South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed claims that his new cabinet is swollen and says he is focused on rebuilding the government.
Opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen on Thursday inquired as to whether it was fair for ministers to be "living like demigods" while ordinary citizens suffer.
"[They have] 98 mansion worth over of a billion rand, free generators, free electricity and very good quality extravagance vehicles," Mr Steenhuisen said.
"All things considered, I have hardly any familiarity with heroes," the president answered.
Mr Ramaphosa denied the opposition leader's cases that South Africa had the biggest cabinet across the globe, saying the country was "essentially in accordance with others".
The DA has said it will picket on Monday against the "sumptuous" ways of life of ministers, local media reported.
The president made changes to his leader early this week - including the creation of two new ministers.