As the country ushers in one of its largest cabinets in history, Build One South Africa (BOSA) said many ministerial perks should be restricted or removed.
The 77-seat cabinet is an increase from the 65 seats in the previous administration. Late Sunday night, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced his new cabinet, which sparked widespread reaction from politics, civil society organisations and the public. The announcement follows a lengthy impasse, as the ANC, the DA and other parties in the Government of National Unity (GNU) worked to find common ground.
BOSA’s acting spokesperson Roger Solomons said his party appealed to Ramaphosa to establish a National Convention – consisting of all 18 Parliamentary Parties – to decide on a new government that represents the interests of all 60 million South Africans. The party, which is led by Mmusi Maimane, secured 2 seats in parliament, and 1 seat in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.
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The party said considering that this is now one of the largest National Executive’s in democratic history, it is strongly opposed to extending patronage using cabinet positions.
“We are clear in our belief that the following perks limited and or removed; blue light brigades, VIP security detail, million-rand luxury cars, business class flights, travel and catering benefits, and free ministerial houses with generators that cushion ministers from rolling power cuts,” said Solomons.
