South African leader denies his ministers ‘live like rock stars’

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed claims that his new cabinet is bloated and says he is committed to restructuring the government, local media reported.

Opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen on Thursday asked President Ramaphosa in parliament if it was fair for ministers to be “living like rock stars” while ordinary citizens suffer.

“[They have] 98 mansions worth over a billion rand, free generators, free electricity and high-end luxury vehicles,” Mr Steenhuisen said.

“Well, I don’t know about rock stars,” the president responded.

Mr Ramaphosa denied the opposition leader’s claims that South Africa had the largest cabinet across the globe, saying the country was “basically in line with others”.

The DA has said it will picket on Monday against the “luxurious” lifestyles of ministers, local media reported.

The president made changes to his executive early this week – including the creation of two new ministries.

South African ministers are amongst some of the highest paid in Africa, drawing annual salaries of up to $135,000 (£113,000) in addition to personal staff and luxury cars.

Public outrage over their remuneration has been common in the face of a floundering economy.

With BBC