In a remarkably candid and honest response (attached here), Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has confirmed that the country’s National Treasury is effectively unable to act on excessive VIP protection spending without political will and clear direction.
Build One South Africa (BOSA) notes this revelation as Minister Godongwana responded in writing to a parliamentary question from BOSA Leader Dr Mmusi Maimane. The Minister effectively confirms that National Treasury’s hands are tied when it comes to cutting excessive spending on VIP protection and bloated executive structures.
The Minister’s reply further reveals that no quantified fiscal analysis has been conducted on reducing the number of deputy ministers or trimming the Very Important Person (VIP) Protection budget – not because savings do not exist, but because no political decision has been taken to pursue them.
This is an extraordinary admission and requires urgent attention and scrutiny.
South Africans are being told by government that there is no money for jobs, education, or healthcare. Yet Treasury concedes that it cannot even begin to calculate potential savings from one of the most visible forms of government excess. The protection of politicians, Treasury says, can only be cut if politicians themselves first agree to cut back.
In other words, the gatekeepers of the public purse are waiting for the beneficiaries of wasteful spending to volunteer restraint.
The refusal to interrogate VIP Protection spending, which continues to run into the billions, exposes a government that is unwilling to lead by example. While communities are left vulnerable to crime, billions are spent shielding politicians from the very conditions citizens face daily.
Equally concerning is the Minister’s confirmation that any such analysis may only be considered as part of a broader, long-delayed state reorganisation process. This effectively kicks the can down the road, delaying urgently needed expenditure reform while the cost of government and the cost of living continues to rise.
BOSA believes that fiscal responsibility must begin at the top. We reiterate our call for:
- An immediate, transparent audit of VIP Protection spending;
- A reduction in the number of deputy ministers; and
- A clear and time-bound plan to cut non-essential executive expenditure.
South Africans are tightening their belts. Government must do the same.
Media Enquiries:
Roger Solomons
BOSA Spokesperson
072 299 3551