Director General of the Department of Public Service and Administration, Prof Richard Levine and Minister for the Public Service and Administration, Mr Senzo Mchunu

Public Service and Administration Minister, Mr Senzo Mchunu released the long-awaited revised Guide for Members of the Executive on Monday.

Briefing reporters in Pretoria, Minister Mchunu said part of the changes to the Guide includes the procurement of official vehicles limited to R700 000, 00 inclusive of VAT, maintenance plans and security and extras.

“Members and their spouses travelling by air transport must travel in economy class for all official domestic travel as well as for international travel where the travel time is less than two hours.

“The State shall not bear any costs in respect of security upgrades done at the Member’s private residence.

“The rental for cellular telephones, as well as the cost of official calls, is subject to an annual limitation of R60 000.00,” he said.

With regard to staff in support of a Member’s Office, Minister Mchunu said they have been reduced as follows Minister – 13 to 7, Deputy Minister 9 to 5, Premier 12 to 7 and MEC 12 to 5.

In respect of water and electricity, he said the state’s contribution will be limited to R5 000.00 per month per State-owned Residence.

“No contribution will be made in respect of private residences. No cleaning materials, equipment and chemicals will be provided to residences.

“Members shall be responsible for all the costs related to domestic workers in the personal employ of the Member.

Minister Mchunu (center)  with DPSA officials at the media briefing

“Travel by a spouse for official domestic trips is now limited to six (6) domestic economy class travel trips per financial year if the Member is required to attend official duties accompanied by a spouse or adult family member,” he said.

Minister Mchunu said additional flight tickets for Member’s private use is reduced from thirty to twenty single economy class tickets for use by the Member or the Member’s spouse.

He said Departments should not be responsible for the cost of gratuities and reading material for both the Member and the spouse, adding that the continued benefits for members upon relinquishing office is reduced to one calendar month.

“A member is permitted to occupy one State-owned residence free of charge and where a member occupies a second state-owned residence, and then the Member is required to pay a rental and is personally responsible for the related tax implication.

“It is envisaged that similar changes will take place to cut these costs in the Public Service and the public sector in general, including Mayors, Executive Committees, Directors General and state-owned entities,” he said.

The Guide for Members of the Executive replaces the former Ministerial Handbook.