Ramaphosa inflates his cabinet to 77

During the sixth administration, the Executive comprised 65 members, with the number increasing following the addition of the Minister of Electricity. The seventh administration has now seen an 18 percent increase in the size of the Executive.

President Ramaphosa has faced criticism from opposition parties regarding what they describe as a bloated Executive. However, he stated that it was not possible to reduce its size as previously envisaged. The newly announced Executive includes members from parties that have themselves criticised the Executive’s size.

Many of the key portfolios have been unbundled, giving reduced capacity to liberal and conservative partners, such as the separation of land reform from agriculture, and the separation of correctional services from the ministry of justice.

Eleven portfolios now have two Deputy Ministers each, some of whom come from the same political party. The new cabinet, formed under the National Government of Unity (GNU), consists of 32 ministers and 43 deputy ministers. The African National Congress (ANC) failed to secure an outright majority in the 29 May general elections, leading to alliances with other political parties to establish the GNU.

The total cost of the new ministerial arrangement now exceeds R1 billion annually. Ministerial salaries alone will account for R183 million, while additional expenses cover VIP protection and staffing.

Herman Mashaba, President of ActionSA, criticized the Cabinet as “bloated and compromised,” noting that it goes against previous commitments by Ramaphosa and the Democratic Alliance (DA) to reduce the Cabinet size.

Political Implications: Mashaba pointed out that the Cabinet includes members implicated in illegal activities, suggesting this signals a lack of genuine reform efforts. He emphasized the need for an uncompromised opposition to hold the government accountable.

Historical Context: In 2019, the Department of Public Service and Administration recommended a Cabinet reduction, but no action was taken. The DA also proposed the “Cut Cabinet Perks Bill” last year, which remains unaddressed.

Mashaba asserted that the new government must be held accountable for its actions and the direction it takes the country, warning against reliance on fear tactics and underscoring the need for transparency and reform.

However, transparency will be difficult to attain for public commentators, who will have to peer through an extremely dense new political jungle.

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