Officials get R32m windfall

THOUSANDS of officials in the national Department of Public Works will receive a windfall amounting to more than R32 million in performance bonuses.

This was revealed by Minister Nathi Nhleko when responding to a written question from the DA’s Werner Horn, who asked the amount paid by the department in bonuses to the officials for the 2016-17 financial year.

Nhleko said no performance bonuses have been paid to officials as yet.

“The Department of Public Works is still finalising the process of obtaining approval for the payment of performance bonuses for the 2016-17 performance management cycle,” he said.

Nhleko, however, said should approval be granted, the payment of the bonuses specific budgeted amount was.

Nhleko was adamant that the department would stick to the regulations as provided for by the Department of Public Service and Administration.

“The established principle will be adhered to, that is to limit the payment of performance bonuses to 1.5% of the departmental remuneration budget.”

News of the anticipated bonuses for officials in the Public Works Department comes less than a week after the Water and Sanitation Department admitted to paying R30 million to its officials in the 2016-17 financial year – despite its having poorly managed its finances.

Replying to a question from the DA’s Anchen Dreyer, Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane said 1 961 employees pocketed a total of R30 496 693 in performance bonuses.