Five ANC members admit travel scam

Five MPs from the governing African National Congress resigned today after admitting they defrauded Parliament in a travel scam.

They were among nearly 30 current and former MPs charged with using their official travel allowances to pay for luxury holidays, meals and car rentals for themselves and their families.

Their resignations signal a tougher approach to corruption by President Thabo Mbeki, whose government has been tainted by a series of scandals. Last week, Mbeki fired his former deputy Jacob Zuma after he was implicated in the corruption and fraud trial of his financial adviser.

Zuma now faces a corruption trial of his own. His replacement, former Mineral and Energy Affairs Minister Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, was sworn in today.

At least eight MPs – including the five who resigned – have pleaded guilty to defrauding Parliament in exchange for fines and suspended jail sentences. Opposition leaders demanded they be fired.

Twenty-one others have also been charged. Their next court appearance is scheduled for July 28.