Lead us not into temptation, Mr President
Whether you are Cyril Ramaphosa or Helen Zille, the constitution declares that the mere risk of a conflict of interest is enough to sound alarm bells
The law concerning the risk of conflict of interests could not be clearer. Section 96(2) of our supreme law, the constitution, lays down that the president, his cabinet and deputy ministers may not: “(a) undertake any other paid work; (b) act in any way that is inconsistent with their oath of office, or expose themselves to any situation involving the risk of a conflict between their official responsibilities and private interests; or (c) use their position or any information entrusted to them, to enrich themselves or improperly benefit any other person”. Section 136(2), which deals with the conduct of members of provincial executive councils, is identically worded. The codes of ethics that bind the national and provincial executives have to be consistent with these constitutional provisions on pain of being impugned for their inconsistency with the supreme law, as provided for in section 2 of the constitution. For present purposes it is not necessary to explore the flesh the codes ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.