Zuma’s successor projected to earn 18 percent more

NATIONAL Treasury anticipates that President Jacob Zuma’s successor may earn almost R4-million when he or she takes office.

It is estimated that in 2019/2020 the presidential package will amount to R3.4-million‚ with an average growth rate of 6.1% over the next three years.

These were among the budgetary projections tabled in parliament on Wednesday when Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan delivered his budget speech.

Zuma currently earns R3.3-million – including several allowances, but only takes home about R2.9million. There was no increase in the president’s salary this year.

Next year‚ however‚ the presidential package is projected to grow to R3.4-million and to R3.6million in 2018/2019.

By the time Zuma’s successor steps into power‚ he or she may be earning a package of up to 18% more than the incumbent president. These figures are subject to change under budgetary review processes.

The Deputy President’s package is projected to grow to R3.3-million in 2019/2020, from R2.8-million in 2016/2017.

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa is one of the favourites earmarked to succeed Zuma‚ along with Zuma’s former wife Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.

National Treasury’s expenditure analysis for the Presidency notes that money has been allocated in the projected medium-term budget for the implementation of an e-Cabinet electronic document management system.

The Presidency’s spending on legal services is expected to increase from almost R3.8-million this year to R5.5-million in 2019/2020.

The projected expenditure on consultants is up to over R11-million in 2019/2020 from R7.5-million this year.

An estimated budget R209 000 has been allocated to entertainment in 2019/2020 from R149 000 this year.