So, let me repeat. The Cabinet has decided, of its own accord, that there will be these following standards that will be put in place for cars: cost limits will be set; bulk purchasing will be used to reduce costs; security features will be considered; and there will be no compensation for the use of personal cars. [Interjections.] [Applause.]
As far as overseas delegations are concerned, only Ministers will fly Business Class; assistants to Ministers will be limited to two; direct routes will be used; and the number of officials is to be kept to a minimum by each of the delegations that are going. [Applause.] [Interjections.]
In respect of housing, Ministers awaiting allocation of houses will be accommodated in rented apartments, and not hotels any longer. [Applause.] [Interjections.] New refurbishment guidelines for limiting costs will be developed. As of now, and as soon as we can get the message out from the Presidency, no credit cards will be issued or exist. Once these notices are received by all executive members around the country, they are to be scrapped. [Applause.] Our approach to reducing costs and eliminating wasteful expenditure in the rest of government will focus on six areas over the period ahead. [Interjections.] The largest is consultancy services. There are, of course, necessary engineering and advisory services employed by government departments. However, we need, firstly, better contract management and, secondly, stricter control of consultancy fees. Thirdly, each government entity is to develop a consultancy reduction plan over the course of this financial year. [Applause.]
The second aspect will focus on officials, as well: no credit cards to be issued, and the existing ones to be cancelled. [Interjections.] [Applause.]
The third aspect is travel and related costs. The hiring of cars is to be restricted to B-class vehicles, except for special instances, such as rural travel. [Interjections.] The number of officials travelling to Cape Town offices will be limited; and the Leader of Government Business, Deputy President Motlanthe, has been asked to engage with Parliament on measures to reduce costs, such as the size of delegations appearing before parliamentary committees ... [Applause.] ... and the cost implications of the current arrangements between the two capitals, Pretoria and Cape Town. [Applause.]