and public registers

Mashatile said the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is reviewing the Ethics Code and has invited submissions to identify any gaps. He also reminded MPs that the register containing ministers’ gifts is public and available via the Cabinet Secretary and in Parliament.

The exchange renewed scrutiny of past disclosures and highlighted calls from opposition parties for stricter enforcement of ethics rules.