Ramaphosa scores big through company shares

 ·17 Sep 2014

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa is a very wealthy politician, according to the 2014 Register of Members’ Interests, tabled at Parliament on Wednesday.

Over and above the more than R76 million he has accumulated in company shares, the document shows the former trade unionist and businessman owns 30 townhouses, all in Johannesburg, and two flats in Cape Town.

The register confirms his resignation from the board of platinum producer Lonmin, a directorship for which he was loudly criticised in the wake of events at Marikana two years ago.

In striking contrast, a fair number of MPs appear to own nothing.

Thirty-three of them declared they owned no shares, no land and no property, had received no remuneration outside Parliament, were not directors or partners in a company, had received no sponsorships, gifts or hospitality, and did not have a pension.

Of this group, 17 were from the African National Congress, including Deputy Arts and Culture Minister Rejoice Mabudafhasi, who has served in Parliament since 1994.

Others were from the Democratic Alliance (four) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (six), including the party’s leader, Julius Malema, and its Chief Whip Floyd Shivambu. Both wrote “nothing to disclose” under each section in the register.

Members were all given up to August 15 this year to declare their financial interests.

DA leader Mmusi Maimane declared he owned one residence and two other properties. Under “remunerated employment outside Parliament” he said he was employed, with the approval of his party, to preach at Liberty Church. The section under “amount” was left blank.

Among the more unusual gifts declared in the latest register were four DVDs given to Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies, one of them titled “Seven Psychopaths”.

Sharp-dressing Human Settlements Minister Lindiwe Sisulu was given a “shoe storage box” by the Mangosuthu University of Technology.

Deputy Defence Minister Kebby Maphatsoe received a “bull’s horn” from the SA Air Force, which he has no doubt checked for CIA bugs.

His boss, Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, was sent an “army stick” by the Spanish ministry of defence, presumably to help keep her generals in line.

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi was given two muesli bowls, while Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene received a wooden chopping board.

Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor got “mooncakes” from the Chinese ambassador. Transport Minister Dipuo Peters was given a bicycle by the City of Polokwane, though it is doubtful she will use it to get to Parliament.

One declaration struck a more sombre note.

Former Inkatha Freedom Party MP Mario Oriani-Ambrosini, who died on August 16, listed “one course of treatment for cancer” among the benefits he had received, this one a gift from the Dalai Lama.

More on Cyril Ramaphosa

Black business must make its own opportunities: Ramaphosa

Ramaphosa calls for urgency on national minimum wage

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