President Ramaphosa Approves Salary Hikes for South Africa's Public Office Bearers
In a move that will elevate the earnings of South Africa’s political leaders, President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially approved new salary increases for public office bearers. The adjustments, which follow recommendations from the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers, aim to reflect current economic conditions, including inflation and fiscal affordability.
The commission proposed a 4.1% salary increase for various categories, taking into account essential factors such as inflation levels and the overall impact on the public-sector wage bill. However, while Ramaphosa has sanctioned the full 4.1% increase for certain groups, other political office bearers will see slightly lower increases of 3.8%.
Among those benefiting from the 4.1% hike are judges, magistrates, traditional leaders, and members of independent constitutional institutions. In contrast, ministers, deputy ministers, members of Parliament, premiers, and members of provincial legislatures will receive the lesser increase of 3.8%.
The President’s decision was made official through a notice published in the government gazette on 9 January 2026, thereby granting the changes legal status. The new salary scales reveal that the deputy president will now earn R3.28 million annually. Cabinet ministers will receive R2.79 million, while deputy ministers’ pay has increased to R2.29 million.
Within Parliament, the speaker of the National Assembly and the chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) will each earn R3.28 million. The deputy speaker of the National Assembly and the NCOP deputy chairperson will receive R2.29 million, while the house chair of chairs will take home R2.18 million. Leaders of opposition parties also see a salary bump, with the leader of the main opposition, the MK party, earning R1.86 million. Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema, alongside other minority party leaders, will receive R1.56 million.
Chief whips have also benefited from the adjustments, with the chief whip of the majority party earning R1.86 million and the chief whip of the largest minority party earning R1.56 million. Chairpersons of parliamentary committees will earn R1.73 million, while ordinary MPs and permanent NCOP delegates will receive R1.32 million annually.
At the provincial level, all nine premiers will earn R2.63 million each year. Members of executive councils and speakers of provincial legislatures will see their salaries set at R2.3 million, while deputy speakers will earn R1.86 million. Ordinary members of provincial legislatures will receive R1.28 million.
The Presidency elaborated on the remuneration package in a detailed statement, explaining that the total annual package comprises various components. At least 60% of the package is allocated to the basic salary, which also serves as the basis for pension contributions. Embedded within the basic salary is a fixed amount of R120,000 per year, translating to a monthly allowance of R10,000. Moreover, the package provides for an employer pension contribution equal to 22.5% of the pensionable salary.
Notably, these approved salary increases will be applied retrospectively, taking effect from 1 April 2025. This measure reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the fiscal realities within which public office bearers operate, but it also raises questions about the implications for the public purse amid ongoing economic challenges.
As South Africa continues to navigate its complex socio-economic landscape, the approval of these salary increases will likely provoke discussions about the priorities of the government and the need for transparency in how public funds are allocated. In a climate where many citizens face rising costs of living, such decisions will be scrutinised closely, particularly by those advocating for equitable resource distribution and accountability in governance.
Follow Us on Twitter
