Defence Minister Mosiuoa (once Patrick and even Terror) Lekota has interests in fuel and wine businesses, but has not declared them as required by law.

When approached by the Mail & Guardian and asked why that should be, he 'fessed up with a feeble excuse - the logic of which escapes us - saying he always intended to declare his interests.

Ah, well, that makes it okay then!

As Lekota put it: "I do not consider myself as having a sense of guilt that I have benefited anybody or influenced any decisions that have been taken in my presence that have benefited anyone."

He knows only too well that he has compromised himself and his office. Wasn't he the one who, at the height of the arms-deal scandal, spoke indignantly of backhanders being slipped around in the middle of the night?

What a mampara.

With acknowledgement to the Sunday Times.