In a significant move toward transparency and accountability, South Africa’s Parliament has released the 2025 Register of Members’ Interests.
This register comprehensively lists the financial interests, gifts, travel, and other benefits declared by current Members of Parliament (MPs).
The disclosure is part of a broader effort to promote openness in public office and strengthen public confidence in parliamentary processes.

Among the many MPs featured in the register, Julius Sello Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), stands out as a prominent figure whose declarations offer insight into the financial and personal interests of one of South Africa’s most influential political leaders.
This article delves into the details of the 2025 register, focusing on Malema’s disclosures, the legislative framework underpinning the register, and the broader implications for governance and public trust.

The Purpose and Scope of the Register of Members’ Interests

Members of Parliament hold positions of significant public trust and influence.
To ensure that their decisions and actions are free from conflicts of interest, MPs are required to disclose a wide range of personal financial interests and benefits.

The 2025 register covers thirteen distinct categories of interests that MPs must declare:

Shares and other financial interests
Remunerated employment or work outside Parliament
Directorships and partnerships
Consultancies and retainerships
Sponsorships
Gifts and hospitality
Benefits and interest-free loans
Travel
Ownership in land and property
Pensions
Rented property
Income-generating assets
Trusts

This extensive disclosure framework aims to capture all areas where conflicts of interest might arise, from business dealings to gifts received, and even travel sponsored by third parties.

The register is broken down by political party and individual MPs, providing a transparent snapshot of the interests held by South Africa’s elected representatives.

Legislative and Procedural Framework

The requirement for MPs to disclose their interests is enshrined in the Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members’ Interests for National Assembly and Permanent Council Members.
Item 12 (7) of the Code mandates that Members must submit their registrable interests within the first quarter of the financial year.

The 2025 register is the second such disclosure following the 2024 General Elections and corresponds to the seventh Parliament.
The Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests oversees the process, ensuring compliance and managing the public release of information.

In a progressive move, the 2025 register was submitted using a prescribed electronic form, streamlining the declaration process and aligning with Parliament’s goal of becoming paperless.
The office of the Registrar provided support to MPs to facilitate timely and accurate submissions.

Notably, the 2025 disclosure process achieved 100% compliance, with all MPs submitting their declarations by the due date.
This milestone was commended by the Joint Committee, reflecting a commitment to transparency among South Africa’s legislators.

Julius Malema’s Declarations: An Overview

Julius Malema, as leader of the EFF and one of its 46 parliamentary representatives, submitted a detailed declaration that sheds light on his financial interests and benefits.

1. Shares and Other Financial Interests

Malema declared no shares or other direct financial interests in companies or corporate entities.
This absence of disclosed financial holdings indicates a focus away from direct investment activities, at least in terms of declared shares.

2. Remunerated Employment or Work Outside Parliament

Malema declared his role as Director of Mgagao Shamba PTY, a company involved in farming, events, and sales.
This indicates that alongside his parliamentary duties, he maintains business interests in agriculture and related sectors.

3. Directorships and Partnerships

Consistent with his remunerated work, Malema is also listed as Director of Mgagao Shamba PTY.
This dual role underscores his active engagement in managing business operations.

4. Consultancies and Retainerships

Malema declared no consultancies or retainerships.
This suggests that he does not receive remuneration for advisory roles outside his parliamentary and directorship responsibilities.

5. Sponsorships

No sponsorships were declared by Malema.

6. Gifts and Hospitality

Malema’s declaration includes several notable gifts:

A bottle of wine and Lindt Lindor chocolates, with the source listed as Liu Kaiyang of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China.
Two sheep valued at an estimated R7,000, gifted by BaPedi Queen, Leganabatho 11 Manyaku Thulare.

These gifts reflect diplomatic and cultural exchanges and are of symbolic and material value.
The disclosure of such gifts is important to ensure transparency regarding potential influences or favors.

7. Benefits and Interest-Free Loans

Malema declared no benefits or interest-free loans.

8. Travel

No travel sponsored by third parties was declared.

9. Ownership in Land and Property

Malema declared no ownership of land or property.
This is somewhat notable given the prominence of property ownership among many public figures.

10. Pensions

No pensions were declared.

11. Rented Property

Malema declared no rented property.

12. Income-Generating Assets

No income-generating assets were declared.

13. Trusts

Malema disclosed interests in several family and charitable trusts:

Ratanang Family Trust, with Ratanang Malema as trustee/beneficiary.
Munzhedzi Family Trust, involving JS Malema, Mantoa Matlala, Ratanang Malema, Munzhedzi Malema, and Kopano Malema.
Kopano Charity Trust, designated as a charity.
Mazimbu Investment Trust, involving the same family members as the Munzhedzi Family Trust.

These trusts suggest a structured approach to managing family wealth and charitable activities.

Transparency and Public Trust

The disclosure of MPs’ interests, including those of high-profile figures like Julius Malema, plays a crucial role in promoting transparency in governance.
By making such information publicly accessible, Parliament fosters a culture of openness and accountability.

The public section of the register is available online, allowing citizens, journalists, and watchdog organizations to scrutinize potential conflicts of interest.
This openness is intended to build public trust and confidence in the legislative process and oversight functions.

Moreover, the register helps ensure that MPs’ decisions are made in the public interest, free from undue influence by personal financial considerations.

The Role of the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests

This committee is tasked with monitoring compliance with the Code of Ethical Conduct and overseeing the registration and publication of MPs’ interests.
Their role includes reviewing declarations, investigating discrepancies, and promoting ethical standards among parliamentarians.

The committee’s commendation of 100% compliance in 2025 highlights progress in ethical governance.
It also reflects the effectiveness of the electronic submission system and the support provided to MPs.

The Broader Picture: Challenges and Opportunities

While the register represents a positive step, it also raises questions and challenges.
For example, the absence of declared property ownership by Malema may prompt curiosity or speculation, though it is not unusual for MPs to have varying asset profiles.

The value and source of gifts, such as those from foreign diplomats or traditional leaders, invite scrutiny regarding their potential influence.
However, the transparent reporting of such gifts mitigates concerns by allowing public oversight.

The existence of multiple family trusts underscores the complexity of wealth management among public figures, highlighting the need for clear declarations to avoid conflicts.

Public Engagement and Accountability

The release of the register invites public engagement.
South Africans are encouraged to review the disclosures, ask questions, and hold their representatives accountable.

Platforms for public feedback, including comments and direct communication channels, enhance democratic participation.
Such engagement is vital for strengthening the relationship between citizens and their elected officials.

Conclusion: Advancing Ethical Governance in South Africa

The 2025 Register of Members’ Interests marks a milestone in South Africa’s journey toward transparent and accountable governance.
Julius Malema’s detailed disclosures exemplify the commitment of MPs to uphold ethical standards and provide the public with insight into their financial and personal interests.

By institutionalizing comprehensive declarations and embracing digital submission methods, Parliament has modernized the process and set a high standard for future compliance.

Transparency in MPs’ interests not only deters corruption and conflicts of interest but also reinforces public confidence in democratic institutions.

As South Africa continues to grapple with governance challenges, such initiatives are essential to building a robust and trustworthy political system.
The public’s vigilant oversight, combined with Parliament’s commitment to openness, will be key to sustaining ethical leadership and fostering a culture of integrity in the nation’s highest legislative body.

For those interested, the full public section of the 2025 register is accessible online, offering an invaluable resource for understanding the financial landscape of South Africa’s Parliament.
The journey toward greater transparency and accountability continues, with each disclosure bringing the country closer to a more open and just democracy.