By Bodwa Mbingo | 2019-08-10
Different formula, but same end result! That is how the new remuneration framework has coined a formula towards the prime minister eventually getting a retirement home. At face value, the issue of the provision of a retirement for a former prime minister that proved to be a thorny issue to the public after government initially undertook to construct a E5.5 million house for former PM Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini last year has been removed by the Phil Mnisi-led Royal Commission.
Provision
However, on a second look, the provision is there, although not as clearly articulated as it was contained previously. New Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini will still get such a house thatwas pupularly called lidlokolo (a shack) due to events that led to its sanctioning by the past government. The new framework provides that government shall provide a home improvement/ Enhancement finance facility to the prime minister and deputy prime minister of maximum e3 million and E2.4 million, respectively; within the period of their term in office and shall have access to these funds for use of improving or paying off any loan they may have on the property that they have each designated to be home or resident for them.
The now reviewed Finance Circular No. 2 of 2013 provided that a retiring prime minister was entitled to a house built for him at government’s expense. Mnisi’s Commission was tasked with reviewing the 2013 circular by His Majesty King Mswati III following an outcry at sibaya (People’s Parliament) in 2016 where the nation complained about hefty perks enjoyed by politicians at the expense of the taxpayer.
The then minister of Finance Martin Dlamini, when delivering his budget speech in 2018, informed Parliament that a budget of E5.5 million had been allocated for the construction of the former prime minister’s house. Members of the 10th Parliament protested this amount and said it was excessive. They argued and debated that the cost for the prime minister’s retirement house should be reduced to E3 million.
The then prime minister fought the reduction of the cost of the house and said E5.5 million was enough for a house befitting his status. “Angeke kube lidlokolo (the house will not be a shack or sub-standard),” Dlamini argued at the time.
The new framework stipulates that access to these funds shall be approved by the minister of finance at the request of the prime minister and/or deputy prime minister within 24 hours of taking up office and will be duly utilsed before end of their term of office.
“The purpose of this facility is to ensure that, at retirement, the former politicians have private residences befitting the status of a former prime minister or deputy prime minister,” further reads the summary report.
The new remuneration framework also provides that the prime minister upon vacating office will be entitled to a taxable monthly salary equal to that of a cabinet minister, which stands at E61 757 a month. It also provides that the PM will be provided with a vehicle which shall be of the same status as that of a Cabinet minister in office. For the deputy prime minister, upon vacating office, his salary will be equivalent to that of a regional administrator (RA), which stands at E57 898 a month.
“The post-service compensation is only prospective; and not retrospective. All former prime ministers and deputy prime ministers employed under preceding circulars are subject to the terms and conditions of service of that respective circular. Upon the death of the prime minister and deputy prime minister, with effect from the day of his death, these benefits shall come to an end,” reads part of the Royal Commission’s summary report.
the former prime ministers or deputy prime ministers who are not in formal employment and are not members of committees, councils, or similar boards that receive remuneration above E10 000 shall be paid E20 000 a month, according to the remuneration framework.
E700 000 furniture for PM
The value of furniture allocated to a house designated for the prime minister has been set at E700 000.
The new remuneration framework stipulates that the value of the furniture allocated in each of the government-owned residences or designated houses must be of reasonable cost and should not exceed the E700 000 for the PM, E500 000 for the deputy prime minister and E300 000 for regional administrators.
Benefit
This is a once-off benefit for the designated officers for the duration of the 11th Parliament; should the prime minister or deputy prime minister or regional administrator exhaust this capped limit, the purchase of any additional furniture will be at their personal expense.
It also states that the furnishing of the government-owned or designated residences occupied by the prime minister, deputy prime minister and regional administrators is limited to the provision and maintenance of hard and soft furniture as defined in the framework document. “Inventories of all furnishings and accessories purchased by government and belonging to the government at government owned residences and or designated residences shall be kept by the relevant ministry,” adds the summary report.
share story
Post Your Comments Below
THE passing on of one of the country’s longest serving ministers of the Gospel has left the...
Nedbank Eswatini has demonstrated resilience in a complex economic environment, reporting a 10 pe...
Eswatini sensation, Uncle Waffles, has been increasingly teasing the release of what is set to be...
SOCCER - CAPITAL city side Mbabane Highlanders have announced the appointment of Milton Dlamini a...
All material © Swazi Observer. Material may not be published or reproduced in any form without prior written permission.
Design by Real Image Internet