GOVERNMENT perks are in the spotlight ahead of Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s National Budget speech innie Kaap tomorrow
Calls for a more disciplined approach to public spending have grown louder after Godongwana’s two failed budgets to pass a fiscal plan for 2025/26.
Central to the debate is the size of the Government of National Unity’s cabinet - a sprawling assembly seen by many as an unnecessary burden on taxpayers and an obstacle to effective governance.
South Africa’s cabinet currently comprises 32 ministers and 43 deputy ministers, which is larger than that of many advanced economies.
The United States has 26 cabinet members, the United Kingdom 24, Japan 20, and Germany 17. This expansion has significantly inflated government costs.
ActionSA recently revealed that the current cabinet is costing taxpayers an additional R239 million annually, amounting to over R1 billion for the current term.
This covers salaries, staff, perks, and luxury vehicles, which alone cost about R800 000 a month per ministry.
Critics argue that such spending is indefensible, especially amid economic stagnation and austerity measures affecting vital sectors like health, education, and public safety.
President Cyril Ramaphosa previously promised to reduce cabinet size, has seen the number grow instead.
Despite mounting pressure, political realities and coalition agreements have kept the cabinet size large.
Political analyst Joe Mhlanga voiced the calls of many, saying: “We need to cut down on deputy minister positions and streamline our government to ensure funds are allocated where they’re most needed.”
“There’s a reluctance among politicians to reduce their influence and perks.”