The opposition party, ActionSA, has voiced concerns over the costs associated with the ‘oversized cabinet’ in the Government of National Unity (GNU).
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President Ramaphosa announced a new cabinet consisting of 32 ministers and 43 deputies, totalling 75 ministers.
The annual salaries for these ministers will amount to approximately R180 million, with ministers earning R2.68 million per annum and deputies receiving R2.2 million per year.
Additionally, parliamentary executives will be allocated a collective R500 million for private security and an extra R390 million for support staff.
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As opposition to the GNU, ActionSA has emphasised the expense of Ramaphosa’s expanded cabinet, expressing concern over its increased size. Mashaba also accused the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) of abandoning principles for personal gain.
‘Contrary to past commitments by both President Ramaphosa and the Democratic Alliance (DA), the appointment of 32 ministers and 42 deputy ministers shows that when they stand to benefit, their principles soon fall by the wayside,’ he said.
‘South Africans have been calling for a reduction in the size of the cabinet for years, given that our country has one of the largest cabinets in the world, while most of its citizens languish in poverty and struggle to keep up with the cost of living,’ Mashaba added.
According to IOL, Mashaba expressed concern over the retention of cabinet ministers implicated in illegal activities, indicating that this new government is likely to be led by those who have failed before or those who would resist efforts to root out corruption.
‘Despite months of reporting on Paul Mashatile’s corrupt activities, including how he possibly benefited from tender corruption, he was again included as Deputy President,’ he said, adding that Angie Motshekga and Blade Nzimande were also retained despite poor performances.
Mashaba stated that this new government will now be held accountable.
‘We send the following message to this new government: You are now in government, and you alone are accountable for the direction of our country. You can no longer rely on fear tactics of ‘what-could-have-been-governments’ anymore. Now is the time to reform our country, and now is the time we are going to hold you to account for the change you bring,’ Mashaba said.
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