Editorial: GNU is no excuse to burden taxpayer

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni’s justification that the bloated Cabinet of the Government of National Unity (GNU) should be blamed on the electorate is nothing short of insulting South Africans whose tax will fund the lavish lifestyle of this increased Cabinet.

“The size of the national executive is a result of our electoral outcome, with the need to be inclusive. In addition, the constitution of the national executive had to be cognisant of other national interests such as demographics, geographic spread, youth and gender representation,” Ntshavheni stated.

It’s an excuse that attempts to shield his boss President Cyril Ramaphosa from being asked questions about his failure to live up to his promise of reducing the size of the executive in line with the prevailing fiscus challenges.

Just as he has failed on many fronts since becoming president.

By blaming the very same people who sought to punish the ANC for its shortcomings, the Presidency displays a concerning attitude that effectively shows the middle-finger to the already hard-pressed taxpayer.

It’s true that voters did not give any party the mandate to govern as a majority. How this translates to mean that they voted for the size of the executive to increase from 62 to 77, is mind-boggling.

The ANC of Ramaphosa chose the path of the GNU knowing that one of the key conditions of forming a government would include Cabinet positions. There were other avenues it could have explored like a minority government or opting for parties with enough votes to form a government.

It chose the most expensive one to the taxpayer. It will now cost the public purse up to R185 million in salaries per year. The amount, which could add up to R925 500 000 in five years if the Cabinet size is not changed, excludes the costs of their travel, flights, accommodation and security as well as their support staff.

The super-sized executive is also telling of the attitude of some parties in the GNU – the DA has said little to nothing about the cost of the executive as it has always done in opposition benches. Unless this was part of a grand plan to push the party’s way into power. Whatever the case, South African taxpayer, you’re on your own.

Cape Times