SANDF blames new system for bonus bungle
2012-12-20 16:02
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Johannesburg
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Johannesburg - A changeover to a new human resources
system led to a bungle in bonuses paid to about 200 SA Air Force members this
month, the military said on Thursday.
"We moved from one system to another and that's when
this happened... they were paid, but also received bonuses which were not due
to them," SA National Defence Force spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini said.
On Thursday, it was reported that the air force members
were mistakenly given performance bonuses in December. They had to return the
money.
According to Beeld newspaper, most of the soldiers
concerned were already on holiday and would only see the letter informing them
of the error when they returned to work in January.
Dlamini said the employees would have to repay the money
in the next round of salary payments.
"We told them [on Wednesday] that the money paid
will be re-paid back to the department, which is normal. If it was overpaid by
the government, you have to pay it back."
According to the internal letter, the bonuses would be
deducted in full from the January salary, Beeld reported.
Some soldiers had threatened to take the matter to court.
"It's a big mess, because we've already paid tax on
it. How are they going to fix it, and what about the people who come back in
January to find that they're not getting any salary at the end of the
month?" an affected member was quoted as asking.
Dlamini said if members felt the matter had to be taken
to court, it was their right.
"They can, it's all up to them. Whoever wants to
argue this matter has all the right to do so, but government is clear on
this."
- SAPA
