President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has removed contentious benefits for cabinet members and their deputies that included free energy and water for their residences.
The incentives sparked a public outcry since many people felt they were callous at a time when South Africans were already struggling due to frequent power outages and increased living expenses.
In a press briefing on Monday evening, a spokesman said the president “acknowledges and appreciates the public sentiments on the matter”.
The ministerial handbook, which outlines ministerial benefits, will be “aligned to the realities that many South Africans face”, presidential spokesman Vincent Magwenya said.
He said the intention behind the perks was “not a nefarious one”.
“The intention was to try and find some form of balance between what ministers could afford versus some of the costs that they have,” he is quoted as saying the by the state news agency.
