Public servants, councillors salary increases a slap in the face of society, says OUTA

THE Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) has called on national, provincial and local government to curb and cut unnecessary costs, starting with salary increases and bonuses.

In eThekwini, there has been an outcry from ratepayers at the proposed increase to councillors’ and municipal officials’ salaries, with the city stating the increases would be in line with the CPI increase of 4.5 per cent.

The proposed salary increases came on top of the proposed increase to electricity of 6.9 per cent, water 9.9 per cent and sewerage and refuse 9.9 per cent as set out in the 2020/21 budget.

ALSO READ: City takes flack for proposed tariff increases

Currently, according to reports, Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda earns R1 504 549, deputy mayor Belinda Scott ears R1 223 588, the Speaker Weziwe Thusi earns R1 716 581 and chief whip Sibongiseni Mkhize earns R1 155 174 per annum.

In a letter sent to the minister of CoGTA, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, and copied to the President as well as all provincial CoGTA executive council members, OUTA called on all public office bearers and management to respect their citizens by reducing the cost of government on the taxpayer.

“Businesses are closing and millions are losing their jobs or are forced to survive on reduced income as a direct result of the Covid-19 lockdown and its economic fallout,” said Wayne Duvenage, OUTA’s CEO.

“Yet we read of municipalities calling for urgent council meetings to discuss salary increases, which is nothing short of a disgrace at a time like this. Why should citizens have to finance any salary increases for public servants and councillors whilst businesses are having to curb costs, cut expenses, retrench staff or force them to take unpaid leave? It is a slap in the face of society when businesses have to take drastic action to keep their heads above water, whilst government leadership remains silent in their actions to force all levels of government – including local government – to introduce drastic measures to reduce their costs to society,” he said.

“We believe there should be no salary increases or bonuses paid at any level of government. Now is the time for society to witness a proactive approach by government to reduce the burden on taxpayers by conducting a deep review of all contracts and unnecessary expenses, starting with their salary bills as well as negotiations with unions for people employed in our towns and cities,” he added.

Duvenage said the economy was already in a recession before the coronavirus pandemic and the country had since been downgraded by all credit ratings agencies, yet government had failed to demonstrate clear direction or sense of urgency to cut its costs to society.

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