Riyaz Patel
Public Service and Administration Minister Senzo Mchunu has announced amendments to the Ministerial Handbook in an effort to “cut costs in the public service.”
Cars worth no more than R700 000, a R5000 per month cell phone allowance, flying economy and no security upgrades to private residences are some of the “sacrifices” ministers, premiers and MECs will be making, according to the new ministerial guidelines.
Mchunu said the changes are in line with the country’s “stagnant economy.”
“As the executive, we believe that we must act with unity and resolve in addressing the fiscal problems facing South Africa.
“We have taken the position of a freeze in our salaries and have also significantly reduced the benefits to the executive in terms of personnel in executive offices, travel, accommodation, and security benefits, among others,” the Minister said.
Mchunu said his department will engage the finance ministry and other relevant ministers, national as well as provincial legislatures and the judiciary to extend similar restrictions to their members and employees.
“On the procurement of official vehicles, the cost of the vehicles is limited to R700 000 inclusive of VAT, maintenance plans and security extras,” Mchunu said.
He said members of the executive and their spouses travelling by air must travel in economy class for all official domestic travel as well as for international travel where the travel time is less than two hours.
“The State shall not bear any costs in respect of security upgrades done at the member’s private residence. The rental for cellular telephones, as well as the cost of official calls, is subject to an annual limitation of R60 000,” the Minister said.
Work on a new ministerial handbook began when the late Collins Chabane was still minister of public service and administration.
The previous handbook was published in 2007.
After a draft handbook was presented to the Cabinet in June this year, President Cyril Ramaphosa reportedly demanded further cuts.
“In line with the need to be circumspect on the fiscal constraints we find ourselves in and to ensure fiscal prudence, the Cabinet referred the guide for members of the executive back to a committee of ministers comprising the ministers of finance, public works and infrastructure as well as the public service and administration to revisit certain aspects in the guide for members of the executive [the guide] to curb costs, while not compromising government operations,” said Mchunu.
Staff in support of a member’s office, excluding household aides, has been reduced.
Ministers’ support has been reduced from 13 to 7, Deputy Ministers’ from nine to five, Premiers’ from 12 to 7 and MECs’ from 12 to 5.
“In respect of water and electricity, the State’s contribution will be limited to R5000 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,” the Minister said.
Travel by a spouse for official domestic trips is now limited to six domestic economy class travel trips per financial year if the member is required to attend official duties accompanied by a spouse or adult family member.
“Additional flight tickets for member’s private use is reduced from 30 to 20 single economy class tickets for use by the member or the member’s spouse. The continued benefits for members upon relinquishing office is reduced to one calendar month,” he said.
A member is permitted to occupy one state-owned residence free of charge and where a member occupies a second state-owned residence, the member is required to pay rent and is personally responsible for the related tax implications.
“It is envisaged that similar changes will take place to cut these costs in the public service and the public sector in general, including mayors, executive committees, Directors General and state-owned entities,” Mchunu said.
Public Service and Administration Director-General Richard Levin said the department was working with Treasury to determine what savings these measures would amount to.
