The Citizen reports that the new ministerial handbook has been 10 years coming, but it will finally be implemented following the May elections.
It is believed, however, that the handbook is undergoing a few minor last-minute adjustments to bring it into line with the desire of President Cyril Ramaphosa to cut cabinet from 73 ministers to approximately 40. In future, ministers will no longer be allowed to fly first class or take their spouses on unlimited trips with them. Additionally, National Treasury will be responsible for buying cars for ministers in conjunction with the police, who will determine what cars the ministers need rather than the ministers themselves. It has been revealed in parliament that between 2014 and 2017, government spent R42 million on luxury cars for ministers and deputy ministers. “The type of vehicle must be determined by the minister of police. I don’t think he is going to say you can buy Porsche cars or … an S-class Mercedes,” Public Service and Administration Minister Ayanda Dlodlo commented. According to the Democratic Alliance (DA), the current ministers and deputy ministers earn R163.5 million and will earn over R510.5 million over the medium-term. The party also alleges that, while the current ministerial handbook recommends that ministers’ and deputy ministers’ private offices be limited to 10 and six staff, respectively, these numbers are often grossly exceeded.
- Read the full original of the report on the above at The Citizen
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