South Africa: Ministers Pocket Pay Hikes As Millions Battle to Survive

What the report says

President Cyril Ramaphosa has approved salary increases for South Africa’s political leadership, including ministers, deputy ministers, MPs, premiers and provincial legislators, according to reporting distributed by AllAfrica from Scrolla. The 3.5% adjustment was announced on 10 November and is backdated to 1 April 2026. Based on previously gazetted remuneration, the increase works out to roughly R97,725 a year more for a minister and about R46,304 for an ordinary MP, though the article notes these figures reflect total remuneration packages rather than immediate take-home pay.

The timing of the decision drew sharp criticism because Statistics South Africa released new labour data the same day showing unemployment had risen to 33.7%, with 8.6 million people officially unemployed. The report says the South African Federation of Trade Unions, or Saftu, argued the increase should be reversed, saying political leaders should prioritise households under financial strain.

The Presidency said the increases followed recommendations from the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-Bearers, which considered inflation, affordability for the state, past pay decisions and average annual wage growth. Ramaphosa also approved a separate 4% increase for judges, magistrates, traditional leaders and members of national and provincial houses of traditional and Khoi-San leaders. The dispute highlights the tension between public-sector pay decisions and the country’s wider economic and employment pressures.