Fani in line for R1m pay raise

BUFFALO City Metro boss Andile Fani is in line to receive a pay rise of between R500 000 and R1-million to see his annual package grow to R2.3-million.

Fani will receive the financial windfall if council approves recommendations in a confidential council report crafted by BCM mayor Zukiswa Ncitha.

However, questions have risen over Fani’s annual salary of R1.8-million listed in the report – which is R400000 more than a figure municipal spokesman Keith Ngesi gave to the Daily Dispatch last September when BCM senior managers received a similar windfall.

At the time Ngesi said Fani’s salary would range between “R1354291 and R1463627”, which means if Ncitha’s figures are incorrect, Fani will receive an almost R1-million increase this year.

Contacted for clarity on the issue yesterday, Ngesi declined to comment, saying: “This remains a confidential report. I’m in no position to comment on its content. In fact, I have not even seen it.”

But the South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) threatened to challenge the matter in court if passed, while the East London Ratepayers’ Association described the move as “crazy and ridiculous”.

The report was circulated before last Wednesday’s council meeting but later withdrawn until a special meeting to discuss it.

The report states that BCM is a category 8 municipality, a grade which entitles its accounting officer to receive a salary ranging between R1.86-million and R2.8-million.

In the report the mayor refers to Fani’s updated curriculum vitae, which she says shows he has 20 years of local government or related experience, is in possession of the required relevant qualifications and has obtained further qualifications above the minimum requirements.

Ncitha said in terms of National Treasury minimum competencies, this would qualify Fani “to be placed at the midpoint salary range ”. Ncitha also proposes the increase be backdated to July 1.

But the Dispatch has learnt that Ncitha’s report has divided the ANC caucus in the council as some members were adamant that comparing BCM to well run councils such as the City of Cape Town, Johannesburg and eThekweni was “absurd”.

“How can we be expected to compare apples with bananas and oranges,” asked a source who attended the caucus.

The mayor then suggested the report be withdrawn.

“The thing is the minutes had been circulated already. She was unable to just wish her report away,” said another source.

Reacting to the report, Sanco BCM chairman Xolani Somaca threatened legal action if council agreed with the mayor’s recommendations.

“There is no justification to hike his salary. What is the logic behind this recommendation?

“The quality of service rendered does not justify such an increase.

“We are going to consult our legal team,” Somaca said.

Sanco is in alliance with the ANC, Cosatu and SACP.

Somaca said the organisation would also challenge the alliance to intervene.

East London Ratepayers’ Association’s André Swart said the increase was not deserved.

“He does not even deserve the current salary he is earning.

“So how do you justify an increase where services have deteriorated?”