Cape Town - Presidency Minister Mondli Gungubele has announced a review of the ministerial guidelines that is to be handled by a “neutral structure”.
Delivering the outcomes of the October 19 Cabinet meeting on Thursday, Gungubele said the Cabinet endorsed the Presidency’s statement on Monday to withdraw the contentious presidential minute which allowed the high-earning ministers to stop paying rent, water and electricity.
The president rescinded the decision after a week-long public outcry.
“The amendments that were made in April 2022 provided for additional capacity to some of the offices of the ministers who are responsible for more than one portfolio,” Gungubele said.
“They also required the State to take over full responsibility for the costs associated with the provision of electricity and water to official residences occupied by members of the executive.
He said Cabinet noted concerns raised by the public and resolved to review the ministerial handbook.
“This process will be handled by a neutral structure and once completed, the guide will be made public through the Department of Public Service and Administration’s website: www.dpsa.gov.za,” Gungubele said.
Justifying the ministerial perks in a radio interview last week, Gungubele said he paid R10 000 in medical aid and giggled at the suggestion of visiting state hospitals.
Asked by the Cape Argus about his chuckle, Gungubele laughed again and said he agreed that the state of hospitals was not a good look and it needed attending to.
Gungubele welcomed the three-year wage deal between Transnet and the United National Transport Union.
He said Eskom’s recently concluded 30-year lease agreements with four independent power producer investors to construct new, clean-energy generation capacity at Majuba and Tutuka power stations in Mpumalanga would lead to an estimated investment of R40 billion.
He also announced a raft of Cabinet decisions, among others, the ratification of the decentralisation charter of the AU, on the draft national infrastructure plan 2050, professionalisation of the public service and changes in the conditions of employment for directors-general.