Johannesburg - Senior government officials are starting to feel the pinch following cabinet’s decision last year to cut costs. As a result there are no more luxury hired cars and business class seats are banned.
According to the Sunday Times, a senior government official, who asked not to be named, said they were already flying economy class instead of the usual business class.
Following Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan’s decision late last year, the Treasury issued a memo earlier this month stating that officials reduce air travel, accommodation and catering costs and that they limit the use of consultants.
There will also be no unnecessary overnight trips, a restriction on overseas trips and a restriction on car hires.
Gordhan also wants telephone allowances reviewed and limited.
As per Treasury instructions, some departments have even stopped buying newspapers for staff.