In many countries, a mayor is a highest-ranking official in a municipal government such as that of a city or a town. Worldwide, there is a wide variance in local laws and customs regarding the powers and responsibilities of a mayor as well as the means by which a mayor is elected or otherwise mandated.
Mayor Salary In South Africa
Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has announced a wage freeze for top municipal workers in South Africa.
In a government gazette published on Tuesday (2 November), Dlamini-Zuma said that, after consultations with the relevant authorities, it was decided that a 0% cost of living adjustment would be made for the different members of municipal councils for the 202o/2021 financial year.
This means that the latest wages, last updated in April 2020, will remain in effect.
It is estimated that there are more than 9,000 councilors in South Africa’s 278 municipalities. However, the data below specifically pertains to top earners such as mayors, deputy mayors, speakers, mayoral committee members, executives of sub councils, and whips.
Under the current system, municipal workers are paid based on a point system that factors into its municipal income and the population that falls under the municipality.
pal income and the population that falls under the municipality.
The sum of the number of points allocated to a municipal council in terms of the above table determines the grade of such municipal council as follows:
This table is then used to determine the pay of mayors and other top municipal workers including the deputy mayor, speakers, mayoral committee members, executives of sub-councils, and whips.
At the country’s largest and most populous municipalities, executive mayors can earn as much as R1.4 million a year, while their deputies can earn R1.1 million. In the country’s smaller municipalities this figure drops to R782,000 for executive mayors and R632,025 for their deputies.
Other benefits
In addition to their annual wages, top municipal workers in South Africa can expect a number of other benefits including:
Motor vehicle and travel allowance – A councilor who uses a privately-owned vehicle for the execution of official duties on behalf of the municipality, may be reimbursed for official kilometers traveled, in addition to the total remuneration package of a councilor.
Out of pocket expenses – A councilor may, in addition to the total remuneration package, be reimbursed for reasonable and actual out-of-pocket expenses incurred during the execution of official or ceremonial duties, in accordance with the applicable municipal council policy.
Upper limits of cell phone allowance for councilors – A councilor may be paid a cell phone allowance not exceeding R3,400 per month in accordance with the applicable municipal council policy.
Data bundles – A councilor may be paid an allowance on the use of data bundles not exceeding R300 per month.
Special risk cover – A municipality must take out risk insurance cover, to provide for an insurance cover, provided to a councilor by the municipality, which covers the loss of or damage to a councilor’s personal immovable or moveable property and assets, excluding property used by such councilor for business purposes, as well as life and disability cover, for any loss or damage caused by riot, civil unrest, strike or public disorder.
The special risk insurance on residential property will be limited to R1.5 million while on vehicles it is limited to R750,000. The life and disability insurance cover is limited to two times the total remuneration package of a councilor.
How much do mayors get paid in South Africa?
At the country’s largest and most populous municipalities, executive mayors can earn as much as R1. 4 million a year, while their deputies can earn R1. 1 million. In the country’s smaller municipalities this figure drops to R782,000 for executive mayors and R632,025 for their deputies.
What is the role of the mayor in South Africa?
The mayor is the chief executive officer, centralizing executive power. The mayor directs the administrative structure, appointing and removing department heads. While the council has legislative power, the mayor has veto power. The council does not oversee daily operations.
What are the benefits of being a mayor in South Africa?
Mayoral Benefits and Terms
Mayoral benefits often include a city-provided vehicle, health insurance and retirement. These are commonly for mayors who work full-time in large and mid-size cities. In cities like Stratford, Conn., fuel is also provided to the mayor for any city-related business.
What does a mayor do in South Africa?
The mayor’s role extends well beyond officiating at council meetings or other municipal proceedings and includes providing leadership, promoting positive relationships, and modeling good governance.
How much does a Councilor earn in South Africa?
An early career City Councilor with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of R297,738 based on 18 salaries. A mid-career City Councilor with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of R230,000 based on 8 salaries.