ANNUAL REPORT OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON ETHICS AND MEMBERS’ INTERESTS, DATED 2 MARCH 2011:

The Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests reports as follows:

Joint Rule 124(2) stipulates that the Committee must report to both Houses at least annually on the operation and effectiveness of the Code.

1. The 2010 Register of Members’ Interests has been compiled, adopted and made public in terms of the requirements of the Code of Conduct. All Members have submitted their disclosure forms.

2. The Committee considered 31 allegations of non-disclosure, which were identified by the Auditor-General when the annual audit of Parliament was conducted. The Committee has finalised the report, and it was tabled in both the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces on 17 November 2010.

3. The Committee also has the mandate in terms of Joint Rule 124(b) to develop standards of ethical Conduct for Assembly and Council Members, and also to regularly review the Code and make recommendations for amendments. The Committee, in its review of the existing Code, has concluded that a full review of the Code should be undertaken, and is currently considering a Revised Draft Code.

Adopted by the Committee on 2 March 2011.