Water and Sanitation minister reveals shocking R3.7 million in unapproved payments to water board members

The board members of two water boards have been accused of pocketing R3.7 million in overpayments for board fees without ministerial approval over the past three years.

This was disclosed by Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina while responding to parliamentary questions from MK Party MP Visvin Reddy.

Reddy asked whether Majodina had found that there had been any overpayments made to members of water boards without her approval in the past three financial years.

He also requested the list of all water boards where members have been paid in excess of the approved maximum amounts during the same period without her prior approval, as required by legislation.

In her response, Majodina confirmed that Amatola and Magalies water board members were paid in excess of the maximum allowable hours during the past three financial years without prior approval.

Her response showed that Amatola Water Board members raked in R2.8 million, while their counterparts at Magalies Water Board pocketed R960,000 between 2022/23 and 2024/25.

Majodina said the ministry had, in May 2024, expressed concern that members of water boards were seeking the minister’s approval for the remuneration for additional hours of work retrospectively.

This was prompted by the Department of Water and Sanitation discovering that there was non-compliance with the Policy on Board Practices and Remuneration of Board Members.

“The ministry further indicated that permission for additional hours would only be considered under extraordinary circumstances, and that boards were required to seek approval in each instance from the Executive Authority prior to any additional work being undertaken.”

Majodina said an investigation was commissioned into various governance challenges at Amatola Water, including non-compliance with the Policy Regarding Board Practices and Remuneration of Board Members.

“The investigation has been completed, and the report was tabled for the minister’s consideration. Appropriate action will be taken based on the recommendations of the report,” she said.

Majodina added that Magalies Water Board members were paid in excess of the maximum allowable hours during the past three financial years without prior approval.

“The ministry intends to implement consequence management against Magalies Water for the non-compliance with the Policy Regarding Board Practices and Remuneration of board members.”

mayibongwe.maqhina@inl.co.za