Ramaphosa Approves Salary Increase For Public Office Bearers – Here Is How Much They Will Earn

President Cyril Ramaphosa has approved salary increases ranging from 3.5% to 4% for South Africa’s public office-bearers for the 2026/27 financial year. The adjustments will be backdated to 1 April 2026, meaning the affected officials will receive the increases from the beginning of the financial year.

The Presidency announced the decision on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, confirming that Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament (MPs), provincial premiers and several other senior public representatives will benefit from the salary adjustments.

The approval follows recommendations submitted by the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-Bearers, a constitutional body responsible for advising the President on the salaries, benefits and allowances of people occupying public positions.

However, the announcement is likely to generate debate among South Africans, especially considering the economic difficulties facing many households. High living costs, unemployment and financial pressure remain major concerns for ordinary citizens.

Public Representatives Who Will Receive a 3.5% Increase

According to the Presidency, a 3.5% salary adjustment has been approved for members of the National Executive.

This category includes Cabinet ministers and deputy ministers, as well as Members of the National Assembly and permanent delegates serving in the National Council of Provinces.

At provincial level, the increase will also benefit premiers, Members of Provincial Executive Councils (MECs) and members of provincial legislatures.

This means several senior political office-bearers across the country will receive higher salaries during the current financial year.

Who Qualifies For The 4% Salary Adjustment?

A separate category of public office-bearers will receive a slightly higher salary increase of 4%.

Those included are Constitutional Court judges, judges serving in other courts and magistrates.

Traditional leaders and representatives serving in the National and Provincial Houses of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders will also benefit from the adjustment.

Furthermore, members of independent constitutional institutions are included in the category receiving the 4% increase.

The different percentages were determined according to the specific categories outlined in the President’s official remuneration determination.

Factors Considered Before Approving The Increases

Before making its recommendations, the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-Bearers considered several economic and financial factors.

These included the country’s economic performance, the affordability of salary adjustments, historical inflation rates, projected inflation figures and existing wage settlement agreements.

The commission also considered the responsibilities associated with different public positions, submissions from relevant stakeholders, previous recommendations and average annual salary increases.

The Presidency indicated that Ramaphosa took South Africa’s difficult economic circumstances into account before approving the recommendations.

How Much More Will Ministers And MPs Earn?

The approved percentages will translate into different financial benefits depending on the positions held by the affected individuals.

For instance, published salary calculations indicate that the annual remuneration of a Cabinet minister will increase from approximately R2.8 million to R2.89 million following the adjustment.

Ordinary Members of Parliament will also receive higher annual remuneration under the new determination.

It is important to note that the salary decision does not automatically apply to every government employee. It specifically covers the categories of public office-bearers identified in the President’s determination.

Ramaphosa Calls For Accountability Among Public Representatives

Following the approval, the Presidency indicated that Ramaphosa had thanked the independent commission for its work and the consideration given to its recommendations.

The President also urged public office-bearers to take their responsibilities seriously and honour the trust South Africans have placed in them.

His message highlighted the importance of accountability, effective leadership and improved service delivery among those occupying public positions.

Nevertheless, the salary announcement is likely to renew discussions about the relationship between political remuneration and the performance of public representatives.

With many South Africans continuing to struggle with unemployment and the rising cost of living, questions about government accountability and the value delivered by elected leaders remain important.

Although the salary increases have officially been approved for the 2026/27 financial year, public representatives will continue facing expectations to demonstrate that their positions come with genuine responsibility and a commitment to improving the lives of ordinary citizens.

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