ActionSA cited parliamentary testimony from Deputy Police Minister Cassel Mathale to argue South Africa should eliminate deputy minister positions. Mathale told legislators on Tuesday that suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu assigned no responsibilities to either deputy after more than one year in office. The party contends this demonstrates deputies serve only to accommodate coalition partners in the expanded Government of National Unity Cabinet.
Mathale stated Mchunu is still adjusting to his role without delegating tasks to himself or Deputy Minister Polly Boshielo. The admission emerged from an inquiry examining police operations and ministerial oversight. ActionSA maintains the 43 deputy positions cost taxpayers approximately 500 million rand annually while providing minimal operational value to government departments.
The Government of National Unity, formed after the 2024 elections, established the largest Cabinet in South African history, comprising 32 ministers and their deputies. Critics from multiple parties question whether these roles improve service delivery or merely distribute patronage. Public frustration has grown over officials receiving salaries exceeding 2 million rand per year without clear duties, as crime rates remain elevated nationwide.
Mathale stated Mchunu is still adjusting to his role without delegating tasks to himself or Deputy Minister Polly Boshielo. The admission emerged from an inquiry examining police operations and ministerial oversight. ActionSA maintains the 43 deputy positions cost taxpayers approximately 500 million rand annually while providing minimal operational value to government departments.
The Government of National Unity, formed after the 2024 elections, established the largest Cabinet in South African history, comprising 32 ministers and their deputies. Critics from multiple parties question whether these roles improve service delivery or merely distribute patronage. Public frustration has grown over officials receiving salaries exceeding 2 million rand per year without clear duties, as crime rates remain elevated nationwide.
