Latest news with #R224
IOL News
7 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Labour law expert questions constitutionality of Police Minister's paid leave
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu accepts his special leave by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Image: IOL Graphics Labour law expert, Advocate Bo Dlamini, says President Cyril Ramaphosa's decision to place the embattled Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on paid leave may be unconstitutional and wasteful. This comes as taxpayers are set to bear a heavier financial burden following the announcement that Mchunu, who has been placed on special leave, will continue to earn his full annual salary of R2.69 million. This is in light of a presidential commission of inquiry announced by Ramaphosa, which could take between three to six months to conclude. Despite being off duty, Mchunu will continue to earn his full annual salary of R2.69 million, which translates to approximately R224 166.67 per month. During the inquiry period, Professor Firoz Cachalia from Wits University has been appointed to act as the interim Minister of Police. While Cachalia's exact remuneration package has not been officially confirmed, it is expected that he will receive a ministerial-level salary during his acting term. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Dlamini said since ministers are not appointed under the Public Service Act, it is unclear where the president based his decision to give Mchunu a leave of absence, saying it was even worse that the leave may take up to a year, which is unusual for ministers and it can constitute a wasteful expenditure. He further stated that although ministers' appointments are not regulated by labour laws, the president, in a supervisor-subordinate relationship, could have suspended the minister instead of granting him a leave. 'Ramaphosa was supposed to suspend Mr Mchunu and appoint an independent tribunal to investigate the two violations of the Constitution within three months and make a report with recommendations,' said Dlamini. He said Mchunu may have violated Section 207 of the Constitution, which deals with roles of the National Commissioners and Provincial Commissioners in controlling and managing the SAPS, adding that this clause clearly forbids Mchunu from disbanding the political task team unit which could have been done by the National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Fannie Masemola. Dlamini further stated that there is another piece of prima facie evidence that Mchunu lied in Parliament by stating that he didn't know Brown Mogotsi, but later on admitted knowing only as a "comrade". Dlamini said another minister should have been appointed to act in Mchunu's place to protect taxpayers' money instead of appointing a new acting minister who will enjoy added benefits while Mchunu enjoys the same perks sitting at home. With the Police Ministry already bloated with two deputy ministers and costing taxpayers millions of rand in salaries and ministerial perks, there has been a public outcry over the president's decision to place Mchunu on a long paid leave and appointing acting Minister outside the Cabinet. This means taxpayers will foot the bill for four political heads of one department. Opposition parties also questioned the president's decision to appoint commissions instead of utilising the existing crime fighting state institutions such as the Special Investigations Unit. Addressing the nation on Sunday, the president defended his decision to appoint a non-Cabinet member to act by quoting Section 91(3)(c) of the Constitution, which allows the president to appoint not more than two ministers outside the National Assembly. However, the same Section is silent on appointing acting minister outside the National Assembly. Deputy ministers could not also be appointed to act since they are not part of the Cabinet. Cape Times
IOL News
7 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Taxpayers to fund Mchunu's R2. 69 million salary during suspension
Taxpayers will continue to fund Police Minister Senzo Mchunu's full salary of R2.69 million while he is suspended amid a presidential inquiry into serious corruption allegations Taxpayers will face an increased financial burden as Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, currently on special leave, is set to continue receiving his full annual salary of R2.69 million. This decision comes in light of a presidential commission of inquiry announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, which could take between three to six months to conclude. Despite being off duty, Mchunu will continue to earn his full annual salary of R2.69 million, which translates to approximately R224 166.67 per month. During the inquiry period, Professor Firoz Cachalia from Wits University has been appointed to act as the interim Minister of Police. While Cachalia's exact remuneration package has not been officially confirmed, it is expected that he will receive a ministerial-level salary during his acting term. If Cachalia serves as acting minister, he is expected to earn a monthly salary equivalent to that of a full Cabinet minister, approximately R224 166.67. This means he would receive around R672 500 over three months, and up to R1.35 million if the inquiry stretches to six months. This effectively means the Ministry of Police will cost the state nearly R1.35 million in salaries over three months, and up to R2.69 million if the inquiry extends to six months. A minister's total remuneration includes a basic salary component that is equal to 60% of the total package, which constitutes the pensionable salary. Each public servant is paid R120 000 per annum, including in their basic salary. The Presidency said that this amount is subject to the Income Tax Act. An employer's pension benefit contribution is equal to 22.5% of pensionable salary.
