Proposed salary hikes for high level government officials a 'slap in the face' for struggling South Africans

THE recommendation of a 4.1% salary increase for public office bearers, which would see the President's annual salary rise by about R137 000 to approximately R3.4 million, has come under sharp criticism as ordinary South Africans struggle to make ends meet.

- THEOLIN TEMBO

The recommendation by the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers, published in a government gazette, proposed increases at the highest levels of government for the 2025/2026 financial year.

If approved, the Deputy President would receive an increase of just under R130 000 taking his earnings to around R3.1m a year. Cabinet Ministers stand to benefit from an increase of about R110 000 pushing their annual pay to roughly R2.8m. Deputy Ministers would earn more than R2.3m per year under the proposed adjustments.