VIP protection officers in Tshwane might get fixed monthly allowances of R35k

JOHANNEBSURG - In an effort to curb excessive overtime claims, the City of Tshwane municipality is considering paying its VIP protection officers a fixed R35,000. thousand.

A report recently tabled to council shows this allowance will replace overtime pay, meaning all VIP officers will receive this monthly pay regardless of whether they work overtime, are sick or on leave.

VIP protection officers fall under the Tshwane metro police department and are charged with the protection of the mayor, speaker and MMC’s among other high-profile people in the city.

The Auditor-General has, for several years, raised flags over the abuse of Tshwane’s overtime system.

As a result, in March this year, the city manager issued a circular saying overtime should be limited to 40 hours a month per employee.

However, the report presented to the council said this is difficult for VIP protection officers due to the nature of their jobs.

On average, a single VIP officer works more than 100 hours of overtime a month.

Last year, overtime for VIP officers accounted for about 64% of the total overtime for TMPD officers (R21,3 million).

The proposed 35 thousand rand a month allowance will be tabled at the local labour forum for consultation before being implemented.