Ramaphosa approves above-inflation salary hike for judges, MPs, ministers

President Cyril Ramaphosa has approved pay increases slighty above the official inflation rate for judges, MPs and cabinet ministers.

Ramaphosa approved a recommendation by the independent commission for the remuneration of public office bearers that the salary of public office bearers be increased 4.1% from April 1.

“The president, however, decided to increase the salary of public office bearers by 4.1% and 3.8% in different categories,” presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said on Tuesday.

The 4.1% increase will apply to judges, magistrates, traditional leaders and members of independent constitutional institutions, while members of the national executive, MPs and members of provincial executive councils and provincial legislatures will receive a 3.8% raise.

Inflation in South Africa amounted to an annual rate of 3.5% in November, according to Stats SA.

The Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-Bearers is mandated in terms of the constitution, read with the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers Act, to make annual recommendations regarding the salaries and upper limits of salaries, allowances, and benefits of public office bearers.

Magwenya said factors that were considered in making the decision include:

• the role, status, duties, functions and responsibilities of the office bearers concerned;
• affordability of different levels of remuneration of public office bearers;
• current principles and levels of remuneration, particularly regarding organs of state;
• inflation;
• available resources of the state; and
• public service remuneration levels.

“President Ramaphosa appreciates the diligence and integrity with which the commission developed its recommendations,” said Magwenya.

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