South African taxpayers are footing a salary bill exceeding R14 million annually for the offices of two deputy ministers in the Presidency.
This revelation came to light in Parliament after Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni disclosed detailed expenditure figures in response to a question from ActionSA MP Athol Trollip.
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According to Ntshavheni, Deputy Minister IK Morolong’s office employs seven staff members, costing the state R7.4 million per year in salaries. Morolong himself earns R2.2 million annually, including a R10,000 monthly allowance.
His staff salaries range from R1.2 million for Moleme M (plus a R7,330 monthly allowance) to R163,680 for two officials, Moje BS and Mzala DS. Other employees include Lukas MJ, a seconded official earning R1.1 million, Masike DR earning R896,436, and Phakwe JM at R228,321.
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Deputy Minister Mhlauli’s Office Also Comes at a Steep Cost
Deputy Minister NB Mhlauli’s office employs eight staff members, with a total annual salary expenditure of R7 million. Like her counterpart, Mhlauli earns R2.2 million annually, including the same monthly allowance.
Senior staff members Titus MM and Mbele MP each take home R1.2 million per year, plus a R7,330 monthly allowance. Other employees include Shirimba M, Dayi SB, and another senior staff member, all earning R896,436 each.
The remaining officials — Tolofane MA, Maqaza TW, and Manyathi BSN — earn between R228,321 and R163,680 per year.
Perks, Travel Rules and Vehicle Allowances Detailed
Ntshavheni outlined various perks and privileges available to deputy ministers under the Guide for Members of the Executive dated 2 November 2022.
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For international travel, the guide stipulates that the relevant department covers all official journey costs, including those of a spouse or adult family member travelling in an official capacity.
Members must use the most cost-effective and convenient route, and airfare costs must be the cheapest of three quotations.
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For flights under two hours, only economy class is permitted, while business class is allowed for longer journeys. Regarding accommodation, expenses must be “kept as low as possible” and limited to five-star graded hotels or their international equivalents.
Deputy ministers are each entitled to one official vehicle per seat of office, with a price cap of R800,000, inclusive of VAT, security upgrades, and maintenance. This amount is adjusted annually by the Minister of Finance in consultation with the relevant ministers.
Ntshavheni added that no daily subsistence and travel allowances are paid to members or their families for domestic travel.
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