Deputy Ministers’ offices cost taxpayers over R14m in salaries alone

SOUTH African taxpayers are footing a bill of over R14.4 million annually for the salaries of just two Deputy Ministers in the Presidency and their support staff, according to a detailed parliamentary reply from Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenneth Morolong.

- HOPE NTANZI

In response to a question from ActionSA Parliamentary Leader Athol Trollip, Morolong confirmed that his office accounts for R7 399.868 in salary expenses, while Deputy Minister Nonceba Mhlauli's office totals R7 028.171, excluding other operational costs such as travel, vehicles, and accommodation.

According to the reply, Morolong's salary is R2 215.220 per year, which includes a Post-Office Box allowance of R10 000 per month. His office includes six staff members with salaries ranging from R163 680 to R1 216.824, with some receiving additional allowances under the Professional Negotiated Performance Allowance (PNPA).

The salary breakdown for Morolong's staff is as follows:

· Moleme M: R1 216.824 + PNPA (R7 330 pm)

· Lukas MJ (seconded): R1 059.105 + PNPA (R7 330 pm)

· Masike DR: R896 436 + PNPA (R7 330 pm)

· Phakwe JM: R228 321 + PNPA (R1 067 pm)

· Moje BS: R163 680

· Mzala DS: R163 680

· Moleme M: R1 216.824 + PNPA (R7 330 pm)

· Lukas MJ (seconded): R1 059.105 + PNPA (R7 330 pm)

· Masike DR: R896 436 + PNPA (R7 330 pm)

· Phakwe JM: R228 321 + PNPA (R1 067 pm)

· Moje BS: R163 680

· Mzala DS: R163 680