South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has approved salary increases of 3.5 per cent and 4 per cent for different categories of public office-bearers for the 2026/27 financial year…reports Africa Daily News Desk
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has approved salary increases of up to 4 per cent for public office-bearers for the 2026/27 financial year, covering ministers, parliamentarians, provincial leaders, judges and magistrates, with the revised pay scales taking effect from April 1, 2026.
The determination follows recommendations by the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-Bearers, which reviewed the proposed increases while taking into account the country’s economic challenges and the affordability of public spending.
The commission is constitutionally mandated under Section 219 of South Africa’s Constitution, alongside the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-Bearers Act of 1997, to make annual recommendations on salaries, allowances and benefits for public office-holders.
In preparing its recommendations, the commission considered submissions from stakeholders, the responsibilities and functions of public office-bearers, fiscal affordability, historical and projected inflation, wage settlements and average annual salary increases.
It also took into account its previous recommendations and the President’s determination for the preceding financial year.
According to the announcement, Ramaphosa has approved increases of 3.5 per cent and 4 per cent across different categories of public office-bearers.
Ministers, MPs and judges among beneficiaries
The 3.5 per cent increase applies to members of the National Executive, members of the National Assembly and permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces. It also covers premiers, members of provincial executive councils and provincial legislators.
A 4 per cent increase has been determined for judges of the Constitutional Court and other courts, as well as magistrates.
The same 4 per cent adjustment applies to traditional leaders, members of the National and Provincial Houses of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, and members of independent constitutional institutions.
The revised remuneration schedules published in the Government Gazette on September 23, 2026, set out the salary levels for the different categories, including the National Executive, Parliament, provincial legislatures, local government, judges and magistrates.
Under the published schedule, the annual remuneration of the President is listed at R3,615,055, while the Deputy President’s salary stands at R3,416,307. Ministers are listed at R2,903,841 and deputy ministers at R2,391,374.
The salary determination is intended to take account of the responsibilities attached to public office while balancing remuneration adjustments against the country’s wider economic and fiscal circumstances.
Ramaphosa thanked the Independent Commission for its work and careful consideration in preparing the recommendations.
He also urged public office-bearers to fulfil their responsibilities and uphold the public trust and expectations associated with their respective positions.
