Ramaphosa scraps free electricity, water for ministers
The state news agency quotes him as saying, "The objective was to try to create some type of balance between what ministers could afford vs some of the costs that they have."
Boakyewaa Lawrencia 
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.
A spokesperson stated during a press conference on Monday night that the president "acknowledges and appreciates the popular emotions on the topic."
According to presidential spokesman Vincent Magwenya, the ministerial handbook, which lists ministerial benefits, will be "aligned to the realities that many South Africans confront."
He claimed that the benefits' purpose was "not sinister."
The state news agency quotes him as saying, "The objective was to try to create some type of balance between what ministers could afford vs some of the costs that they have."
