Estimation of Shortfall in Salary from 1996 to 2018 from Health and University, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Professional jealousy is known to be rife among academics in various universities, but hardly
reduces their salaries. The productive staff is generally protected from external as well as internal threats by
the higher management of the university, but this did not happen in the case of Mr. BM.
Case history: Mr. BM was appointed as acting head of department, a medical officer against the post of
professor and head of forensic medicine. He was not paid according to the University’s conditions of service
policy document. This was ignored by Human Resource department despite a resolution of the council. Mr.
BM kept on receiving low salary to which he was entitled until his retirement after almost 20 years (1996-
2018). This brought him close to financial ruin, as his pension was consequently also reduced by half.
The estimated salary shortfall could be calculated, but the pain and suffering caused by three disciplinary
enquiries and suspension are difficult to assess without the help of an actuarial consultant.
Conclusion: The shortfall in salary must be paid by the health, which is the major (80%) funder of his salary
in a dual employment. This shortfall entailed differences in payment of basic salary as well as allowances
between 1996 and 2018.