Parliament, Wednesday, 15 April 2020 – The Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration commends the National Executive (President, Deputy President, Ministers and Deputy Ministers) for sacrificing one third of their salaries for the next three months as a contribution towards the Solidarity Fund.

The Solidarity Fund creates an opportunity for all South Africans to make a contribution in the support to those who are infected and affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This pandemic has crippling effects on the South African economy and society in general. The lockdown which is in progress is a necessary and effective strategy to prevent the spread of the virus.

In following with the example set by National Executive, the Forum for South African Directors General has also announced the voluntary contribution to the Fund by its individual members of R30 000 each over the period of six months. The committee has noted that announcement with appreciation and also commends the forum of the DGs.

In light of these contributions, the Chairperson of the committee, Mr Tyotyo James, reiterates the call to all government employees, at all the three spheres of government including government entities, to voluntarily contribute to the Fund.

Mr James said: “This is a time in South Africa where we all need to come together and pool our resources together to assist in the fight against this pandemic.”

Mr James further said he will also be calling on Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff to do the same to assist the government in fighting this pandemic. “Together the victory is certain against this pandemic,” added Mr James.

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATION, MR T.M JAMES

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