Latest news with #CSBs
The Journal
29-04-2025
- Business
- The Journal
Report on CEO pay at commercial state bodies hits out at lack of ‘cost of living adjustments'
A REPORT REVIEWING the pay of CEOs at commercial state bodies such as RTÉ, ESB, and Uisce Éireann has hit out at a lack of 'cost of living adjustments'. The report also called for the reintroduction of bonuses, which were paused in 2011. The report is in response to a request last year from the Department of Public Expenditure to carry out a review of the remuneration arrangements for CEOs at commercial state bodies (CSBs). Since 2011 there has been no systematic review of CEO pay, any increase in salary since that time has taken place on a case-by-case basis. The Senior Posts Remuneration Committee in its report concluded that the current remuneration 'is not optimal in serving the interests of the CSB, the State or the taxpayer'. The Committee said CEO packages at CSBs have 'fallen out of alignment with the market', with 'no adjustments for cost of living, significant changes to the role, or to the size or nature of the business'. It added that this 'inflexible fixed-point salary model does not reflect market trends'. The Committee called for CEO pay to 'recognise and reward performance, and attract the best prospective candidates into the future'. This would include the reintroduction of bonuses, which were paused in 2011, to a limit of 25% of the CEO's basic salary. Advertisement It also called for 'sufficient headroom' between the pay of CEOs and the executive-level team. However, the report did note that pensions arrangements and annual leave allowances for CEOs of CSBs are 'generally more generous than arrangements in place for comparable organisations in the private sector'. Survey results show that the median employer pension contribution rate is 25%, while the median annual leave entitlement for CEOs is 30 days. The Committee said the pay package for CEO should 'take account' of the superior value of pensions and annual leave allowance. It has recommended a CEO salary range of 80-120% of the market median for each respective band. Finance Minister Jack Chambers said the report 'raised a number of vital issues which are currently being faced by our Commercial State Bodies at leadership level'. 'In the coming years many CSB CEOs will be required to deliver significant projects whilst managing the funding and financing of these projects,' said Chambers. He said the Government has agreed 'an approach to address a number of the issues raised in the report' and that thus 'new approach' will bring a 'more structured and consistent process' to CEO remuneration. He said a banded salary structure will be implemented for CEOs ranging from their current salary to the market median. He added that there will be no backdating of any changes to pay and that any salary proposals or changes will be 'subject to governance and scrutiny, with approval required by the relevant Minister, and with my consent'. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Zawya
02-04-2025
- General
- Zawya
Empowering Zimbabwe's drylands: how the Dryland Sustainable Landscapes Impact Program (DSL-IP) project is transforming lives
AFRICA In Zimbabwe's drylands, a remarkable transformation is underway, thanks to the GEF-7 Dryland Sustainable Landscapes Impact Program (DSL-IP). Supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), this collaborative initiative is empowering local communities to achieve the "four betters" outlined by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life. At the center of the DSL-IP project are the newly established Community Seed Banks (CSBs), which serve as "centers of excellence" for sustainable land and forest management. These CSBs showcase a unique four-in-one model, integrating forestry restoration, soil and land conservation, farmer field schools, tree nurseries, orchards, and solar-powered boreholes. "The Vanyoro Community Seed Bank is a real demonstration of a center of excellence which is the equivalent of the village business units, which are being promoted by the government, and we believe it will have a transformative impact on the lives of the people in this region." explained Patrice Talla, the FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and FAO Representative in Zimbabwe, at the launch of Vanyoro Community Seed Bank, in Zaka. 'With this model the community seed bank will support the accomplishment of the four betters," he added. The integration of renewable energy solutions at the Community Seed Bank, such as the solar-powered borehole that supplies clean and safe water to the farmer field school, nursery, livestock and about 296 households (2072 people) in the community is a testament to the project's commitment to environmental sustainability. "This renewable energy is one of the sustainable measures promoted by the project," added Patrice Talla. Empowering local communities The DSL-IP project's holistic approach extends beyond just environmental interventions. It also places a strong emphasis on community empowerment and collaboration. "This program demonstrates His Excellency's (President Emerson Mnangagwa's) mantra that we all need to have a whole-of-government approach, and that no one and no place should be left behind," said the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira "The complexity of land degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate change cannot be managed by one institution alone, but requires everyone in every institution to pull in one direction," added the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Sithembiso Nyoni, emphasizing the importance of partnerships. Beneficiary Voices The impact of the DSL-IP project is already being felt by the local communities. Farmer Leonard Rugwevera, who has been involved in the project's Farmer Field Schools and also chairperson of Vanyoro Community Seed bank, shared his experience; "Before the project, we struggled to grow enough food to feed our families. But now, with the sustainable farming techniques and access to the seed bank, we're able to produce more nutritious and indigenous crops that suit our climate and environment. My children are healthier, and I'm able to sell the surplus at the local market, which has improved our household income." Another community seed bank member, Edzai Mazhara, highlighted the project's environmental benefits: "The tree nursery and woodland management practices have helped us restore the degraded land around our village. We're seeing more wildlife returning, and the soil is healthier, which is improving our crop yields. It's amazing to see how these small changes can have such a big impact on our community." A shift is also underway as households are finding new opportunities to improve their livelihoods through the value addition of non-timber forest products. "We used to just collect the fruits and sell them in the local market for very little. But now we are drying them, making jams and juices, and selling them for much higher prices," said Roselyn Musasa, a smallholder farmer. "This extra income has allowed me to send my children to school and improve our living conditions." The DSL-IP project has been instrumental in supporting these efforts, working with communities to provide training on processing, packaging and marketing a variety of forest products like herbs, honey and edible wild plants. "Before, a lot of these resources would go to waste. But now we are learning how to turn them into valuable products that we can sell," explained village elder, who is a member of Marula Zimbabwe a Forest and Farm Producer Organisation (FFPOs) in Ward 15, Chivi. Marula Zimbabwe has been value adding the Marula fruit making various products including wine, nuts, marula butter, marula soda and other Non-Timber Forest Products like Zumbani (Lippia javanica) and mufa ndichimuka ( Myrothamnus flabellifolius) tea. "The forestry school clubs like the one here at Poshai Primary School have also been great, getting the younger generation involved in conservation and adding value to what the forests provide," added Precious Magwaza the DSL-IP project coordinator. By empowering rural households to derive greater economic benefit from their natural resources, the project is not only transforming lives but also incentivizing sustainable forest management for the long-term. Towards a sustainable future The DSL-IP project's success is a testament to the power of collaboration and community-driven development. By integrating the four betters framework, the initiative is not only improving livelihoods but also contributing to Zimbabwe's broader sustainable development goals. "This demonstrates the power of collaboration and the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach," said the FAO Subregional Coordinator. "By working together, we can achieve transformational change and ensure a more sustainable future for the people of Zimbabwe." As the project continues to expand, 'the government is committed to documenting the lessons learned and sharing them with other communities, both within Zimbabwe and across the region. The goal is to replicate this model in other provinces, ultimately covering the entire country with similar interventions,' said the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife Sithembiso Nyoni. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FAO Regional Office for Africa. Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. 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