PSA questions lucrative salary adjustments for senior managers in Limpopo Agriculture

The PSA (Public Servants Association) has exposed lucrative salary adjustments in the Department of Agriculture in Limpopo and has vowed to get to the bottom of the rot.

The Member of the Executive Council (MEC) in September 2011 issued a directive to upgrade the salaries of a selected group of employees in "recognition of their capabilities and outstanding performance". Some had their salaries increased by seven to eight notches. "It is ironic that all these employees are senior managers, mainly in the Head Office of the Department", said PSA Provincial Manager in Limpopo, Pieter Koen.

The PSA (and others) submitted a memorandum to the Head of Department on 26 January 2012 demanding that the adjusted salaries be reversed and money refunded to the Department as the criteria used to identify the fortunate few were questionable. There were also other demands related to, amongst others, disciplinary action to be taken against certain officials involved in the adjustments.

Although the Department has since confirmed that the salaries of the employees who were upgraded have been reversed, the PSA is not prepared to lay the matter to rest. "There are still too many unanswered questions. During a meeting with the MEC on 13 February 2012, she made a brave attempt to justify her actions, but there are now even more questions than answers. One moment it is said that the adjustments were done in terms of section 37 of the Public Service Act which provides for a special advancement in salaries for employees of exceptional ability or having special qualifications. The next moment it appears that the normal performance assessment measures were applied in ‘rewarding' these senior employees.

The MEC directed that their salaries be adjusted because of capabilities, outstanding performance and to retain them and the moment we ask questions it is reversed ‘considering inputs from trade unions and the prevailing provincial financial situation and other important factors'", said Koen.

Koen confirmed that the PSA was busy carefully analysing all documents at the Union's disposal. "We are determined to get to the bottom of this conduct and have also brought it to the attention of the Public Service Commission and the Special Investigation Unit", said Koen.

Statement issued by Pieter Koen, Public Servants Association, March 1 2012

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