'Out of touch government not worthy of any salary increase'

THE approval of salary increases for public office bearers, including ministers and their deputies, as well as parliamentarians, demonstrates that the government doesn't care about the sufferings of the citizens.

- MANYANE MANYANE

This is according to analysts and experts who argue that the money should have been spent on improving infrastructure, especially the railways, which provide cheaper transport br the working class.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced this week that he approved a 3.8% pay increase for ministers, deputy ministers, and parliamentarians.

The increases are set to take effect on April 1, 2026.

These increases are slightly lower than the 4.1% suggested by the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers.

However, provincial legislators will still receive the full 4.1%. This also applies to judges, magistrates, traditional leaders, and independent constitutional institutions.

Under the new changes, the deputy president now earns R3.28 million, an increase of R120,000. Ministers now earn R2.79m, which is R102,000 more. Members of Parliament who are backbenchers now earn R1.32m, an increase of R48,000. Members of executive councils now earn over R2.3m, up by R90,000.