Last month, it was announced that the system of patronage within South African politics that’s seen high-level government employees living large while the country starves, would be taking a knock.

The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) sought to drastically cut the perks available to members of the executive – including ministers and deputy ministers.

No more ‘firepools’, international shopping trips, BMWs, or business class flights. Cool.

The proposed changes found their way to Ramaphosa’s desk, he approved them, and the new revised ministerial handbook is now in effect.

Unfortunately, according to BusinessTech, the changes have actually been minimal. Before we take a closer look at what’s happening, here’s what you need to know:

DPSA launched a new ministerial handbook for members of the executive on Monday (9 December), cutting some of the major perks offered to government ministers.

These perks are over and above the salaries ministers receive each year – which will total R137 million for 2018/19.

South Africa’s Cabinet is made up of 64 members – including president Ramaphosa, deputy president David Mabuza, 28 ministers and 34 deputies.

If you are a Cabinet member, you are probably living the high life.

Ministers will earn R2,401,633 while Mabuza is set to earn R2,825,470. Deputy ministers are scheduled to receive R1,977,795 each in the 2018/19 financial year.

By comparison, a normal member of the National Assembly (MP) will earn R1,106,940, while the leader of a minority party will earn R1,309,563.

Must be nice.

So, while the revised handbook boasts major changes to the perks that ministers and Cabinet ministers enjoyed, the only truly significant change is that the state (our hard-earned tax rands) will no longer be paying for “security upgrades” to minsters’ private homes.

There’s also a new cap of R700 000 on vehicles.

Ministers will still be flying business class on all international trips and staying in luxury hotels at taxpayer expense.

Something to think about while you’re sitting in the dark.

[source:businesstech]