IOL News
15-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
This is how much it's going to cost taxpayers
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has been placed on special leave but will continue earning his full salary. South African taxpayers are set to bear a heavier financial burden following the announcement that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who has been placed on special leave, will continue to earn his full annual salary of R2.69 million. This decision comes in light of a presidential commission of inquiry announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, which could take between three to six months to conclude. Despite being off duty, Mchunu will continue to earn his full annual salary of R2.69 million, which translates to approximately R224,166.67 per month. During the inquiry period, Professor Firoz Cachalia from Wits University has been appointed to act as the interim Minister of Police. While Cachalia's exact remuneration package has not been officially confirmed, it is expected that he will receive a ministerial-level salary during his acting term. If Cachalia serves as acting minister, he is expected to earn a monthly salary equivalent to that of a full Cabinet minister, approximately R224,166.67. This means he would receive around R672,500 over three months, and up to R1.35 million if the inquiry stretches to six months. This effectively means the Ministry of Police will cost the state nearly R1.35 million in salaries over three months, and up to R2.69 million if the inquiry extends to six months. It is currently not known how long Mchunu will be placed on leave, but he will be receiving his ministerial salary throughout this period. The Presidency last year gazetted a 2.5% salary increase for ministers, deputy ministers, members of parliament, and other public representatives, retroactive to 1 April 2024. Ministers in South Africa will now earn R2.69 million annually, up from their previous salary of R2.64 million, according to a report by IOL. A minister's total remuneration includes a basic salary component that is equal to 60% of the total package, which constitutes the pensionable salary. Each public servant is paid R120,000 per annum, including in their basic salary. The Presidency said that this amount is subject to the Income Tax Act. An employer's pension benefit contribution is equal to 22.5% of pensionable salary.
IOL News
15-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Mchunu on Leave, Acting Minister Appointed: Here's how much it will cost taxpayers
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has been placed on special leave but will continue earning his full salary. South African taxpayers are set to bear a heavier financial burden following the announcement that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who has been placed on special leave, will continue to earn his full annual salary of R2.69 million. This decision comes in light of a presidential commission of inquiry announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, which could take between three to six months to conclude. Despite being off duty, Mchunu will continue to earn his full annual salary of R2.69 million, which translates to approximately R224,166.67 per month. During the inquiry period, Professor Firoz Cachalia from Wits University has been appointed to act as the interim Minister of Police. While Cachalia's exact remuneration package has not been officially confirmed, it is expected that he will receive a ministerial-level salary during his acting term. If Cachalia serves as acting minister, he is expected to earn a monthly salary equivalent to that of a full Cabinet minister, approximately R224,166.67. This means he would receive around R672,500 over three months, and up to R1.35 million if the inquiry stretches to six months. This effectively means the Ministry of Police will cost the state nearly R1.35 million in salaries over three months, and up to R2.69 million if the inquiry extends to six months. It is currently not known how long Mchunu will be placed on leave, but he will be receiving his ministerial salary throughout this period. The Presidency last year gazetted a 2.5% salary increase for ministers, deputy ministers, members of parliament, and other public representatives, retroactive to 1 April 2024. Ministers in South Africa will now earn R2.69 million annually, up from their previous salary of R2.64 million, according to a report by IOL. A minister's total remuneration includes a basic salary component that is equal to 60% of the total package, which constitutes the pensionable salary. Each public servant is paid R120,000 per annum, including in their basic salary. The Presidency said that this amount is subject to the Income Tax Act. An employer's pension benefit contribution is equal to 22.5% of pensionable salary.
IOL News
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
New Honda Amaze versus Suzuki Dzire: which is the best compact sedan on the block?
