Mchunu wields axe on perks
CABINET ministers have been left with no choice but to tighten their belts further as the Department of Public Service and Administration has indicated that it will not be held liable for any costs incurred by executive members, including “bearing any costs in respect of security upgrades done at the member’s private residence”.
In releasing the new guidelines in the ministerial handbook yesterday, Minister of Public Service and Administration Senzo Mchunu said: “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 Minister of Finance, Public Works and Infrastructure and Public Service and Administration to revisit certain aspects in the guide to curb costs while not compromising the government’s operations.”
According to Mchunu, some of the changes made concern procurement of official vehicles. The cost of vehicles for ministers has been limited to R700000 inclusive of VAT, maintenance plans and security extras.
It has also been noted that members and their spouses travelling by air transport must travel in economy class for all official domestic travel, as well as for international travel where travel time is less than two hours.
Rental for cellphones as well as the cost of official calls has been restricted to an annual amount of R60 000.
Mchunu further said: “In respect of water and electricity, the State’s contribution will be limited to R5 000 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.”
It has also been declared that “travel by a spouse for official domestic trips is now limited to six (6) domestic economy class trips per financial year if the member is required to attend official duties accompanied by a spouse or adult family member”.
“It is envisaged similar changes will take place to cut these costs in the Public Service and the public sector, including mayors, executive committee members, directors-general and state-owned entities,” said Mchunu.
Addressing governance matters, the department highlighted the need to look at the problem “holistically” by looking at efficiencies in how government is structured, and the cost of administration and leakages in order to build a sustainable, long-term solution.