Cabinet backs Gordhan's perks cuts

Cape Town - Cabinet has welcomed Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan's announcement on cutting ministerial perks, Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane said on Thursday.

"Cabinet supports the austerity measures proposed for government," Chabane told reporters following cabinet's regular Wednesday fortnightly meeting.

"These measures will go a long way in reducing any wastage in government spending."

The proposed reduction in spending on, among others, cars, travel, accommodation, and entertainment, would ensure taxpayers' money was used more efficiently and not wasted on luxuries.

"Cabinet calls on all national and provincial departments, municipalities, public entities and constitutional institutions to implement these measures," Chabane said.

On Wednesday, Gordhan announced in his mini budget that government intended to slash perks for all officials, from ministers to mayors, to save more than R2bn.

Gordhan said the new rules would apply from December 1 to all spheres of government.