This comes after Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana highlighted the financial implications of ghost and suspended employees during the budget's tabling last month.

Addressing the oral reply session in the National Assembly at Parliament on Wednesday, Buthelezi said the investigation is being conducted with the National Treasury.

"The total cost associated with the ghost employees phenomenon has not yet been determined. This cost will only become available once the comprehensive employee verification process across public service has been completed and the financial implications accurately calculated."

"However, the Department of Public Service and Administration and the National Treasury are jointly leading this exercise, and once the report is finalised, it will be shared with the relevant committee and this House, of course."

--SABC--