Parly doesn't pay

2003-06-10 21:20

Cobus Grobler

Cape Town - Parliament is losing its best representatives to the private sector because of poor salaries.

Sybil Seaton of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) told the national assembly on Tuesday that salaries of members of parliament had to improve "urgently, drastically and immediately".

She said several MPs were relying on other sources of income, while parliament was in session all year. "We cannot draw the best representatives at the current remuneration. We have to pay for two houses, cars and other double expenses.

"The pension is also pathetic. MPs who have served since 1994 can only expect about R4 000 a month.

"Many good MPs look for another way of making a living and parliament is losing too many of its best people to the more lucrative business world."

Baleka Mbete of the ANC asked for improved pensions, especially for the older guard (from the liberation struggle) who served as MPs and are now battling to survive.

- Die Burger