THE PROFESSIONAL EDUCATORS’UNION MEDIA STATEMENT ON FINANCE MINISTER ‘S 2015 BUDGET SPEECH

The Professional Educators Union (PEU) generally welcomes the Budget speech by Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene, as it is inclined towards the poor.

As a Union, we are overly pleased with the cash injection aimed at teacher training and development, as well as infrastructure. It is our wish and hope that systems will be put in place to ensure that that the funds are directed accordingly, to achieve the intended objective.

We also welcome continuous introduction of the sin tax on alcohol and tobacco, which will lead to the reduction of the rate of abuse on such substances.

We are however concerned on the increase in personal tax by 1%, to those earning an annual income of R180 000-00 and above.

Most Public Servants in Middle Management are at the entry level of  the above category, and will be hard-hit, as they are already battling with the ever increasing tuition fees at Institutions of Higher Learning for their kids. The introduction of petrol levy and electricity will also rub salt in the open wounds.

Our other concern is the continuous insinuation to the high salary Bill for Public Servants each time there are negotiations for salary increase and other improved basic conditions of employment. This alone contaminates the atmosphere in the bargaining council, for the Employer has already made up its mind on what to give to Public Servants. Suggestions that salary increases has to be linked to CPI, guarantees that Public Servants will forever live from hands to mouth, and continue to wallow in debts.

BY : Ben Machipi (PEU General Secretary)