Saftu rejects Ramaphosa’s 3.5% salary hike for ministers, MPs, premiers and MECs
Saftu has rejected President Ramaphosa's decision to increase salaries of public office-bearers by 3.5% and 4%.
The South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) has vehemently rejected President Cyril Ramaphosa's proposal to raise the salaries of public office-bearers by 3.5% and 4%, deeming it "indefensible" amid widespread unemployment and poverty in the country. Ramaphosa announced the salary increases for the 2026-27 financial year, effective from April 1, 2026.
The 3.5% increase applies to the national executive, MPs, premiers, MECs, and provincial legislators, while a separate 4% boost is for judges, magistrates, traditional leaders, and institutions.
Saftu's general-secretary, Zwelinzima Vavi, expressed deep concern over the move, stating that the decision is indefensible in a country where, as of the second quarter of 2026, 8.5 million people were unemployed and an additional 4.6 million were part of the potential labor force, bringing the total to 13.1 million individuals facing unemployment or potential employment. The union also highlighted the dire poverty, inequality, and soaring living costs faced by millions.
The rejection comes after the Independent Remuneration Commission (IRC) recommended the salary increases, taking into account various factors such as stakeholder comments, the role and responsibilities of public office-bearers, economic variables like fiscal affordability and inflation forecasts, and the commission's previous recommendations. Ramaphosa acknowledged the commission's diligence and urged public office-bearers to uphold their responsibilities faithfully.
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