Vavi slams public office-bearers salary increase
SAFTU has called a 3.5% salary increase for public office-bearers insensitive.
The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) has criticized the government's decision to give public office-bearers a 3.5 per cent salary raise, coming after the release of unemployment statistics. The announcement, made by President Cyril Ramaphosa, will take effect from April 1, 2026. SAFTU General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi has rejected the increase, arguing that it will divert much-needed resources to combat the unemployment crisis and the rising cost of living.
He urges the government to reconsider the decision, stating that the leadership has "lost their political compass" and is "blinded to the fact that 67 per cent of the population now survive below the upper bound poverty level of a mere R2 900 plus a month." Vavi further noted that the political leaders have forgotten their roots and are continuing with "business as usual."
The increase in salaries for public office-bearers is recommended by the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-Bearers, following the President's consideration of the serious economic challenges facing the country. The Independent Commission is tasked with making annual recommendations regarding the salaries, allowances, and benefits of public office-bearers based on the provisions of the Constitution and the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-Bearers Act, 1997.
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