Broke Tshwane wants to cut deal on R1.5bn job backpay

The Tshwane metro council is trying to cut a deal with municipal unions Samwu and Imatu to delay the implementation of a bargaining council ruling that compels it to implement a 3.5% salary increase outstanding since the 2021-22 financial year, including R1.5 billion in backpay.

- Antoinette Slabbert

The ruling, made in November, denied the metro exemption from the increase agreed upon at the national bargaining council, rejecting its plea that it was unaffordable, and ordered payment within six months.

Controversial Tshwane deputy mayor, the ANC’s Eugene Modise, who is also member of the mayoral committee for finance, at the time issued a statement giving assurance that the metro would comply with the order and refrain from taking it on review.

'Unaffordable' and yet

Meanwhile, the council continues to pay a monthly allowance of R35 000 each to 63 metropolitan police officers attached to the VIP protection unit in lieu of overtime.

This was not budgeted for and most of the politicians and the few officials who enjoy VIP protection are entitled to it.