They were among nearly 30 current and former lawmakers charged with using their official travel allowances to pay for luxury vacations 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. 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 June 23.

At least eight lawmakers -- including the five who resigned -- have pleaded guilty to defrauding Parliament in exchange for fines and suspended jail sentences, and 21 others have also been charged. Their next court appearance is scheduled for July 28.

The Japan Times Weekly: July 2, 2005
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