R93 MILLION FOR WHAT? TIME TO TRIM THE CABINET

Ramaphosa stated that deputy ministers play a critical role

- PULE MAKGALE

WHAT can R93 million a year achieve for this country? This question arose this week following an oral question session in the National Assembly. President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that deputy ministers play a critical role in assisting ministers with their responsibilities and suggested that they should be entrusted with additional duties.

Its reported that the deputy ministers are costing taxpayers R93.2m a year in salaries. For example, R93m could build about 364 RDP houses in South Africa, as the government's 2023 subsidy increased to R255 364 per house, according to economic estimates.

This cost per house includes the subsidy quantum and other infrastructure expenses, like servicing the land with roads, water, and sewer systems.

Analyst, Gideon Hlamalani Chitanga, who is also a researcher at the University of Johannesburg, agrees that trimming the Cabinet size would make a lot of sense.

“Under the circumstances, with unemployment and pressure for social spending (education, health and other social services), SA could prudently trim the government to redeploy finances in a manner that stimulates growth. In fact, it is the financially and economically cheapest option than borrowing,’ he said.

“The position of the president may make political sense, rewarding allies and members of his party, and indeed opposition figures and parties in the GNU also benefit.

“I would argue that in an economy where everyone is tightening their belts, and much of the population cannot afford electricity, food, or shelter, while they pay growing taxes, the president and the government must lead by example”

Chitanga added that there is much sense in cutting the size of both the central and provincial government, redeploying ministers more strategically and effectively, which maximises their professional and political skills.