Statement by Western Cape Premier Helen Zille: New Western Cape Ministerial Handbook: The no 'frills' approach of our government

Area of expenditure

Western Cape Ministerial Handbook

National Ministerial Handbook

1.

Disclosure of gifts & hospitality

Any gifts or hospitality received that exceeds R350 must be disclosed

Any gifts or hospitality received that exceeds R500 must be disclosed

2.

Restriction of ownership of interests in certain business entities

A Cabinet Member may not have a business interest in any entity conducting business with the Provincial Government if the Cabinet Member himself or herself or together with one or more:
(a) family members of the Cabinet Member;
(b) partners or other business associates of the Cabinet Member; or
(c) other Cabinet Members, directly or indirectly owns or controls more than five per cent of the shares, stock, membership or other interest of that entity.
(This brings the handbook directly in line with our recently adopted Business Interests of Employees Act)

No such rule exists in the national handbook.

3.

Accommodation and subsistence expenses incurred by members and debited to the State

Accommodation and subsistence expenses should be kept as low as possible by making use of hotels that have reasonable tariffs. As a rule, five star hotels must be avoided.

Accommodation and subsistence expenses should be kept as low as possible by making use of hotels, which suit the status of Members, but that have reasonable tariffs. There is no rule on avoiding five star hotels.

4.

Official vehicles

1. The total purchase price of the vehicle chosen by the Member may not exceed 40 % of the inclusive annual remuneration package of the Member.
2. The total purchase price per vehicle must include VAT, accessories, extras and a motor maintenance plan offered by the manufacturer.
3. Members are at liberty to choose appropriate vehicles of lesser value in the interest of spending efficiency.

The total purchase price of the vehicle chosen by the Member may not exceed 70 % of the inclusive annual remuneration package of the Member.
Guidelines 2 and 3 are not in the national handbook

5.

Use of rental vehicles

Only Group D (1600 cc and automatic) vehicles may be rented at airports unless it is impractical for the required purpose as determined by the Member.

There is no limit on the type of vehicles Ministers can rent.

6.

Domestic and international flights

1. Domestic Flights: members should use economy class
2.International Flights: members should use economy class when travelling less than eight hours for official purposes. For flights (departing Cape Town) longer than eight hours, Members may utilise business class.

1. Domestic flights: members are entitled to business class travel
2. International flights: members are entitled to first class travel

7.

State sponsored Credit Cards

No departmental sponsored credit cards may be obtained in the name of a Member.

Ministers may obtain a departmental sponsored credit card with the express authorisation of the Director-General or relevant accounting officer.

8.

Security measures at private residences

No direct payment to Members for security measures to be installed. The Provincial Department of Public Works to be solely responsible for the installation of security measures. Provincial contribution to be reviewed annually to correspond with the changing costs of security systems.

Direct payment made to Members for security measures implemented at private residences. Provincial contribution to be reviewed every five years to correspond with the changing costs of security systems.