R1.1bn sought for headman salaries

THE KwaZulu-Natal provincial government is seeking about R1.1-billion from Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan to pay the salaries of thousands of izinduna‚ or headmen.

The province has 2 039 headmen – out of the country’s more than 5 000 izinduna. They want “salaries” of about R8 000 a month and “backpay” from 2006‚ the Sowetan newspaper reports.

In addition‚ the provincial fiscus has to find R252million in 2017-18 to remunerate izinduna‚ according to KZN premier Willies Mchunu.

The government started proclaiming salaries for them in 2006.

Last year‚ President Jacob Zuma said izinduna could receive a R84 125 flat rate annual “salary” from government‚ as recommended by the Commission for Remuneration of Public Office Bearers.

But‚ according to reports‚ the provinces are paying differing amounts. — TMG Digital