President Cyril Ramaphosa has approved a salary increase for ministers, MPs and other public office-bearers, but the announcement is unlikely to have everyone celebrating. While those in government are set to take home more money, many South Africans are still trying to stretch their salaries to cover the rising cost of living.
The Presidency confirmed that public office-bearers will receive salary increases of between 3.5% and 4% for the 2026/2027 financial year, with the adjustments backdated to 1 April 2026.
Members of the National Executive, including ministers and deputy ministers, as well as MPs, premiers, MECs and provincial legislators, will receive a 3.5% increase. Judges, magistrates and traditional leaders will receive a 4% adjustment.
For ministers, the increase means their annual salary will rise from R2,800,225 to R2,898,233. That is an additional R98,008 a year. Deputy ministers will see their annual salaries increase by R80,712, bringing their total to R2,386,756.
Meanwhile, ordinary South Africans are still feeling the pressure of expensive groceries, electricity, petrol, transport and monthly bills. For many households, an increase in salary would be welcome relief rather than a luxury.
The announcement has also drawn criticism from the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU), which has rejected the 3.5% increase for ministers, MPs, premiers and provincial legislators.
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SAFTU general-secretary Zwelinzima Vavi described the decision as indefensible, pointing to unemployment, poverty and the financial pressure facing millions of people. The federation cited figures showing that 8.5 million people were officially unemployed in the second quarter of 2026, with another 4.6 million forming part of the potential labour force.
The increases follow recommendations by the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-Bearers, which considers factors such as inflation, the country's financial position, wage settlements and the responsibilities attached to public office.
And while the government has pointed to the process behind the decision, the timing is bound to raise questions among South Africans who feel their own earnings are not keeping pace with the cost of living.
Because while some are celebrating an extra R98,000 a year, others are just hoping their money will last until payday.
What do you think? Should public office-bearers receive salary increases while so many South Africans are struggling financially?
