Let’s Add R13 Million per annum to your woes

Dear Editor

A reply to DA Parliamentary Questions has revealed that South Africans are forking out approximately R13 million a year for the salaries of the Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and his staff. Such a budget would require that the Minister has a performance plan that is overseen by Parliament. Yet, the ANC made sure that this Ministry was shielded from accountability and on 25 May, used its majority in Parliament to block an ad hoc committee to oversee Minister Ramokgopa.

Ramokgopa was announced as the Minister in the Presidency for Electricity by President Ramaphosa on 6 March 2023. However, it wasn’t until 26 May 2023, nearly three months later, that Ramokgopa was granted ministerial powers through a government gazette notice.

During those three months, Ramokgopa admitted himself that he was nothing more than a project manager, reporting to other Ministers. Despite this, he received the full perks of a Minister, earning an exorbitant salary of R178 311 per month. Furthermore, he was entitled to a staff complement of 12 members, resulting in an annual cost of R10.7 million to the taxpayers.

In these three months of inactivity, Ramokgopa and his staffers cost hard-working South Africans over R3 million, with nothing to show for it except expensive sightseeing trips and luxury clothing. This is a classic example of cadre deployment at its worst, where individuals are appointed to positions of power without the necessary accountability and outside of existing structures.

Meanwhile, load-shedding continues to plague the country, wreaking havoc on the economy and the lives of ordinary South Africans. Despite being in office, Minister Ramokgopa has made no significant impact in developing viable solutions to end load-shedding, both now and in the future. The ANC government has proven time and again that they lack both the will and the capability to address this crucial issue.

In stark contrast, the Western Cape and the City of Cape Town have taken proactive measures to mitigate load-shedding and protect their residents. The DA applauds these efforts and urges other provinces and municipalities to follow suit.

We call on every eligible South African voter to ensure that they are registered for the upcoming elections. The ANC government has failed to provide viable solutions or demonstrate the necessary commitment to end load-shedding. The DA is determined to bring about meaningful change and accountability in government, and we need your support to achieve this goal.

Regards

Samantha Graham-Maré MP
DA Shadow Minister of Electricity