Winde found in breach of code of conduct over undisclosed US travel

The African National Congress (ANC) Caucus in the Western Cape Provincial Legislature has welcomed the adoption of a Conduct Committee report confirming that Premier Alan Winde breached the Legislature’s Code of Conduct.

The report found that Winde failed to disclose sponsored foreign travel to the United States in the official Register of Members’ Interests, contravening mandatory disclosure provisions.

The ANC maintains that this finding confirms the matter was not political, but rather a clear failure of compliance.

The party argues that non-disclosure in a constitutional democracy amounts to secrecy and undermines accountability.

According to the ANC, the requirement to declare sponsored trips is a vital safeguard designed to ensure transparency and maintain public trust.

Khalid Sayed, leader of the ANC in the legislature, said that the failure to disclose raises serious concerns regarding ethical obligations.

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"This is particularly concerning when it involves the Premier, the first citizen of our province, who is expected to be the custodian of integrity and ethical governance," Sayed remarked.

He added that such omissions undermine the rules of scrutiny that exist specifically to hold public representatives to account.

In response to the committee's findings, the premier's spokesperson, Regan Thaw, stated that Winde disputes the ruling and intends to appeal the decision.