Concerns have been raised over salary increases for public office-bearers, with members of the public expressing widespread outrage over the decision.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has approved a 3.8% pay hike for members of the executive, increasing the salaries of ministers, deputy ministers and Members of Parliament. The increase follows a recommendation by the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-Bearers, which initially proposed a 4.1 percent adjustment.
While the final figure was slightly reduced, it remains above the inflation rate.
The decision comes at a time when many South Africans are grappling with a rising cost of living, high unemployment levels and ongoing service delivery challenges.
Public policy and governance analyst Hlumelo Xaba has labelled the increase as irresponsible, saying it fails to reflect the country’s economic realities.
“I don’t really think that it’s justified considering a number of things. I think there are a couple of things that we need to factor in. Firstly, I don’t think that our country is in a position, given the high levels of unemployment and the entrenched inequality that we are witnessing, for people who are in the top echelons of government, who are entrusted to address these challenges, to receive salary hikes. In one way or another, it is a slap in the face of the public,” Xaba said.
Listen to the full interview with Xaba below:
Meanwhile, political economist Khaya Sithole has reflected on how the salary increases could impact this year’s national budget speech.
He said Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana will have to balance competing demands amid ongoing fiscal constraints.
“He will obviously have to deliver a budget that reflects the resource tensions we are facing. If there are demands being made to the finance minister, he has to consider the bigger picture of what is available and how it is allocated. The question of whether we are still in an austerity phase will likely be answered in the affirmative, unfortunately,” Sithole said.
Listen to the full interview with Sithole below:
VOC News
Photo: @CyrilRamaphosa/X
