Cape Town - Former African National Congress (ANC) chief whip Tony Yengeni will be summoned to appear before Parliament's ethics committee next week to explain why he failed to disclose a substantial benefit in the register of members' interests.

The committee's chairman, Luwellyn Landers, said yesterday the committee would consider formally the Yengeni matter next Wednesday and he would be asked "to avail himself of the opportunity" to address it.

The committee suspended its inquiry last year pending Yengeni's trial on charges of corruption and fraud arising from a 47% discount he received on a luxury 4x4 vehicle from a company involved in the arms deal.

Yengeni was convicted of fraud earlier this month after pleading guilty in terms of an agreement with the state. In return, he was acquitted of corruption. His trial was postponed in the Pretoria Commercial Crimes Court to March 19 for sentencing.

Meanwhile, the chief whips' forum will meet today to discuss a draft resolution aimed at censuring Yengeni, who lied to the National Assembly in a special statement on March 28 last year.

ANC chief whip Nathi Nhleko said in a memo to his opposition counterparts that it was hoped the resolution could be tabled in the National Assembly tomorrow.

Nhleko's memo came ahead of the ANC's national working committee meeting, where Yengeni's fate was expected to be decided. Said Nhleko: "Please note that the house can pronounce itself on a matter regardless of whether an individual is still a member or not. However, we cannot impose penalties on those who are not members."

With acknowledgements to Sapa, Angela Quintal and Business Day.