South African Ministers Will Not Get Salary Increases, Says Ramaphosa

Respecting the tight budget that most South Africans are currently on and sensitive to the current economic climate, President Cyril Ramaphosa has decided not to increase the salaries of Ministers, even though an increase of 4 percent had been recommended.

In a statement the Presidency said: “President Ramaphosa has determined that there will be no annual salary increase for the Deputy President, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and the Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces.”

The Independent Commission on the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers had recommended an increase of 4% across all categories of public office bearers, but the Presidency said Ramaphosa decided not to follow the recommendations because it is “imperative that the state be considerate, responsive and demonstrate restraint, especially during periods of economic hardship, when determining the level of salary increases for public representatives”.

It’s important, the President said, to exercise prudence in order to gain wider support for government programmes.

The salaries and allowances of the Constitutional Court judges and judges of other courts will however be increased by 2.5% with effect of 1 April 2018.

In provincial executives, Premiers, Members of Executive Councils and Speakers will not receive a salary increase.

With regard to Members of Parliament, a 2.5% increase will apply to categories ranging from House Chairperson, Chief Whip: Majority Party, Leader of the Opposition and Whips, to Members of the National Assembly and permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces.

Members of provincial legislatures will receive a 2.5% salary increase.

Magistrates will benefit from a 4% salary adjustment, as will office bearers in of both national and provincial houses of traditional leaders.

Kings and Queens will be eligible for a 2.5% increase.

Senior traditional leaders and headmen and women will receive a 4% salary increase.