South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has approved salary increases of between 3.5% and 4% for public office-bearers for the 2026/27 financial year, the Presidency announced on Tuesday, 10 November 2026. The adjustments are backdated to 1 April 2026.

Who gets what

Members of the national executive, including cabinet ministers and deputy ministers, members of the National Assembly, permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces, premiers, members of provincial executive councils and provincial legislators will receive a 3.5% increase. Judges of the Constitutional Court, judges of other courts and magistrates will receive 4%, as will traditional leaders and members of independent constitutional institutions.

The Presidency said Ramaphosa considered the recommendations of the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-Bearers alongside the country's economic challenges. The commission is mandated under the Constitution to make annual recommendations on the pay of public office-bearers.

What it is worth

Based on previously gazetted remuneration, a minister's package rises by about R98,008 a year, from R2,800,225 to R2,898,233. The Chief Justice's salary rises by R135,071, from R3,376,765 to R3,511,836. The Presidency did not disclose the total cost of the increases to the fiscus.

Unions condemn the decision

The timing has drawn sharp criticism. Trade unions argue the increases are insensitive while millions of South Africans struggle with unemployment, poverty and the rising cost of living. The South African Federation of Trade Unions has called for the 3.5% increase to be reversed, and the National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union described the decision as insensitive. Statistics South Africa reported on 10 November that the official unemployment rate rose to 33.7% in the third quarter of 2026.

Source: Moneyweb and Smile 90.4FM.