The deputy president, cabinet ministers, deputy ministers, Speaker of the National Assembly, chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, deputy Speaker, and the deputy chairperson, among others, will not receive salary increases this year, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Saturday.
While the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers had recommended an increase of 4% across all categories of public office bearers, Ramaphosa had “determined otherwise”, the Presidency said.
Ramaphosa’s decision not to follow the commission’s recommendations was informed by the 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.
“The president appreciates that for government to have wider support for its programmes it must implement and demonstrate through practical actions its commitment to exercising prudence,” the Presidency said.
The salaries and allowances of MPs, judges and members of provincial legislatures would be increased by 2.5% with effect from 1 April 2018.
Premiers, members of executive councils, and Speakers would not receive an increase either. Magistrates and traditional leaders would get a 4% increase, while traditional kings and queens would receive a 2.5% raise.