Asset Declaration Record

Partly public

Asset declarations in South Africa: who declares and whether it is public

Laws

Who must declare

Members of the National Assembly and permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces, including members of the executive who are also Members of Parliament. This record covers Parliament only. Public servants disclose under a separate framework administered with the Public Service Commission, not covered here.1,3

What is declared

Under item 13 of the Sixth Parliament Code, the public part of the Register covers shares and other financial interests, remunerated outside work, directorships and partnerships, consultancies, sponsorships, gifts and hospitality, benefits and interest-free loans, travel, land and property, pensions, rented property, income-generating assets and trusts. Monetary values and more detailed information, mortgage bonds and credit agreements of more than 24 months, and similar categories for the Member's immediate family, are disclosed in a confidential part. It is mainly an interest disclosure system with some asset items.5

How often

After a general election, within 60 working days of the opening of Parliament, or within 60 working days of taking the oath for Members sworn in later. Thereafter annually in the first quarter of the financial year under item 12(7), with changes updated in the second, third or fourth quarter. A nil return is required where a Member has no registrable interests.5,2

Public access

The Register has a public part and a confidential part. The public part is published after adoption by the Joint Committee, and it is placed on the Parliament website each year. Access to the confidential part, which holds monetary values and family members' interests, is limited to Committee members, the Registrar and assigned staff.5,2,4

Where to find declarations

Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, Registers of Members' Interests (https://www.parliament.gov.za/register-members-Interests), with annual PDF registers from 2009 onward.4

Who verifies

The Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests enforces compliance with the Code, and the Registrar of Members' Interests keeps the Register and investigates under the Committee's direction.3,5,1

Sanctions in law

Under item 20 of the Sixth Parliament Code, failing to comply with the disclosure rules carries a reprimand and a fine of R10,000 for a first offence and R15,000 for a second, with higher fines for further offences. Wilfully or grossly negligently disclosing incorrect details carries a reprimand and a fine of R15,000 for a first offence, R30,000 for a second and R45,000 for a third or later offence. For breaches of the Code's conduct rules, penalties include a reprimand, a fine not exceeding 30 days' salary, a reduction of salary or allowances for up to 30 days, suspension of certain rights or demotion. The House accepts or rejects the Committee's recommended penalty.5

Notable developments

  1. The Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests resolved to publish the public section of the 2026 Register and reported 100 percent compliance by the due date for the second year in a row.1

Checked 28 October 2026.

Sources

  1. Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests publishes 2026 public register of members' interests (7 August 2026)
  2. Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, Media statement: Ethics Committee releases 2025 Register of Members' Interests (25 July 2025)
  3. Parliamentary Monitoring Group (copy of tabled committee report), ATC140317: Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members' Interests for Assembly and Permanent Council Members (17 March 2014)
  4. Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, Registers of Members' Interests
  5. Parliamentary Monitoring Group (copy of the Code), Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members' Interests for Assembly and Permanent Council Members (Sixth Parliament)