George directors' salary hike fuels debate

Can Georgians really afford to pay salaries of over R2m to the directors of George Municipality?

- Michelle Pienaar

This is the question Darryll Sauer wanted the public to ask with his Facebook post on 13 August that caused an online outrage.

Sauer is a former chairperson of the ANC George. He announced his withdrawal from all political activities in 2020.

His post followed the Council's decision to approve a waiver application to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) related to upper salary limits for senior management positions, as permitted for a grade 5 local municipality. The matter was concluded as a confidential item on the agenda.

Although the DA George's constituency head, Nomafrench Mbombo, had urged the public two weeks ago to rely on facts, not 'Facebook rumours', George Herald meanwhile ascertained that Sauer was not far off the mark with his figures when he noted increases from R1.3m to R2.3m.

The total renumeration packages for at least six directors on a T-Grade 19 are now R2 033 795.20.

"My point is," says Sauer, "the people of George struggle to get by.

"These salaries are exorbitant and come from the pockets of the poor. I can still understand if a municipal manager with a five-year contract receives a salary of R2m, because they are only employed for a certain term, but these directors are permanently employed. How is this fair to the people of George?"

Sauer says he was approached by a concerned whistleblower within the DA.

Socioeconomic reality

Dr Dennis Farrell of the Business Café added his voice, saying these figures are out of touch with the socioeconomic reality of residents, with nearly half the population dependent on social grants.

"The municipality's 2023/24 annual report highlights deep inequality," says Farrell.