The Honda Amaze (left) and Suzuki Dzire are both fresh from comprehensive redesigns. Image: Jason Woosey Sedans have gone from being the go-to body style a few decades back to a relatively small niche in today's SUV-obsessed motoring landscape. Buyers have for the most part given the boot, the boot. Yet the two latest small sedans on the market, the recently launched Suzuki Dzire and Honda Amaze, are still selling in reasonably good numbers, with the latter being Honda's most popular vehicle at the moment. Ok, we know what you're thinking - surely these two purely exist for the ride-hailing market? Granted, they are really popular in that space, but dealers tell us there is also a demand for them among buyers with small families and pensioners. The two Japanese-branded sedans that we see here are rather similar in concept. Both are built in India, and measure a shade under four metres in length to take advantage of a tax break in that country. The pair are also powered by 1.2-litre normally aspirated engines. They're among the most affordable sedans on the market, with the Suzuki priced from R224,900 to R266,900 and the Honda costing between R254,900 and R294,900. But keep in mind that the Honda is available with higher spec levels, so to keep things as fair and equal as possible, we compared the Suzuki Dzire 1.2 GL+, which is the flagship manual version at R246,900, with Honda's base-spec 1.2 Trend manual, which costs R254,900. Dimensions and Design Both cars were recently redesigned, with the Suzuki being an all-new model and the Honda being a comprehensive facelift that bears little resemblance to its predecessor. Styling is a subjective thing, but we'd say both are successful restyles that inject some much-needed attitude into what were rather bland designs in the past. The design updates make both cars appear more purposeful than before. Image: Jason Woosey Video Player is loading. 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Next Stay Close ✕ Honda's large honeycomb grille makes quite a statement and its new taillights, taking inspiration from the Ballade and Civic, are elegant and give a car a more upmarket appearance. The Suzuki is also very easy on the eye, with its new slim headlights and grille bar, and wide, tapering lower grille, but the back end is perhaps a bit forgettable. Interior design and practicality When it comes to practicality, these sedans are on a fairly equal footing. Rear legroom is surprisingly generous given their small dimensions. Sitting behind my driving position - I'm average-sized - there was room to stretch in both vehicles, with perhaps a smidgen more in the Suzuki. But rear headroom is really tight, with my head touching the ceiling in both cases if I leaned all the way back to the headrests. Their boots are similar in size, at 378 litres for the Honda and 416 litres in the Suzuki's case. Keep in mind that the boot apertures are relatively small, making it difficult to load bulkier items, and the rear seats don't fold in either of these vehicles. This does bring a security advantage, though, for what it's worth. Honda Amaze Image: Jason Woosey When it comes to interior design, we have to hand a solid win to the Honda. With a cockpit layout inspired by the latest Civic, it looks classy, and the materials appear to be of good quality. The 7.0-inch TFT digital instrument display is also a surprising addition at this end. Build quality is impressive, and the black cloth seat trim feels like it's made for life, with its dark colour scheme well suited to South African tastes. The Suzuki loses points here for its beige seat trim, which not only looks like it belongs in your Grandma's lounge, but it's sure to show dirt and grime very quickly. Suzuki Dzire. Image: Jason Woosey It's a popular colour scheme in India, but not so much in our market, and you'll certainly have to invest in seat covers for this vehicle. The Suzuki's 7.0-inch touchscreen is also smaller than its binnacle, which looks odd. User friendliness and features Neither of these vehicles disappoints when it comes to interior functionality, offering separate digital controls for the climate control systems and rather straightforward touchscreen infotainment systems - though the Honda's is bigger at 8.0 inches versus Suzuki's 7.0. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard in the two cars. Rear passengers have their own aircon vents in both cars, although the Suzuki scores extra points for having USB ports (both A and C type) positioned at the back of the centre console where both front and rear passengers can access them easily. It also has an additional USB A port upfront, while the Honda has two A-ports in this location. Both vehicles ship standard with electric windows and mirrors, multi-function steering wheels and rear park distance control with reverse cameras. But the Suzuki is the only one here with cruise control, while the Honda hits back with additional features over the Suzuki, such as automatic climate control, push-button start and LED headlights. When it comes to safety, both have stability control and ABS, but the Suzuki's airbag count of six (front, side and curtain) is a big win over Honda's two frontal crash bags. What they're like to drive As mentioned, they both have 1.2-litre normally aspirated engines and five-speed manual gearboxes, with CVT transmissions optionally available, although in the Honda's case you have to upgrade to the top-spec variant for that. The Suzuki comes with a new three-cylinder engine that delivers 60kW and 112Nm, while the Honda retains its trusty four-cylinder VTEC unit, offering 66kW and 110Nm. Their kerb weights are very similar, with the Suzuki tipping the scales at 940kg and the Honda at 963kg. Small 1.2-litre engines are the norm here. Image: Jason Woosey
