South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is facing growing calls to eliminate deputy minister positions after two deputy police ministers revealed that they had operated without assigned duties for more than a year. Deputy Police Minister Cassel Mathale informed a parliamentary committee this week that suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu never delegated responsibilities to him or fellow deputy Polly Boshielo.
Political groups argue these appointments drain public resources without producing results. Dennis Bloem of the Activists and Citizens Forum stated that the nation gains nothing from deputy ministers and urged their removal from government.
ActionSA Parliamentary Caucus Leader Athol Trollip noted Ramaphosa bypassed both deputy ministers when Mchunu took leave. The president instead selected academic Firoz Cachalia as acting police minister, suggesting deputy positions serve political patronage rather than administrative necessity.
Political groups argue these appointments drain public resources without producing results. Dennis Bloem of the Activists and Citizens Forum stated that the nation gains nothing from deputy ministers and urged their removal from government.
ActionSA Parliamentary Caucus Leader Athol Trollip noted Ramaphosa bypassed both deputy ministers when Mchunu took leave. The president instead selected academic Firoz Cachalia as acting police minister, suggesting deputy positions serve political patronage rather than administrative necessity.
