Ramaphosa withdraws latest ministerial handbook amid public outcry

The decision to withdraw the handbook follows a public outcry around the benefits given to members of the executive.

The latest changes to the handbook were signed off by Ramaphosa in May, which would see ministers and their deputies receiving free water and electricity among other benefits.

The members of the executive would also be allowed o hire 15 staff members in their private office, which is an increase from 11.

The staffing changes alone were set to cost taxpayers at least R87 million a year.

Cabinet ministers earn a salary of about R2.4 million a year while deputy ministers are paid about R2 million a year.

Speaking at the Union Buildings on Monday, Vincent Magwenya said the 2019 version of the handbook will take effect pending the review.

"President Ramaphosa acknowledges and appreciates the public sentiment on the matter, however, the impression created that the amendment was created in secrecy and to avoid public scrutiny is false.

“I think where we are now, we are at the stage where the president has listened, to and the president appreciates the public outcry in the context of economic and social pressures that a lot of South Africans are facing.

“The president is heartened by the fact that we have an active citizenry, that on an ongoing participates in our democratic processes and sometimes disagrees with decisions of the government. We can take heart to the fact that the president has ordered the withdrawal of this notice that gave effect to the guide pending a review. He is attuned to the challenges that South Africans are faced with on a daily basis," said Magwenya.

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