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

 ·17 Apr 2019

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

Read: These are the cars that South African ministers and deputy ministers are driving

Show comments
Subscribe to our daily newsletter