The increase in councillors’ monthly allowances published by Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs minister Sicelo Shiceka allocates a generous R889 per month in cellphone allowances for parttime councillors.
The increase in councillors’ monthly allowances published by Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs minister Sicelo Shiceka allocates a generous R889 per month in cellphone allowances for parttime councillors.
The municipality says this is meant to enable them to conduct constituency work as well as fulfill council duties. “The amount is based on a formula/calculation approved by the state,” says municipal media spokesperson Thandy Matebese.
However, he fell short of explaining the details of the constituency work and council duties undertaken by the councillors nor did he say to whom the calls are made or when.
“If a councillor’s cellphone bill exceeds the monthly allowance then it comes off their salaries,” he added. He also said that at the end of the term of office a councillor may choose to take over the contract and pay “the unsubsidised amount”.
According to the new allowances, Makana Mayor Vumile Lwana will receive a staggering R2 854 cellphone allowance per month and each member of his five-person mayoral committee will be able to spend up to R1 425.
Meanwhile, Matebese said it is not unusual for Lwana to receive an annual transport allowance of R138 752 from the municipality and at the same time be entitled to unlimited personal use of the dedicated mayoral vehicle.
“The car allowance is a benefit that comes with the position of being a mayor and it obviously has tax implications and a log book that has to be filled in”.
When asked how Lwana decides between using the offical vehicle or his allowance to meet his travelling needs, Matebese did not elaborate.
“Point 5.1.3.1 of the Mayoral handbook states that ‘It is left to the discretion of Mayors to utilise the vehicle at the expense of the municipality for any reasonable purpose’” he emphasised.
