How much is Senzo Mchunu getting paid while on leave?
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has been put on leave while a commission of inquiry gets underway. Here’s how much he’ll earn during that time…
President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered a commission of inquiry and placed Senzo Mchunu on leave of absence as Minister of Police.
In the public service, this typically means paid leave.
Mchunu’s suspension comes a week after KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, made explosive allegations linking the minister to underworld activities.
SENZO MCHUNU: HOW MUCH WILL HE EARN DURING LEAVE OF ABSENCE?
During a “family meeting” briefing on Sunday evening, Ramaphosa announced that he had placed Minister Senzo Mchunu on leave of absence. This minister would remain on leave for the duration of the judicial commission of inquiry.
The commission would be pending an “urgent and comprehensive investigation” on Mkhwanazi’s criminal allegations.
Despite outlining the lengthy process, which could take several months, Ramaphosa claimed that the commission would be attended to with “necessary urgency and thoroughness”.
After its investigation, the commission would submit a final report to the president, who would also expect an interim report after three and six months.
In the interim, Wits Professor Firoz Cachalia will officially be appointed acting minister of police at the end of July.
According to reports, ministers in South Africa receive over R2.6 million per annum, pending a 2.5% increase.
Public servants, like Senzo Mchunu, receive their full salary during their leave of absence.
OTHER MINISTERIAL PERKS
In addition to his salary, Senzo Mchunu will likely continue benefiting from other perks of being in office. This includes:
- Free water, electricity and generators
- Living in a state-owned residence, which includes domestic help
- Luxury car allowance for professional and private use
- First-class flights for official trips and economy flights for family members
- Hotel accommodation and catering when on official business
- VIP protection, including blue-light brigades
- “Out-of-pocket expenses”
MINISTER: ‘I WELCOME AND RESPECT PRESIDENT’S DECISION’
Mchunu issued a statement following Ramaphosa’s address.
“I welcome and respect the President’s decision and pledge my commitment to the process. Honour and integrity are the virtues I personally subscribe to and which we all need to make efforts to uphold.
“I stand ready to respond to the accusations against me and account to the citizens of the Republic, fully and honestly so,” he shared.