Status on the employment, duties, post level, salary level, employment contract and necessity of a Ministerial Special Advisor within the Department of International Relations and Cooperation

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO:  1909 (NW2147E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 20-2011 of 29 JULY 2011

QUOTE

Mr JRB Lorimer (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and
Cooperation:

Whether she has employed a ministerial special advisor; if so, (a) what are the duties of the advisor, (b) at which post level was the appointment made, (c) what is the salary level of the advisor, (d) what is the duration of the employment contract entered into with the advisor and (e) why was it necessary to appoint the advisor?

REPLY

Minister M Nkoana Mashabane did employ a Special Advisor
‘

(a) The Public Service Act (section 12A(1) provides that Special Advisors may be appointed –

• to advise the Executing Authority on the exercise or performance of the Executing Authority’s powers and duties;
• to advise the Executing Authority on the development of policy that will promote the department’s objectives; or
• to perform such other tasks as may be appropriate in the exercise or performance of the Executing Authority’s powers and duties.

(b) Compensation level IV (DG level).

(c) Salary level 16.

(d)The duration of employment is linked to the term of Office of the Minister.

(e) The provision to appoint Special Advisors in terms of section 12 A of the Public Service Act, 1994 as amended, is limited to two full-time equivalent positions for each Minister and Premier, unless Cabinet or the relevant Provincial  Executive Council approves a higher number up to two additional full-time equivalents for each Minister and Premier because of work requirements.

The Special Advisor was appointed due to his strong academic background, vast experience in working with the State, Civil Society and International Organisations.

UNQUOTE