The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) claims R240 million in executive committee fees for next financial year is a waste of taxpayers' money.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana made this known in response to a written parliamentary question on the associated costs of new ministers and deputy members.
Currently, a minister's annual salary is approximately R2.69 million, and a deputy minister's remuneration is R2.2 million.
ACDP MP Steve Swart said: “ACDP recognizes that there are a number of political parties that need to be accommodated in the GNU, but we are concerned about the R240-million cost to ministers and their members.” said.
“Governments are facing severe fiscal constraints, resulting in budget cuts in all sectors, severely impacting teachers, police officers, health workers, soldiers and all other civil servants.”
Swart added: “It is clear that this country cannot afford such a bloated Cabinet and the associated costs. ACDP needs to restructure government departments to ensure efficiency and better service delivery. We believe that this will reduce the number of ministers and deputy ministers and will save us a lot of money.”
Video | Government spends R240 million on salaries and benefits:
