From free government residences and luxury vehicles to personal flights, bodyguards and overseas travel benefits, South Africa’s ministerial handbook reveals the extensive taxpayer-funded perks available to Cabinet ministers beyond their R2.79 million annual salaries.
A taxpayer-funded house, a R1.1 million vehicle and up to 20 personal flights a year are among the benefits enjoyed by President Cyril Ramaphosa's 32 ministers.
The package extends well beyond their annual salary of R2.79 million. It includes a chauffeur, bodyguard, housekeeper, fully paid cellphone account, television subscription and accommodation in five-star hotels during official overseas travel.
Ministers' dependent children are also entitled to six free flights a year. For ministers with large families, such as Velenkosini Hlabisa, who has six children, the benefit is particularly significant.
None of these expenses are paid from ministers' own pockets.
