Millionaire managers already hired by ANC for unconstitutional NHI Bill
16 April 2024
In response to a written question addressed to the Minister of Health, Joe Paahla, it was confirmed that there are several individuals in the upper salary bands, 13 to 16, of the Department of Health's National Health Insurance (NHI) programme who already earn over R1.2 million per annum. The 2024/25 National Budget allocated funds to employ at least 28 people in these salary bands this year, with an average annual salary of R1.1 million.
Moreover, as far back as 2022, the Department requested that the NHI branch be "strengthened". Consequently, the Minister of Public Service and Administration approved 44 more high-earning positions.
This prompted the DA’s questions regarding the necessity of such high salaries for these roles. The written questions specifically sought the job descriptions and compensation expectations. The Minister’s vague response has confirmed that many of the positions are redundant and wasteful, will contribute little value to the public service and will merely serve to diverted resources that could be more effectively used elsewhere.
One such position is: