Free SA has officially delivered a proposal to His Excellency, the President of the Republic of South Africa, calling for a significant reduction of the country’s bloated cabinet from 77 to just 26 executive members.
The current cabinet structure—one of the largest and most expensive in the world—costs taxpayers over R1 billion annually in salaries, benefits, and security alone. This letter comes in the wake of a Budget Speech that predicts a lean year ahead for most South Africans.
Drawing from international benchmarks, Free SA highlights the inefficiency of South Africa’s current cabinet compared to major economies like the United States, Germany, and Japan, all of which operate with considerably fewer cabinet members.
Practically, Free SA proposed a reduction of the cabinet to a lean and efficient structure comprising no more than 26 members: the president, deputy president, and 12 ministers, each supported by one deputy minister. This reorganisation would immediately generate substantial annual savings of at least R130 million from salaries alone, while further reducing billions currently spent on ministerial budgets, administrative overhead, and infrastructure leases.
According to the letter that was sent to the President directly after the Budget Speech, this streamlining can be done by devolving responsibilities to provincial governance, closing redundant ministries, and consolidating overlapping departments. Suggested eliminations include ministries such as Basic Education, Employment and Labour, Health, and Police, whose functions could be effectively managed at the provincial level, enhancing accountability and responsiveness to local needs.
Free SA also recommends the closure of ineffective ministries including the Minister of the Presidency, Minister for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Communications and Digital Technologies, and several others. Consolidation proposals include merging infrastructure-related ministries and combining the Justice ministry with Correctional Services to streamline administration and reduce unnecessary expenses.
Reuben Coetzer, Spokesperson of Free SA, stated:
“Our proposal presents an immediate opportunity for government to demonstrate genuine commitment to fiscal responsibility and improved governance. Streamlining the cabinet will not only save substantial taxpayer money but also enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability in public administration.”
Free SA urges the President to seriously consider these recommendations in the interest of all South Africans, who deserve an efficient, responsive government.
