COMMISSION FOR POLITICIANS’ PAY DRAGS INTO 3RD TERM

MBABANE – It seems the work of the Royal Commission, whose task is to determine the terms and conditions of service for politicians, is really tough. This is because the commission has had its term of office extended for another term. What this means is that the commission has been allowed to enjoy claims for a whole year. The latest extension of office for the commission is reflected in a government gazette dated March 26, 2019 issued by the Ministry of Finance.

The first extension for the commission became effective on September 4, 2018, where it was stated that the commission was to continue to execute its duties for two months and be expected to submit its report on or before October 22, 2018.
The second extension was then made known through a gazette dated November 7, 2018 which stipulated that the term of office for the commission was to run until January 31, 2019.

Known as the Commission of Enquiries into the Terms and Conditions of Service for the Members of Parliament and Statutory Boards and Commissions, the team, which comprises of seven members, has been given about three more months in office.
According to the gazette, the commission will continue to execute its duties until June 30, 2019.

Chairing the committee is Eswatini Sugar Association (ESA) CEO Phil Mnisi while Senior Attorney Sidumo Mdladla is the Secretary.
The rest of the members are REDI Director Dr Sikhomba Gumbi, former Principal Secretary Nomathemba Hlophe, Standard Bank Chief Executive Mvuselelo Fakudze, Chartered Accountant Kobla Quashie and Joe Shilubane.

The commission was appointed by His Majesty King Mswati III in March last year following calls which were made by emaSwati during the Sibaya People’s Parliament that the terms and conditions of service of members of Parliament, including cabinet, should be determined by His Majesty the King. Announcing the commission was former Prime Minister, the late Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini, who at the time said it was expected to submit its report by the end of March 31, 2018.

In carrying out its duties, the commission was expected to review the terms and conditions of service for politicians of the 11th Parliament, statutory Boards and commissions. It was stated that the commission may, where necessary, consult with other SADC countries for knowledge-sharing and benchmarking to allow it to keep abreast with international trends.

Recommendations

Furthermore, it was outlined that the commission shall mediate in any disputes regarding the circular that will set out the recommendations of the commission on the respective terms and conditions of service and also recommend policies and guidelines where necessary, in relation to any of the terms and conditions of service.

Some of the considerations that the commission is expected to make include the role, status, duties, functions and responsibilities of relevant public office bearers,  affordability of different levels of remuneration of political office bearers and current principles and levels of remuneration in society, generally. It is also expected to consider allowance for the effect of inflation, resources available,  remuneration structure of the private sector and public sector, including State-owned entities, linkage between politicians’ salaries and allowances and those of civil servants: and how they can be incorporated into remuneration and implemented accordingly plus any other relevant factors.

When called for comment, Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg confirmed that the term of office for the commission had been extended.
However, he did not want to say much regarding the reasons for such a decision. This reporter brought it to the attention of the minister that the members were obviously getting paid for being in office and that they had already been in office for a year.
“It has been extended, that is correct. The remuneration for politicians is a confidential document and a process so I am not privy to the information.”

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