The Minister of Presidential Affairs and Public Administration- Honourable Kabo N.K Morwaeng has withdrew his motion that sought to set up a Standing Committee which would be responsible for reviewing remuneration of Members of Parliament in Parliament, Ntlo ya Dikgosi, and councillors among others.
“The main object of the bill is to establish a Standing Committee to periodically assess remuneration for the political leadership as previous Commissions had recommended. It is important to note that the bill covers mostly those whose salaries are determined by Parliament, and these are Members of Parliament, Ntlo ya Dikgosi and Specified Officers which I indicated as the Attorney General, Auditor General, Chairman and other Members of the Public Service Commission, Secretary of the Independent Electoral Commission and Director of Public Prosecutions. Though the judiciary was recommended for inclusion in the Committee, they were removed as their conditions of service is the responsibility of the Judicial Service Commission.” Morwaeng asserted.
The Committee will be a standing body with the Ministry responsible for finance being its secretariat; It will enjoy independence in that the individuals to whom it is intended will be disqualified from membership; A member of the Committee will be bound by confidentiality even after cessation of his or her membership. Breach of confidentiality constitutes an offence with stiff penalties. Its composition will be such that it will attract men and women of integrity as well as experience in the identified areas.
However, according to Minister Morwaeng, he has withdrawn the motion pending further consultations. He says the motion will be re-tabled once the consultations are completed.
“There might have been misunderstanding regarding Governmentβs intention in coming up with the bill. As a result Government decided to withdraw the bill to allow further consultations. Once further consultations on the Bill shall have been concluded and feedback received, it will be re-tabled.” he proclaimed.
