R18/$
The rand broke through the crucial R18/$ barrier on Wednesday, 19 June – which just happens to be Cyril Ramaphosa’s Inauguration Day. Image: Wikimedia Commons

Home » Departing government officials are set for R81m payday

Departing government officials are set for R81m payday

Ahead of tomorrow’s first sitting of a new National Assembly, departing government officials won’t exactly be out of money.

By Ray Leathern
13-06-24 11:12
in News
R18/$
The rand broke through the crucial R18/$ barrier on Wednesday, 19 June – which just happens to be Cyril Ramaphosa’s Inauguration Day. Image: Wikimedia Commons

Departing government officials, including Ministers and Members of Parliament (MPs) whose service is no longer required, are in for a BIG payday. Following the African National Congress’ (ANC’s) inability to secure a majority vote in the 29 May election, it lost 71 seats in parliament. From 230 seats in 2019 down to 159 in 2024. But don’t pine for these departing government officials, as they’re set for an R81-million payday, reports Business Tech.

Quoting the Sunday Times, Business Tech reports 143 MPs and Ministers who will not return to parliament will receive a sizable payout. After the ANC, the EFF lost five seats and VF+ four seats in the National Assembly. Besides the ANC’s ousting, several notable MPs jumped before they were pushed or had their seats taken away …

DEPARTING GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

Departing government officials
The new-new South Africa will work under a government of national unity from Friday 14 June onwards. Image: File

Several high-profile names were absent from the ANC’s list of public representatives submitted to Chief Justice Raymond Zondo ahead of tomorrow’s (Friday 14 June) first sitting of parliament. They include: 

  • Minister of Social Development, Lindiwe Zulu.
  • Minister of Police, Bheki Cele.
  • Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and People with Disabilities, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.
  • Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Thandi Modise.
  • Minister of Public Service and Administration, Noxolo Kiviet.
  • Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel.
  • Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan.
  • Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Naledi Pandor.
  • Minister of Employment and Labour, Thulas Nxesi.
  • Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa.
  • Acting Speaker of the National Assembly, Lechesa Tsenoli.

SIZEABLE RETIREMENT PAYDAY

Departing government officials
The makeup of South Africa’s government of national unity will be ratified shortly. Image: File

The departing government officials who have been in parliament the longest will do the best financially. This is through a ‘loss-of-office’ gratuity, in addition to pension benefits. According to reports, the tip equates to four-months’ worth of pensionable income for all departing government officials.

Plus, any member who served more than one term in office – five years plus – receives an additional gratuity. As a result, it is understood that Naledi Pandor will receive close to R5.2 million, with Lechesa Tsenoli closer to R4.4 million.

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