South Africans Slam John Steenhuisen for Gifts He Declared in Parliament
- The Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, declared the gift he received a year after his appointment to the cabinet
- These include bottles of wine, international trips, and rentals to top-class properties in affluent suburbs
- Some South Africans joked about the Democratic Alliance cabinet members enjoying the perks
Tebogo Mokwena, a Briefly News current affairs journalist based in Johannesburg, South Africa, has covered policy changes, cabinet reshuffles, the State of the Nation Address, Parliamentary Proceedings, and politician-related news, as well as elections, at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News for over seven years.
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CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE — South Africans were floored by the declaration of gifts Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen, which Parliament revealed on 25 July 2025.
According to the Register of Members' Interests, which Parliament published, Steenhuisen declared 24 bottles of pinotage wine, a trip to Uganda, a cooler, and a 112-square-metre property which he rented in Sea Point in Cape Town, Western Cape. Steenhuisen also received four Nguni hides. Steenhuisen was also gifted a book on bees, home-related products, and a beekeeper's suit from the South African Bee Industry Organisation.
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Steenhuisen received shirts and other items from Fruit SA, 12 wine bottles from Cape Point vineyards. The African Nguni Breeders Association gifted him four Nguni hides, and the United Kingdom's minister of trade and industry gifted him a tartan wool tie. Businessman Tim Hutchinson gave Steenhuisen 12 bottles of assorted wines.
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Where did he travel?
Steenhuisen travelled to Uganda on a trip paid for by the African Union to attend a Comprehensive Africa Culture Development Programme. He also declared his trip to the Nampo agricultural expo in Bothaville, Free State.
What did Paul Mashatile declare?
Mashatile declared that a R28.9 million property in Constantia in Cape Town belongs to him. This was after he denied owning it for two years.
Mashatile initially revealed that the property belonged to his son-in-law. The property boasts 7.5 bedrooms, a cinema, and a wine cellar.
Actress Nomzamo Mbatha spoke up after pictures of her at the property trended. She said that she rented the property out as an Airbnb.
What did South Africans say?
Some South Africans on Facebook roasted Steenhuisen, and some joked about his declaration.
Beverley Phillips said:
"Oh no, John. Now you're getting as bad as the ANC."
Eily Bates said:
"So many advantages to being a politician."
Khaya Nsibande said:
"If you can't beat them, join them and chow, my king."
Sulette Brands said:
"At least you are not hiding it in your couch."
Gareth Greathead asked:
"Aren't you told not to take gifts when studying politics?"
Don Molobi said:
"And you think in your wildest dreams that they will walk out of the GNU?"
John Steenhuisen speaks up on Donald Trump's 30% tariffs
In a related article, Briefly News reported that Steenhuisen discussed United States President Donald Trump imposing a 30% tariff on South Africa. He expressed his concern about the tariffs' impacts.
He noted that there was still time for the government to negotiate a more favourable deal before the tariffs were implemented.
Source: Briefly News
