Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota might have received a slap on the wrist from parliament, but indications are that more sanctions may come his way from the Presidential and ANC processes.

Most opposition parties said a sanction of a week's salary and a written reprimand from National Assembly Speaker Frene Ginwala did not match the gravity of his failure to declare his business interests and the likely conflict of interest.

Lekota pleaded negligence and apologised to the committee. But MPs said the ethics code limited the type of penalties that may be imposed for its breach and hence the lenient sentence.

President Thabo Mbeki is expected to act after saying he was waiting for parliament to complete its process. Mbeki was expected to refer the matter to the Public Protector.

But Democratic Alliance MP Mike Ellis said his party had already referred the matter to the Public Protector to investigate Lekota for breaching the executive code of ethics. This code is different to the MPs' code in that it bars ministers from having business interests during their term of office.

Any business interest should either be disposed of or held in trust by a professional and independent authority.

Lekota not only failed to disclose his business interest, but accepted paid directorships in those companies, in clear breach of the executive code.

"I believe that the public finds it very worrying when the people sent to parliament to make the rules, begin to believe that they are above the rules. This is one such case. It is our view that Minister Lekota can stay on as an MP, having been chastised and fined, but that he should either resign or be fired as a minister," Ellis said.

Independent Democrats leader Patricia de Lille said Mbeki should now act in terms of the executive code otherwise he would be in contempt of parliament.

The ANC has indicated that it will charge Lekota, who is its chairperson, with bringing the party into disrepute.

With acknowledgements to Charles Phalane and the Weekend Argus.