A look into the agricultural holdings of South Africa’s top lawmakers
South Africa’s Parliament is home to a surprisingly high number of lawmakers with significant agricultural/farming interests. According to the latest register of interests, more than 30 members of the National Assembly (MPs) either own farms or have business ties to the farming sector. Among them are notable figures such as President Cyril Ramaphosa, Opposition leader John Hlophe, and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema.
Cyril Ramaphosa: A Legacy of Farming
President Cyril Ramaphosa is perhaps the most prominent MP with agricultural holdings. He owns the Phala Phala game farm in Limpopo and the Ntaba Nyoni stud farm in Mpumalanga. These properties are an integral part of his business empire, adding to his profile as a key player in South Africa’s farming sector.
Other MPs With Agricultural Interests
While Ramaphosa’s farming ventures are well-known, he’s not alone. The leader of the Mkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), John Hlophe, also has significant farming interests, including a game farm in Paarl and a co-ownership stake in a 40-hectare farm. Hlophe’s assets further extend to residential properties in Cape Town and KwaZulu-Natal.
Julius Malema, although not owning any land directly, plays a role in farming through his company, Mgagao Shamba, which is involved in agricultural work and event organization. Malema is also the trustee of several family trusts with farming properties.
The Exception: John Steenhuisen
Interestingly, John Steenhuisen, leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Minister of Agriculture, is the only major party leader with no farming assets. Steenhuisen’s declaration of interests states that he owns no property, opting instead to rent a house in Sea Point, Cape Town.
The MP with the Most Properties
Among the MPs with the most extensive property holdings is Michael Bagraim of the DA, who owns 11 properties in Cape Town. Bagraim, a member of the employment and labour portfolio committee, also boasts a share portfolio worth over R5.2 million, including stakes in major companies such as Sanlam, Sasol, and Old Mutual.
A Broader Look at Farming Interests in Parliament
Beyond farm ownership, South African MPs have diverse business interests, from shares in investment companies to ventures in the taxi industry. The financial ties of MPs paint a picture of lawmakers deeply embedded in South Africa’s economic landscape, with many holding shares in significant industries like mining and finance.
Gifts and Other Business Interests
As is often the case in politics, MPs receive various gifts and benefits. This year, several members, including International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola and Deputy Minister Buti Manamela, were gifted trips to the Rugby World Cup in France by TV giant MultiChoice. A number of MPs also hold stakes in liquor stores and other businesses, highlighting the intersection of politics and private enterprise.
With over 30 MPs, including some of South Africa’s most influential political figures, holding significant agricultural interests, the role of farming in the country’s political sphere is undeniable. As South Africa continues to navigate its agricultural and economic challenges, these MPs will play a crucial part in shaping the future of the sector.
Also read: EFF Marches in Johannesburg as Constitutional Court Hears Phala Phala Case
