Ms Bernice Swarts is an African National Congress (ANC) Member of the National Assembly (since 2019) and has served as Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment since 3 July 2024.
In October 2026, she was named in an unsigned draft affidavit by businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala (who faces multiple criminal charges). He alleged that, while she was Deputy Minister of Public Works, she promised to help him secure government building leases to position his company for National Health Insurance contracts, with related cash payments claimed via intermediaries.
Swarts has denied the allegations, stating she never met him and did not assist with any leases. The claims remain unproven and untested in court.
#MadlangaCommission