29 Aug 2024

The Ministry of Agriculture has 1 482 employees who were affected by failure to implement the government policy on multiple grading of C-band cadre.

Answering a parliamentary question on Tuesday, Minister of Agriculture, Honourable Fidelis Molao said to date, the ministry had been able to pay a total of 1 443 employees out of 1 482 which was at 97 per cent and only 33 had not yet been paid.

Minister Molao said the remaining 33 employees, who had not been paid conclusively, had been submitted for payment to the Ministry of Finance.

He said the number comprised former employees and the deceased who were paid through the High Court.

“Some ex-employees are outside the country and have not yet submitted their banking details despite the ministry’s effort, while some are still not tax compliant, which also contributes to the delay in processing payments conclusively,” he said.

He added that the remaining payments were delayed by the processes of going through courts, delayed submission of banking details by the affected employees and non-compliance with tax requirements.

Thus, he said payment depended on conclusion of court processes and availing of required information necessary for facilitation of concluding payments.

Takatokwane MP, Mr Friction Leuwe had asked the minister to provide information regarding payment of employees on C-band who the court had directed that they be paid, particularly the number of employees who were affected, how many had been paid, among others, as well as state when they would be paid. ENDS