Two pivotal weapons in South Africa’s crime fighting arsenal have told the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services of ‘challenges’ which could pose a serious risk to the respective units’ operations if not addressed soon.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said it does not have enough money to pay all of its salaries this financial year, and will have to slash some 550 jobs if it is to remain within budget over the medium term.
The revelation could aggravate an already stormy situation at the understaffed, and now cash-strapped authority.
The NPA has not recruited for the past three years.
The dire financial status of the NPA, with a mandate to wage war on corruption and state capture, was laid bare by a delegation led by National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi.
Advocate Batohi listed “severe budgetary limitations” which has led to high vacancy rates, low staff morale and limited professional development and training, among the NPA’s major internal challenges.
Despite a vacancy rate of 20%, the NPA spends almost 89% of its budget on compensation, and Batohi agreed with committee members that this scenario was not sustainable.
“89% of the NPA’s budget is spent on wages.”
The portfolio committee heard that almost 89% of the NPA’s budget is spent on wages, which in the 2018/2019 financial year has ended in a R77m shortfall. The second-biggest budget item, goods and services ended in a R72m shortfall.
“If this debt is not addressed, we are going to become a real risk.”
Advocate Andy Mothibi – SIU head
The head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) said it was saddled with almost R500 million in debt because government departments and entities were not paying for work done.
Advocate Andy Mothibi told the justice committee the outstanding debt could pose a risk to the unit’s functioning if it was not addressed soon.
Mothibi said the unit’s current model, getting 60% from government, is unsustainable whilst similar organisations in other countries are 100% funded.
“As the auditors have said, we are growing concerns. But if this debt is not addressed, we are going to become a real risk,” Mothibi
Just seven years ago, the SIU was owed R34 million for its services. But that has grown, at an average rate of 26% a year, and now stands at just under R500 million.
The SIU told the committee it will prioritise cases with the NPA involving Eskom, Life Esidimeni and government departments such as Water Affairs.
