- Introduction of the Twenty-Second Amendment Bill: ActionSA has officially gazetted the bill, proposing a major overhaul of South Africa’s executive structure, including reducing the Cabinet and eliminating deputy minister roles to address governance issues.
- Controversies Driving Reform Efforts: Recent governance controversies, such as interference in police investigations and questionable appointments, have highlighted flaws in the current executive framework, prompting calls for structural reform.
- Abolition of Deputy Minister Positions: The proposed bill aims to eliminate all 43 deputy minister roles to improve efficiency and reduce public spending, addressing concerns about their constitutional authority and effectiveness.
ActionSA has officially gazetted its Notice to introduce the Constitution Twenty-Second Amendment Bill, which could deliver the most significant restructuring of South Africa’s executive since 1994. The Bill aims to reduce the current Cabinet of 32 Ministers and 43 Deputy Ministers, citing governance failures and wasteful spending.
The move comes in the wake of recent controversies, including President Cyril Ramaphosa placing Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave over allegations of interference in investigations and links to criminal elements. Professor Firoz Cachalia was named as Acting Minister of Police but has yet to be sworn in, leaving Minister Gwede Mantashe temporarily in charge of the police portfolio. ActionSA also criticised appointments such as Thembi Simelane, linked to the VBS scandal, who was briefly Minister of Justice before a portfolio swap.
Key Proposals in the Bill include: Abolish the Deputy Minister role, cutting all 43 positions, saving billions, Parliamentary vetting, cabinet appointments to be approved by a dedicated committee and the National Assembly, Minister removal powers, parliament can dismiss individual Ministers via motions of no confidence, Expert inclusion and expanding non-MP Cabinet positions from two to four.
The reforms form part of a broader package announced in March 2025, which includes oversight of the Ministerial Handbook to prevent unilateral changes by the President, mandatory public reporting, and regular reviews of Cabinet perks.
ActionSA estimates the measures could save R1.5 billion annually, with funds redirected to jobs, services, and infrastructure. Public submissions are open for 30 days via email to the Speaker of Parliament.
