Exorbitant board members' fees are 'water capture'

The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party is demanding the resignation of Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina.

- Itumeleng Mafisa

This comes after Majodina, in her written reply to the MK party, revealed that the board chairs of several water entities received substantial payments for attending a limited number of meetings.

MK spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said, collectively, board members across the country are draining nearly R50 million a year in board fees, despite most municipalities facing constant water challenges.

At uMngeni-uThukela Water, advocate Vusi Khuzwayo earned R1.4 million for just 13 meetings, with an additional R179 000 in travel expenses.

Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority chair Precious Sibiya received R1.2 million for 10 meetings, while Lepelle Northern Water's Nndweleni Mphephu was paid more than R1 million for the same number of meetings, plus R139 000 for travel.