Ramaphosa defends size of Cabinet, says it's to allow for inclusivity
During Tuesday’s debate on the budget of the Presidency, Ramaphosa was criticised for creating a 'super Presidency', which some parties say is subsuming the role of government departments.
CAPE TOWN - President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended the size of his Cabinet and the Presidency, saying it's to allow for inclusivity and to draw on the country’s full range of talents.
During Tuesday’s debate on the budget of the Presidency, Ramaphosa was criticised for creating a "super Presidency", which some parties say is subsuming the role of government departments.
ALSO READ:
• DA's Mileham vows to hold 'every member of the executive responsible for their actions'
• Parties across divide reiterate decade-long call for better Presidency parliamentary oversight
• It's too soon to claim victory over load shedding - Ramaphosa
However, in reply to the debate in the National Assembly on Wednesday afternoon, Ramaphosa said that the opposite was true.
"On the contrary, the Presidency complements and strengthens the work of government as a whole. The role of the Presidency is to guide planning, coordination and oversight and support for the agenda of government through institutions, such as the Cabinet office, the project management office and policy and research services."
Ramaphosa has also defended the make-up of his Cabinet, which currently comprises 32 ministers from six of the ten political parties making up the Government of National Unity (GNU).
"We’ve also had to ensure that we achieve inclusivity as well as balance, particularly now as we’ve set up the government of National Unity, which is an unprecedented development in the history of our country. We believe that this is important in achieving governance outcomes that serve the interests of all the people of South Africa."