VIP pricey perks stay

TSHWANE: LAWFULNESS OF PROTECTION FOR MMCs QUESTIONED

- Antoinette Slabbert

warns the new allowance nearly doubles the amount previously flagged by the auditor-general as excessive. Picture: Bloomberg

(Bloomberg)

The City of Tshwane will proceed with the implementation of a R35 000 monthly allowance for its VIP protectors in lieu of overtime pay, despite a lack of support from municipal unions.

This comes just days after a special council meeting at which councillors approved their own salary increases and slipped in a provision to ensure that the large group of politicians - and a few officials - who currently enjoy this protection can continue doing.

By law, such protection is limited to the mayor, deputy mayor, chief whip and speaker. Other councillors only qualify if a risk assessment by the SA Police Service indicates they are in danger.

In Tshwane, however, all nine other members of the mayoral committee (MMCs), as well as the municipal manager and the head of the metropolitan police, also receive this protection.

At first glance, it does not appear the necessary risk assessments have been carried out. Moneyweb's enquiries in this regard have gone answered, and the municipal union Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union's (Imatu's) request for a copy of these reports was also ignored.

Moneyweb recently reported that the council unanimously approved a monthly allowance of R35 000 for the 63 VIP protectors, which will replace overtime pay.