According to the Emfuleni Local Municipality, the amounts in question pertain to a sitting allowance and not a travel allowance. The difference in the sitting allowance of R2000 for the Mayoral Investment Council and Bursary Committee and that of the stipend of ward committee member of R300 is based on the following:
- The two committees play different roles and functions. The Investment and Bursary committee, consists of members from business, industry, education, and academia amongst others.
- The stipend for ward committee members is determined using the National Framework: Criteria for Determining out of Pocket Expenses for Ward Committee Members, issued by the Department for all municipalities in 2009.