Parliament Calls for Submissions on Executive Ethics Code Amendments

Posted 12 February 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Parliament

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: Parliament’s Joint Committee on Ethics & Members’ Interests has invited stakeholders to comment on a draft presidential proclamation intended to amend the Executive Members’ Ethics Code.

In terms of the Executive Members’ Ethics Act, No. 82 of 1998, the proposed proclamation seeks to update the existing code, originally published in July 2000. A primary objective of the amendment is to ensure the code’s alignment with the Protection of Personal Information Act, No. 4 of 2013 (POPIA), specifically regarding the disclosure of interests and the handling of personal data belonging to executive members.

The amendments will apply to all individuals defined as ‘executive members’, which includes:

  • Cabinet members;
  • Deputy Ministers; and
  • Members of a provincial executive committee (MECs).

On 3 March 2026, the Committee issued a media statement extending the original submission deadline. Stakeholders now have until 30 March 2026 to submit written representations on the draft proclamation. This follows the initial call for submissions which had a closing date of 25 March 2026.

Click here to view the official media statement and submission details.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: No direct individual compliance obligations; the regulatory impact is limited to those holding high-level executive office in national or provincial government.
  • For your business: Professional services firms and compliance officers advising political office bearers should monitor the final proclamation to update internal disclosure templates and POPIA-related privacy policies for affected individuals.
  • For your clients: Clients serving as Cabinet members, Deputy Ministers, or MECs must prepare for revised disclosure requirements and ensure their personal interest filings comply with the updated ethical standards and data protection mandates by the 30 March 2026 deadline.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/parliament-executive-members-ethics-code-to-be-amended

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