Question NW280 to the President of the Republic
12 May 2016 - NW280
Lekota, Mr M to ask the President of the Republic
(1)Whether, in view of the rapidly diminishing fiscal space and poor state of the country’s economy, he has (a) ordered an analysis of the sustainability of having 37 Ministers, 34 Deputy Ministers and a government in each sphere and (b) requested Parliament to revisit section 46(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, with a view to reducing the cost of Parliament to the fiscus; if not, what is the position in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case; (2) whether he will make a statement on the affordability of Government in all three spheres as constituted currently?
Reply:
1. During the State of the Nation Address I announced a far reaching programme that is aimed at reigniting our economy and creating jobs for our people. The programme I announced, details of which were further announced in more detail in the Budget Speech by the Minister of Finance, includes measures government is taking to reduce wastage of resources in the state. I believe that if this turnaround and fiscal consolidation strategy is fully implemented, we will successfully address the matters you raise in your question.
One of the main contributors to cost is keeping two capitals, one in Pretoria and the other in Cape Town. I made a call to Members of Parliament to look into this matter and ensure that it is addressed with the urgency it deserves.
The State of the Nation Address as well as the Budget Speech contain details of our government’s plan to address wastage in the state.