Ramaphosa approves up to 4% salary increases for public office-bearers

President Cyril Ramaphosa has approved salary increases of up to 4% for public office-bearers, including members of his executive, MPs, judges and traditional leaders, for the 2026/27 financial year.

The salary adjustments, announced by the Presidency on Tuesday, will take effect retrospectively from 1 April 2026.

The increases range between 3.5% and 4%, depending on the category of public office-bearer.

Members of the National Executive, National Assembly and permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces will receive a 3.5% increase.

The same adjustment applies to provincial premiers, members of provincial executive councils and provincial legislatures.

Judges of the Constitutional Court and other courts, as well as magistrates, will receive a 4% increase.

Traditional leaders, members of the National and Provincial Houses of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, and members of independent constitutional institutions will also receive a 4% adjustment.

The determination follows recommendations by the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-Bearers, which is constitutionally mandated to advise on salaries, allowances and benefits for public office-bearers.

In reaching its recommendations, the commission considered several factors, including the country's economic conditions, fiscal affordability, inflation forecasts, wage settlements and average annual salary increases.

It also considered input from stakeholders and the responsibilities and functions attached to the different public offices.

The Presidency said Ramaphosa had considered the serious economic challenges facing the country before making his determination.

The President thanked the commission for its work and urged public office-bearers to remain accountable to the people they serve.

He also called on them to uphold their mandates and honour the public trust and expectations associated with their responsibilities.