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ActionSA can reveal that the GNU spent more than R3.7 billion on VIP and static protection services in the 2024/25 financial year. This amount, which is projected to balloon to over R4 billion in the next financial year, significantly exceeds the R2.4 billion allocated to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks), the very unit mandated to fight serious organised crime and corruption. This stark disparity lays bare the GNU’s skewed priorities, favouring executive protection and luxury over strengthening institutions tasked with holding the powerful to account.

In a reply to a parliamentary question submitted by ActionSA, the Minister of Police confirmed that actual expenditure in 2024/25 amounted to R2.29 billion for VIP protection services and a further R1.42 billion for static protection, bringing total protection-related spending to more than R3.7 billion in a single year. Alarmingly, projected expenditure escalates further in the outer years, with total protection-related spending expected to reach R4.06 billion by 2026/27, underscoring the unchecked growth of executive perks.

This revelation follows ActionSA’s recent exposure that GNU Ministers and Deputy Ministers have spent upwards of R500 million on travel and accommodation during their first 18 months in office. This spending, compiled through ActionSA’s GNU Performance Tracker and based on replies to parliamentary questions submitted to every Minister, including the President and Deputy President, paints a damning picture of executive indulgence. Shockingly, but not surprisingly, four departments spent more on travel and accommodation than the President’s own office, further illustrating how executive excess has become entrenched across government.

That the GNU is willing to spend around R1.3 billion more each year on VIP protection than on the Hawks is a powerful indictment of its approach to governance. Instead of adequately funding the unit mandated to investigate, prevent and combat serious organised crime, corruption and priority offences, recover stolen public funds and restore public confidence in the criminal justice system, the GNU has chosen to prioritise the comfort and protection of political elites.

Furthermore, President Cyril Ramaphosa has approved a salary adjustment for public office-bearers, including Ministers and Deputy Ministers, following recommendations by the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-Bearers. Under the adjustment, annual salaries for members of the national executive will increase by 3.8 %, with the Deputy President’s package rising to approximately R3.28 million, Cabinet Ministers’ to around R2.79 million and Deputy Ministers’ to about R2.29 million, effective from 1 April 2026. This approval, made despite persistent service delivery failures and economic hardship faced by millions of South Africans, further illustrates the GNU’s disconnect from the lived realities of ordinary citizens.

It is precisely this culture of executive waste and evasiveness that ActionSA seeks to end. That is why we have introduced the Enhanced Cut Cabinet Perks Bill, designed to rein in the extravagant perks enjoyed by Ministers. In addition, our Constitutional Amendment Bill proposes the complete abolition of all 32 Deputy Minister positions, an outdated and wasteful layer of government that South Africa simply cannot afford.

South Africans deserve leadership that puts people before perks, not a R3.7 billion annual VIP protection bill for the world’s most bloated executive. ActionSA will not allow the political elite to hide behind bureaucracy and live in luxury while South Africans struggle. We will continue to expose waste, demand accountability, and fight for an ethical government that respects every cent of the people’s money.

Issued by ActionSA Member of Parliament Alan Beesley