In an effort to reinforce South Africa's weakened government and alleviate bureaucratic bottlenecks, the Centre for Development and Enterprise (CDE) has called for a substantial reduction in Cabinet ministers and a complete overhaul of the Presidency. The NGO contends that these measures are crucial steps towards rectifying the nation's frail state and enhancing overall efficiency.
Outlined in their groundbreaking report titled "Action One: Reorganise the Presidency and the Cabinet," part of the CDE's comprehensive "Agenda 2024: Priorities for a New Government" series, the organization presents a compelling case for trimming the excessive size of the Cabinet. According to the CDE, South Africa's government suffers from systemic corruption, compromised party loyalists, inadequate skills at critical levels, and a lack of accountability for poor performance and misconduct.
Ann Bernstein, Executive Director of the CDE, emphasized that the state's ability to formulate effective policies and deliver essential public services has been severely undermined by entrenched corruption. She also pointed out that as the government assumed additional responsibilities over time, new departments and public entities were created, resulting in a convoluted bureaucratic structure that hampers decision-making and coordination.
"Cabinet's ability to make evidence-based decisions is weak, largely because its processes deny it the information needed to make those decisions. We need to stop the tendency of presidents endlessly updating their list of priorities and announcing new initiatives every time something captures their imagination."
While acknowledging the possibility of a coalition government and the need for the President to accommodate various political parties, the CDE firmly believes that the number of ministers can be significantly reduced without compromising the effectiveness of key portfolios. By streamlining the Cabinet, the CDE proposes a more organized and agile structure consisting of approximately 20 ministers, down from the current 30.
Political analyst Sandile Swana underscored the discrepancy between South Africa's bloated Cabinet and those of other nations. He cited countries such as India, Malaysia, Nigeria, Brazil, the United Kingdom, and Kenya, which all maintain smaller Cabinets compared to South Africa's. Swana argued that the composition of the Cabinet should be based on the competence of ministers and directors-general, urging the government to prioritize talent and expertise.
Recognizing the pivotal role of the Minister of Finance, the CDE's report emphasizes the need for unwavering support for this key figure. The finance minister's authority and confidence, backed by the President, are crucial in assessing the feasibility and sustainability of policy proposals from other ministries. The report highlights the importance of evidence-based decision-making within the Cabinet, a process that has been hindered by a lack of necessary information and frequent shifts in priorities.
André Duvenhage, a prominent political analyst, shed light on the challenges faced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his quest for a smaller Cabinet. Duvenhage explained that accommodating various factions within the ANC, including considerations of gender equity, national identity, the SA Communist Party, and the Congress of South African Trade Unions, presents a complex dilemma. Moreover, with the emergence of a coalition government, the task of achieving a smaller Cabinet becomes even more arduous.
André Duvenhage, political analyst, asserted, "From an economic point of view, in comparison to other similar states in the world, our Cabinet is by far the biggest. And probably also one of the most unproductive institutions, without a lot of talent."
While the CDE's proposals aim to strengthen governance and expedite decision-making processes, it remains uncertain whether a reduction in the number of ministers will materialize. Duvenhage expressed skepticism, suggesting that the Cabinet may even expand to accommodate opposition parties within the coalition. However, from an economic standpoint, South Africa's Cabinet size stands out as one of the largest among comparable nations, raising concerns about productivity and talent utilization.
To enhance the delivery of priority reforms, the CDE recommends bolstering and reconstituting Operation Vulindlela as a dedicated unit focused on efficient implementation. This measure seeks to address the urgency of executing key reforms promptly and effectively.
As South Africa moves forward, the government faces the formidable task of reevaluating its governance structure and optimizing efficiency. The CDE's proposals for reducing the number of ministers and reorganizing the Presidency represent a bold step toward revitalizing the nation's governance. The forthcoming months will reveal whether these recommendations gain traction and contribute to a more streamlined and effective government, capable of addressing the pressing challenges faced by South Africa today.
