Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu has been placed on leave of absence pending a judicial commission of inquiry, as ordered by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
For public servants, this often equates to paid leave..
Mchunu’s leave comes a week after KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi made bombshell allegations of underworld dealings about the minister.
SENZO MCHUNU: HOW MUCH WILL HE EARN DURING LEAVE OF ABSENCE?
During a “family meeting” briefing on Sunday evening, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that he had placed Minister Senzo Mchunu of a leave of absence. This minister would remain on leave for the duration of judicial commission of inquiry.
The commission would be pending an “urgent and comprehensive investigation” on Mkhwanazi’s criminal allegations.
Despite outlining the lengthy process, which could take several months, Ramaphosa claimed that the commission would be attended to with “necessary urgency and thoroughness”.
After its investigation, the commission would submit a final report to the president, who would also expect an interim report after three and six months.
In the interim, Wits Professor Firoz Cachalia would officially be appointed acting Minister of Police at the end of July.
According to reports, ministers in South Africa over R2.6 million per annum, pending a 2.5% increase.
Public servants, like Senzo Mchunu, receive their full salary during their leave of absence.
OTHER MINISTERIAL PERKS
In addition to his salary, Senzo Mchunu would likely benefit from other perks of being in office. This includes:
- Free water, electricity, and generators
- Living in a state-owned residence, which includes domestic help
- Luxury car allowance for professional and private use
- First-class flights for official trips and economy flights for family members
- Hotel accommodation and catering when on official business
- VIP protection, including blue-light brigades
- “Out-of-pocket expenses”
MINISTER: ‘I WELCOME AND RESPECT PRESIDENT’S DECISION’
Minister Senzo Mchunu issued a statement following President Ramaphosa’s address.
He shared: “I welcome and respect the President’s decision and pledge my commitment to the process. Honour and integrity are the virtues I personally subscribe to and which we all need to make efforts to uphold.
“I stand ready to respond to the accusations against me and account to the citizens of the Republic, fully and honestly so.”
DO YOU THINK SENZO MCHUNU SHOULD EARN HIS FULL MINISTERIAL SALARY DURING THE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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