National Taxpayers Union/Nasionale Belastingbetalersunie

Here is a letter written by the Ratepayers Forum of Tulbach, regarding the salary increases for council officials.  It is a useful letter for organisations facing similar problems:

T.R.I.F.

(Tulbagh Ratepayers & Inwoners Forum)

C/O P.O. Box 339

Tulbagh

6820

Chairman: Niël de Jager

Contact No: (023 230 0233 / 083 522 8666)

15 May 2009

Witzenberg Municipality

ATTENTION: THE MUNICIPAL MANAGER AND MANAGER FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION

Dear David

Re: Draft Budget

Herewith the comments of T.R.I.F. regarding the above. We have raised a few points for your consideration, but wish to stress the comments regarding salary increases for councillors and senior staff.

When we look at the increases being put forward for the general staff of 11 – 16% and in excess of 16% for senior staff, one wonders;

a) How these increases are justified

b) Where the money will keep coming from in the future, especially as provision has already been made for the next two budget years of 11% and 10% respectively.

We also wish to enquire as to how these increases are warranted in the current very subdued economic situation. In addition o that, the Mayor spoke at the presentation on the 8^th May, 2009 about relief for the poor, but gave no details of what this would be.

We, the whole country, are supposed to be trying to close the gap between the, so called “rich” and “poor”, but with such extravagant salary increases, it appears the problem is being aggravated, or is it only the private sector who has to bear this burden?

Finally, one more point to bear in mind, is the fact that many of the taxpayers of the Witzenberg area have not received salary increases and many have even lost their jobs. I wonder what they will think of this situation? The people out there have to battle to cut costs in order to pay taxes and services, while others live in luxury.

We, the members of T.R.I.F. have given our support in the past and will continue to do so, as long as we see results, something that is not obvious at present.

We trust these comments will be considered in the same constructive way in which they have been put together.

Regards

Niel de Jager

Chairman T.R.I.F.

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