By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has approved the increase of salaries for the country’s top officials which includes Ministers, MPs and deputies as they are set to receive an increase of 3.8%, while judges, members of independent institutions and traditional leaders will receive an increase of 4.1%.

“Having considered the commission’s recommendations and its impact on the fiscus, the president, however, decided to increase the salary of public office-bearers by 4.1% and 3.8% in different categories” Ramaphosa said in a statement.

 “The Increase of 4.1% applies to judges, magistrates, traditional leaders and members of independent constitutional institutions. The increase of 3.8% applies to members of the national executive, members of parliament, members of provincial executive councils and members of provincial legislatures.” Ramaphosa continued to elaborate.

The salary hikes come after the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-bearers had requested a salary increase of 4.1% and the salary increases are set to begin from 1 April 2026.

What these increases look like is as follows; the Deputy President will receive a salary bump from R3.16 million to R3.38 million (R120,000 increase), Ministers will earn R2.79 million (R130,000 increase) and Deputy Ministers will receive R2.30 million (R84,000 increase). 

Members of Parliament will receive a salary that will range from R1.32 million (R48,000 increase) this is set for ordinary MPs, however speakers and chairs will receive R3.28 million (R120,000 increase). 

Provincial Executives and legislature members will benefit from the full 4.1% increase. Premiers will earn a salary which previously sat at R2.53 million to now R2.64 million (R104,000 increase) and MECs from R2.22 million to R2.31 Million (R91,000 increase). 

Ramaphosa clarified that these increases were adjusted according to the recommendations of the Independent commission. President Ramaphosa’s decision to approve the salary increases comes with backlash due to South Africa’s continued economic struggles as the bill is expected to be debated in Parliament. 

“This is shocking. It is uncaring and, frankly, irresponsible on the part of the president and politicians…to grant themselves this kind of increase, given the climate we are facing as a country-potentially one of our biggest economic crises is deeply concerning” said Political Economist Professor William Gumede.