CAPE TOWN - Should former Western Cape DA leader and Transport MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela accept the role as senior advisor to the premier’s cabinet, he will be appointed in a level 3 salary bracket as opposed to the level 4 which would have paid him just over R2 million per annum.
This comes as Public Service and Administration (DPSA) Minister Ayanda Dlodlo sanctioned his appointment for level 3, which pays just over R1. 7million per annum and not level 4 which Premier Alan Winde had proposed.
This decision has been welcomed by the opposition in the provincial legislature.
Winde’s spokesperson, Cayla Murray, said they have noted the decision and no appointment has been made yet.
“We have received advice as per the regulatory processes through which we applied, that Madikizela is eligible to be appointed on special advisor salary level 3.
“This is advice that we well accept, in adherence to the role of DPSA in this regard, which advises on the proposed salary levels of all special advisors country wide. No appointment has been made as yet,” said Murray.
Leader of ANC in the Western Cape Legislature, Cameron Dugmore said they welcomed the sanction by Dlodlo.
“Premier Winde had applied to the Public Service Administration for permission to appoint the disgraced Madikizela as a special advisor at level 4, a job which last year had an entry level salary of R2 008 212. Minister Dlodlo scuppered this bid and resolved Madikizela must be appointed at level 3, which pays up to R1 739 784.
“Premier Winde knew that he should never have asked for level 4.
“This has simply resulted in embarrassment to Madikizela. The guidelines are very clear that Madikizela does not qualify for level 4. Why then did Winde ask for the highest level? Madikizela was punished for submitting a CV claiming to have a B.Com,” said Dugmore.
“We are happy the Minister declined to appoint Madikizela at the R2 million level. Winde must explain to the Legislature why he submitted an application for level 4 to Minister Dlodlo. We will insist that Winde comes to the standing committee to explain this conduct. It would appear to be a breach of the executive ethics code at best, and dishonesty at worst,” said Dugmore.
Madikizela had resigned as an MEC and DA Western Cape leader after it emerged he had allegedly lied about having a degree, dashing his hopes of becoming City mayor ahead of last year’s local government election.
Almost a year after his resignation in April, Winde’s office now says Madikizela has “an in-depth understanding of the provincial government”.
Winde had suspended Madikizela prior to his resignation.
Madikizela did not responded to enquiries by deadline on Monday.
Cape Times