14 Aug 2022

Per diem and subsistence allowances are different to leave concession as they are considered operational while leave concession is considered a fringe benefit.

Answering a question in Parliament Thursday, Assistant Minister for State President, Mr Dumezweni Mthimkhulu said government as the employer held the right to determine the allowances and benefits for the different categories of employees.

"The payment of per diem allowance and subsistence are standardised as they are meant to compensate employees whilst on official duty, whereas travel concession is a form of fringe benefit which includes coverage of family members for travel expenses whilst on vacation leave. This benefit is paid every two years," said the minister.

Mr Mthimkhulu said government was reviewing the conditions of service for the public service employees, and as such the travel concession shall be considered accordingly along with other allowances and benefits.

Palapye MP, Mr Onneetse Ramogapi had asked the minister to explain why leave concession was paid according to scale while per diem and subsistence allowance were standardised for officers across grades. He also wanted to know why leave concession allowance was not standardised for all officers. ends