Alpha Ramushwana 12 December 2024 | 14:45

Maimane disappointed parties abandoned stance on size of president's cabinet

Maimane, who was once the leader of the Democratic Alliance, has questioned why the party no longer advocates for the reduction of cabinet.

Maimane disappointed parties abandoned stance on size of president's cabinet

Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader Mmusi Maimane. Picture: Facebook/Build One SA

JOHANNESBURG - Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader Mmusi Maimane says it's disappointing that parties who previously criticised the size of the president's Cabinet - appear to have abandoned their stance after being appointed to top positions.

Maimane, who was once the leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA), has questioned why the party no longer advocates for the reduction of cabinet.

He was speaking at a media briefing in Johannesburg on Thursday marking BOSA's first six months as an opposition party in parliament.

When President Cyril Ramaphosa took office after Jacob Zuma, he was praised for reducing the cabinet from 36 to 28 ministers.

READ:BOSA: Govt must trim Cabinet, cut spending on VIP protection to help raise funds for basic education

However, in August last year, his cabinet expanded to 30 portfolios with the creation of the Minister of Electricity and the Minister of Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation.

Now, with the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU), BOSA leader Maimane has expressed disappointment that calls for a smaller cabinet seem to have faded.

"It’s clear what blue lights do to people. They were vociferous about this issue. But it's not just this issue. Cabinet size is but one issue. There are other issues."

The cabinet has grown to 32 ministerial portfolios following the establishment of the GNU.