IFP Slams Pay Increase For Ordinary MPs

MEDIA STATEMENT RELEASED BY:
MRS SYBIL SEATON MP
IFP DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP

March 30, 2007

Responding to the executive summary of the Moseneke Report today, Ms Sybil Seaton MP, the Inkatha Freedom Party's Deputy Chief Whip, said that the meager 5.4% increase for ordinary MPs, is a slap in the face.

"Members of Parliament have been waiting anxiously for the recommendations of Moseneke Report to be made public, because MPs were at last looking forward to earning a decent salary," said Ms Seaton.

"But unfortunately the comprehensive review of the remuneration of public office bearers, which took years to be finalised, amounts to a slap in the face for those who form part of the lower echelons of Parliament.

"We welcome the very reasonable R40 000 tax break for MPs, but unfortunately this will only be useful for MPs who are expected to travel extensively.

"So regrettably, it seems we waited for all these years for nothing, really.  The basic 5.4% increase is nothing new and absolutely deplorable," concluded Ms Seaton.


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ms Sybil Seaton MP: 083 412 0075
Liezl van der Merwe: 083 611 7470