Today's Labour News

The Star reports that cabinet ministers have been left with no choice but to tighten their belts further as the Department of Public Service and Administration has indicated that it will not be held liable for any costs incurred by executive members.  

This would include “bearing any costs in respect of security upgrades done at the member’s private residence”.  In releasing the guidelines in the ministerial handbook on Monday, Minister of Public Service and Administration Senzo Mchunu recalled that Cabinet had referred the guide for members of the executive back to a committee of ministers to revisit certain aspects”.  One of the changes made concerned procurement of official vehicles.  The cost of vehicles for ministers has been limited to R700,000 inclusive of VAT, maintenance plans and security extras.  Also, members and their spouses travelling by air transport must travel in economy class for all official domestic travel, as well as for international travel where travel time was less than two hours.  Travel by a spouse for official domestic trips is now limited to six domestic economy class trips per financial year.  Rental for cellphones as well as the cost of official calls has been restricted to an annual amount of R60,000.  In respect of water and electricity, the state’s contribution will be limited to R5,000 per month per state-owned residence.  No contribution will be made in respect of private residences.  No cleaning materials, equipment and chemicals will be provided to residences.  Members shall be responsible for all the costs related to domestic workers in the personal employ of the member.  “It is envisaged similar changes will take place to cut these costs in the Public Service and the public sector, including mayors, executive committee members, directors-general and state-owned entities,” said Mchunu.

• Read the original of the above report on page 10 of The Star of 10 December 2019

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