This follows a public outcry around the benefits given to cabinet members, including free water and electricity and an increase in the number of private staff. 

Before the amendment earlier this year, ministers and deputy ministers paid up to R5 000 for utilities at their official homes.

READ: DA: Ministerial Handbook allows ministers to hire more staff

Their bills for lights and water are now wholly footed by the Public Works Department.

Ministers and their deputies earn more than R2 million a year.

The Presidency's Vincent Magwenya says the 2019 version of the handbook will take effect, pending a review.

"President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledges and appreciates the public sentiment on the matter; however, the impression created that the amendments were conducted in secretary and to avoid pubic scrutiny is false."