South African taxpayers are footing a bill of over R14.4 million annually for the salaries of just two Deputy Ministers in the Presidency and their support staff, according to a detailed parliamentary reply from Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenneth Morolong.
In response to a question from ActionSA Parliamentary Leader Athol Trollip, Morolong confirmed that his office accounts for R7,399,868 in salary expenses, while Deputy Minister Nonceba Mhlauli’s office totals R7,028,171, excluding other operational costs such as travel, vehicles, and accommodation.
According to the reply, Morolong’s salary is R2,215,220 per year, which includes a Post-Office Box allowance of R10,000 per month. His office includes six staff members with salaries ranging from R163,680 to R1,216,824, with some receiving additional allowances under the Professional Negotiated Performance Allowance (PNPA).
The salary breakdown for Morolong’s staff is as follows:
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Moleme M: R1,216,824 + PNPA (R7,330 pm)
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Lukas MJ (seconded): R1,059,105 + PNPA (R7,330 pm)
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Masike DR: R896,436 + PNPA (R7,330 pm)
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Phakwe JM: R228,321 + PNPA (R1,067 pm)
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Moje BS: R163,680
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Mzala DS: R163,680
Deputy Minister Mhlauli also earns R2,215,220 annually, inclusive of the same allowance. Her office consists of seven staff members, with salaries ranging from R163,680 to R1,247,574; some also receive PNPA benefits.
The breakdown for Mhlauli’s staff includes:
- Titus MM: R1,247,574 + PNPA (R7,330 pm)
- Mbele MP: R1,216,824 + PNPA (R7,330 pm
- Dayi SB: R896,436 + PNPA (R7,330 pm)
- Shirimba M: R896,436 + PNPA (R7,330 pm)
- Tolofane MA: R228,321 + PNPA (R1,667 pm)
- Maqaza TW: R163,680
- Manyathi BSN: R163,680
On perks and official benefits, Morolong cited the Guide for Members of the Executive dated 2 November 2022, stating: “The costs for official journeys abroad by a Member, his/her spouse (or alternatively an adult family member accompanying the Member in official capacity instead of a spouse) are for the account of the relevant Department.”
He added that “Members should, with due regard to time constraints and their well-being, utilise the most cost-effective, direct and/or convenient route when making travel arrangements to ensure that unnecessary costs in this regard are avoided.”
He explained that “the cost of air travel shall be the cheapest of three (3) quotations and shall be limited to economy class travel, where the journey undertaken is less than 2 hours flying time; and business class travel, where the journey undertaken is more than 2 hours flying time.”
Regarding accommodation, Morolong said it “should be kept as low as possible by making use of hotels which suit the status of Members, but which have reasonable tariffs (5-star graded hotel or equivalent of a South African 5-star graded hotel).”
Concerning official vehicles, he stated: “National Members shall be provided with one vehicle for official use in each seat of office. The price for the purchase of official vehicles shall not exceed R800,000.00, inclusive of VAT, security upgrades and maintenance plans.”
He further explained that “where the official vehicle is not available, Members may make use of hired vehicles of a similar make and model as may be purchased by a department.”
On allowances, the Morolong said: “No daily subsistence and travel allowance is payable to a Member, Member’s spouse (or an adult family member who accompanies the Member instead of a spouse) or minor children for domestic travel.”
These disclosures come at a time when South Africa is grappling with a severe youth unemployment crisis.
The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the first quarter of 2025 shows that unemployment among those aged 15 to 34 has climbed to 46.1%, while the rate among 15 to 24-year-olds is even higher at 62.4%.
In provinces like the Eastern Cape and North West, where youth unemployment stands at 54.3% and 58.8%, respectively, the crisis deepens into economic exclusion.
Young women are disproportionately affected, with a NEET rate (Not in Employment, Education, or Training) of 48.1%, compared to 42.2% for young men.
Morolong’s detailed reply highlights the government’s effort to regulate official expenses carefully.
However, the contrast between the significant expenditure on Deputy Ministers and the harsh reality faced by millions of young South Africans struggling to enter the workforce raises pressing questions about budget priorities.
Politics
