The Public Service Accountability Watchdog (PSAM) has said it is sceptical that the seventh cabinet will be downsized, following concerns that the outgoing cabinet of 30 ministers had become bloated.
The outgoing cabinet has 30 ministers and 36 deputy ministers. Compared to some developed countries, South Africa's cabinet is significantly larger, according to the Public Service Accountability Watch.
But PSAM said it was somewhat small compared to some African countries and called on the new administration to restore confidence in the cabinet's effectiveness.
“Given the significant shift in power that will result from the election, and the need to use the size and composition of cabinet to negotiate what positions other opposition parties will be given if some form of coalition government is formed, we encourage parties involved in negotiations to make public the performance of their ministers if cabinet is likely to remain a similar size (which we believe is the case),” said Jay Cruz, director of PSAM.
Critics of the cabinet size say it puts an extra strain on public finances by requiring the government to spend more on night lighting and security services, but one economist says the cuts are only symbolic and won't result in big savings.
“We don't know what the new coalition or new structure will look like, but it's common for opposition parties or coalition partners to get ministerial posts in return for support, and we will probably see that happen again this time. That means there will be plenty of ministerial posts to distribute to other parties,” said economist Davy Rood.
The first meeting of the National Assembly, which will elect the president, will be held on Friday, but at least one party, Rise Mzansi, has said it will not field a presidential candidate.
The new president is expected to announce his cabinet once he takes office.