Government refutes claims that new ministries will cost additional R40m a year

27 June 2014

Government has dismissed as mischievous and misleading reports by the media that imply that the new cabinet will cost taxpayers an additional R40 million a year. According to the reports, this figure emanates from Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene’s parliamentary reply this week.

Acting GCIS CEO, Phumla Williams said, “The unacceptable inaccurate reporting is a complete distortion of what the Minister explained. I find the reporting misleading as the Minister did not mix his words when he said the money would come from existing budgets, “mostly through expenditure reprioritisation”. This is by no means a suggestion of an extra burden from the taxpayers”.

The cabinet restructuring as outlined by President Jacob Zuma is aimed at ensuring that the state operates efficiently and at its optimal level to deliver on government priorities and enhancing service delivery.

“The budget votes that will soon be presented in parliament will provide a clear picture of how the government departments will deliver on their mandates,” Williams said.

Enquiries:
Phumla Williams
Contact: 083 501 0139

Issued by: Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)