It’s official: South Africa’s Parliament is now complete, with the MK party’s 58 MPs officially sworn in. But has the National Assembly ever been this packed with politically questionable characters? With MPs ranging from convicted criminals to those with “colourful” pasts, one could be forgiven for thinking they’ve wandered into a bad episode of The Real Housewives of Politics.
The ‘Compromised’ Who Made It In
While South Africa’s Constitution says that MPs must be free of serious criminal convictions (if they’ve served more than 12 months in jail), there’s a neat little loophole: if five years have passed since their sentence ended, they’re good to go. That’s how Gayton McKenzie of the Patriotic Alliance, a former armed robber, is now an MP despite serving time in the ’90s. It’s all legal, folks!
Meanwhile, the DA has had its own embarrassing run-ins with questionable characters. Newly sworn-in MP Renaldo Gouws, known for racist online rants, somehow slipped through the party’s supposedly rigorous vetting process. The DA claims he’s a “one-off,” but let’s be real – it’s hard to imagine how that passed the ‘Good Guy Test’. The DA is now investigating Gouws, but the damage is done. His colourful past won’t just disappear.
Another DA MP, Bonginkosi Madikizela, had his own drama when he was exposed for lying about a non-existent degree. His slip-up, conveniently missed during the “not-so-routine” qualification checks, might not keep him from Parliament, but it sure makes you wonder what else gets past the vetting net.
ANC’s Special Members
On the ANC side, Zizi Kodwa’s late arrival as an MP raised eyebrows. Fresh off a corruption charge and arrest, he conveniently missed his initial swearing-in – but don’t worry, family matters! Some say this signals ANC’s “flexible” application of its internal rules. After all, an arrest here and there doesn’t seem to stop the ANC’s returnees from reappearing, case in point: Malusi Gigaba, Faith Muthambi, and Thabang Makwetla, all of whom have their own brush with controversy. Gigaba’s link to the Guptas was so shady that even his ex-wife spilled the beans. The ANC may be struggling to maintain its “clean image,” but no one’s rushing to clean house.
The EFF and MK: A Whole New Level of Scandal
Let’s not forget the EFF and MK, who together control 97 seats in Parliament. EFF leader Julius Malema might claim the days of political disruption are over, but you can bet his party has more than enough scandals to fuel the gossip mill. From Malema’s dodgy past with the Gupta family to his ongoing court battles, the EFF’s political theatre is just getting started.
And then there’s John Hlophe, the former judge turned MK MP, who’s infamous for meddling in the judiciary. His appointment as chief whip for MK sends a clear message: South Africa’s Constitution might be in need of an “overhaul,” but not everyone agrees on how to do it. Ironically, Hlophe now swears an oath to uphold the very laws he once dismissed.
The House of Misfits
With all these colourful characters now in the National Assembly, the next question is: how long can MPs keep their behaviour in check? Parliament’s code of conduct requires MPs to act with integrity and avoid conflicts of interest, but if history is anything to go by, many will likely face a slap on the wrist (or a fine equivalent to a month’s salary) if they step out of line.
One thing’s for sure: if you’re hoping for drama in South Africa’s National Assembly, this Parliament is about to give you a front-row seat. Grab your popcorn!