FB post about George directors' 'massive increase' is 'misleading'

LOCAL NEWS - Nomafrench Mbombo, DA constituency head for George, has urged the public to rely on facts, not "Facebook rumours", following a post on Wednesday 13 August by a local resident about an alleged massive salary increase for George municipal directors.

Mbombo said social media claims that DA George councillors are “voting for massive R1-million salary increases” are false and misleading.

A post by local teacher, Darryll Sauer alleging that DA councillors were going to vote to increase the salaries of George directors from R1,3-million to R2,3-million, caused outrage and a deluge of comments slamming the municipality.

Darryll Sauer's Facebook post.

Sauer is a former chairman of the ANC in George, but announced his withdrawal from all political activities early in 2020.

Reacting to George Herald's request to the municipality for details and comment, Matthew Sims, DA Western Cape Communications Manager, instead sent a response from Mbombo titled "Facts on Senior Manager salaries in George Municipality".

Mbombo denied Sauer's allegations, stating:

"Here’s the truth:

The George Municipality faces a salary creep issue - where some Deputy Directors are earning more than Directors and even the Municipal Manager, despite carrying far less responsibility.
Fixing this is not a DA George invention. It is a nationally controlled process governed by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA).
No increase can happen without formal national approval. The National Minister has already approved existing cases earlier this year, and all future adjustments must follow the same rules.
This is about aligning pay structures to ensure senior roles are paid fairly, within the existing budget, and in line with national legislation – not about “handouts” or “secret deals.

"The municipality is based on the ethos of good governance featuring strong systems, capable leadership and a clear understanding of our responsibilities. This was reaffirmed last month when George Municipality received its fourth consecutive clean audit from the Auditor-General of SA."

More details requested

After receiving the above response, George Herald sent a request for more details regarding the salary increases, but DA Spokesman Sims referred the publication back to the George Municipality. The details will be published if and when received.

Sauer sides with army chief

In another controversial post on Facebook on Friday, Sauer praised South African army chief General Rudzani Maphwanya for pledging South Africa's military and political support for Iran.

Maphwanya apparently acted outside his mandate when he pledged South Africa's allegiance during a visit to Iran. The South African government has distanced itself from his comments, while the DA demands that the general be court-martialled.

Darryll Sauer's Facebook post in praise of the SA army chief.