Claims of 350% pay hike are denied
THE ACTING chief executive of the beleaguered Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa), Collins Letsoalo, yesterday denied that he had demanded a massive pay hike and benefits to which he was not entitled. “No amount of subterfuge of people masquerading as having a good interest of Prasa will deter me from fighting corruption at Prasa,” Letsoalo told a media briefing. The denial comes in the wake of weekend media reports claiming that Letsoalo, who was brought into Prasa as “Mr FixIt”, allegedly raised his salary by 350 percent, from R1.3 million to R5.9m, and demanded a chauffeur-driven vehicle and a company cellphone with unlimited calls, just like former boss, Lucky Montana. The reports claimed that Minister of Transport Dipuo Peters had sent a secondment letter to Letsoalo and Prasa chair Popo Molefe making it clear that the salary he earned from the department would not change, but he would receive a 12 percent “acting allowance”. However, Letsoalo released his appointment letter, which confirmed that he was entitled to the benefits of the chief executive while he filled the position in an acting capacity. Under “compensation and benefits”, the letter reads: “During the term of service as acting group chief executive, Prasa will pay you at the annualised salary rate applicable to this position and in accordance with the applicable remuneration policy… You will be eligible to receive all benefits applicable to this position and to the Prasa senior officers.” He also dismissed allegations that he had fired the group executive for human capital, Bhekani Khumalo, after he declined to meet his demands. – ANA