The Department of Cooperative Governance was advised that payments of the once-off gratuity to eligible non-returning councillors after the 3 August 2016 local government elections could only be made after the Independent Commission for the Remuneration (“the Commission”) of Public Office Bearers published their recommendations in this regard.
On Friday, 11 November 2016:
The payment model was finalised on Tuesday, 16 November 2016.
Yes, payments of the once-off gratuity has commenced.
(i) In the process of payment, the Department is busy with the necessary preparations, calculations and verification of the payments to eligible non-returning councillors.
An amount of R309 million was appropriated for this purpose. The total amount that will be paid out will be determined after the payment have been finalised.
(ii) As at 28 November 2016, more than 4000 former councillors, still need to receive their gratuities.
(iii) The total amount of gratuities for the more than 4000 former councillors are still outstanding. This amount is still to be determined based on the payment model (including the formula) that was approved on the 16 November 2016.