OUTA makes formal submission to Parly backing bill to limit benefits for ministers

CAPE TOWN - The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) has made a formal submission to Parliament in support of the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers Amendment Bill to limit benefits for ministers.

OUTA said the bill was triggered by the 2022 amendments to the ministerial handbook, which it said "quietly granted" ministers and deputy ministers free water and electricity at official residences and also expanded their private offices.

OUTA said this was costing taxpayers over R87 million annually.

OUTA's submission comes after ActionSA MP Alan Beesley gazetted a notice in March this year announcing his intention to table the amendment bill.

OUTA's submission to Parliament highlighted several key recommendations, like how Parliament must be notified within 30 days of any change to benefits or allowances for ministers, deputy ministers, the president or deputy president.

The organisation said that such changes must be preceded by a recommendation from the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers.

OUTA executive director, advocate Stefanie Fick, said they believed that the amendment bill presented a rare opportunity to "fix a governance gap" that has allowed the misuse of public funds under the guise of executive entitlement.

"Because it aims to stop ministers from awarding themselves benefits like free water and electricity without proper oversight. The bill closes loopholes that have allowed this to happen behind closed doors."

Fick said they were not opposing fair and reasonable remuneration for public officials.

"What we are demanding is accountability. The bill begins to answer the public's call for austerity, transparency, and the rule of law in how the executive treats public money," said Fick.

ActionSA MP Alan Beesley intends to introduce the private member's bill which seeks to provide for "proper controls and transparency" in the allocation of benefits, tools of trade and allowances to the president and his Cabinet.