Ramaphosa defends role of deputy ministers amid cost concerns [SOUND]

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended the role of deputy ministers, despite criticism over their high cost to taxpayers. Ramaphosa told Parliament that deputy ministers continue to add value to government work. ActionSA’s Athol Trollip argued the 42 deputy ministers are a wasteful expense and serve as patronage. Ramaphosa admitted he would prefer a smaller executive, but said the need to accommodate the government of national unity required a broader cabinet: