From a BMW to DStv – these are the most expensive and unusual gifts given to South African politicians

Parliament has released its register of members interests for 2018 – detailing all the shares, properties, businesses and gifts declared by South African politicians.
“The work of the committee is to create public trust and confidence in public representatives and to protect the integrity of Parliament,” it said.
“The production of this register also reinforces accountability.”
While the register has some notable omissions, there are a number of clear trends that emerge when it comes to the types of gifts that South African politicians receive.
Alcohol and event tickets are some of the most popular gifts, while a number of parliamentarians also received smartphones, clothing and livestock.
With the full register now available to the public, BusinessTech looked at some of the most notable, expensive and unusual gifts that were declared and how much they cost.
Name and party | Gift | Quoted value | Source |
---|---|---|---|
Fikile Majola (ANC) | BMW X5 (2017) | R864 000 | Nehawu |
Mcebisi Skwatsha (ANC) | A bull (livestock) | R80 000 | Hershell Independent Consultants |
Mcebisi Skwatsha (ANC) | Grandfather Clock | R30 000 | Hospitality of Correctional Services |
Thembelani Nxesi (ANC) | Cape Town Jazz Festival tickets | R30 000 | Old Mutual |
Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams (ANC) | Huawei P20 Pro and Bluetooth headset | R20 000 | Huawei |
Gerhardus Oosthuizen (ANC) | Annual DStv Subscription | R12 000 | Supersport |
Gerhardus Oosthuizen (ANC) | iPhone 7 (32GB) | R12 000 | Mr David Hack |
Julius Malema (EFF) | Samsung S8 | R11 000 | Telkom |
Thembelani Nxesi (ANC) | Sports Gear | R10 620 | Athletics South Africa |
Bantu Holomisa (UDM) | Golf accommodation and goodies | R9 000 | Supersport |
Johan Londt (DA) | Accommodation in Italy | R7 500 | Friend |
Bantu Holomisa (UDM) | Vodacom – July Handicap | R7 000 | Vodacom |
Gwede Mantashe (ANC) | Executive Bag | R4 000 | Council for Geoscience |
John Steenhuisen (DA) | Apple watch | R4 000 | Sulabh International NGO |
Mmusi Maimane (DA) | Maestro Wu 7-inch chef knife | R3 352 | Maestro Wu |
Azwihangwisi Muthambi (ANC) | Orlando Pirates vs Sundowns tickets | R3 000 | Teams |
John Steenhuisen (DA) | Leather wallet | R3 000 | S.M Ikin |
Yvonne Phosa (ANC) | Cartier perfume | R3 000 | Husband |
Mmusi Maimane (DA) | 8 pairs Nic Harry Socks | R2 360 | Nic Harry |
Geordin Hill-Lewis (DA) | Fitbit Watch | R2 000 | Mmusi Maimane |
Nicolaas Koornhoof (ANC) | 7s rugby tickets | R1 500 | SA Rugby |
Mkhuleko Hlengwa (PA) | Sheep (livestock) | R1 500 | IFP Nkandla Constituency |
Gratitude Magwanishe (ANC) | Chessboard | R1 500 | SAFCOL Official Function |
Siyabonga Cwele (ANC) | Bottle of Beluga vodka | R1 400 | Russian Ambassador |
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