Ramaphosa denies his ministers 'live like rock stars'

Cyril Ramaphosa, the president of South Africa, has denied accusations that his new administration is overstuffed and has vowed to restructure the government.

President Ramaphosa was questioned in parliament on Thursday by Democratic Alliance (DA) chairman John Steenhuisen about whether it was appropriate for ministers to "live like rock stars" while the general populace suffers.

They have 98 mansions worth more than a billion rand, free power, free generators, and expensive luxury cars, according to Mr. Steenhuisen.

The President said, "Well, I don't know about rock artists.

When asked if South Africa had the world's biggest cabinet, Mr. Ramaphosa responded that it was "basically in line with others" and disputed the opposition leader's assertions to the contrary.

According to local media, the DA has announced that it will picket on Monday to protest the "luxurious" lives of ministers.

Early this week, the president made adjustments to his executive, including the establishment of two new departments.

Ministers in South Africa receive yearly salaries of up to $135,000 (£113,000), plus perks like personal staff and luxuries vehicles, making them some of the highest paid in all of Africa.

Given the state of the economy, there has frequently been public anger over their pay.