Public outcry over President Ramaphosa's salary increase for public office-bearers

THE announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa that the salaries of public office-bearers would increase from April 1, has sparked public debate with some calling it "dismal", a "disgrace" and "criminal". 

The increments, which have been designed to reflect the value of these roles, will see judges, magistrates, traditional leaders and members of independent constitutional institutions receive a 4.1% increase. Members of the National Executive, Members of Parliament, members of provincial executive councils and members of provincial legislatures will receive a 3.8% hike. 

In a statement, the presidency said on its website that arriving at the decision, the Independent Commission was required in terms of section 8(6) of the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-Bearers Act, 1997, to consider the following:

- 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 in respect of 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," read the statement. 

Previn Vedan, a lawyer and human rights advocate, said whether the increases were warranted was a legitimate public debate. 

"In a country where millions of citizens are struggling with rising costs, unemployment and declining service delivery, many will rightly question the optics and timing of awarding higher salaries to political elites. Organisations such as the SACP and others have already expressed concern that such increases send the wrong message and strain limited public resources that could instead be directed toward frontline services like health, education and policing.  

"From a legal and governance perspective, it is not unusual for remuneration commissions to recommend adjustments, but from a public interest standpoint, we must ask whether the increases reflect performance and accountability, and whether they are aligned with the lived realities of ordinary South Africans. Leaders must be able to justify not only the legality of decisions, but also their moral and social legitimacy in the context of economic hardship." 

Pamela Padayachee, a social activist, said the increase was a "dismal slap in the face of ordinary hard working South Africans'.

"South Africa is facing deep economic hardship, rising unemployment, persistent gender inequality and severe pressure on basic services. Those in working-class and indigent communities continue to carry the heaviest burden of poverty, food insecurity and unpaid care work. Against this, increasing salaries for already well-remunerated public office-bearers is not warranted and reflects a serious disconnect from the lived realities of ordinary South Africans. Leadership must be seen to share in the sacrifices that citizens are being asked to make." 

She said at a time when funding for health services and schools, among other entities, were not inadequate, public resources should be prioritised for those most in need not political elites.

"This does not reflect a people-centred leadership nor does it reflect  a government which puts people’s interest first."  

Pops Rampersad, an executive committee member of the Active Citizens Movement, which believes in the vision of a socially-cohesive society, said it was a "disgrace" and any person who regarded themselves as honourable must reject the increase. 

"We instead demand the soonest implementation of a Universal Basic Income Grant. The benefits from this far outweighs the benefits for ministers and MPs such as: reduce poverty, lower inequality, and support labour market participation." 

On The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa Facebook Page, Berni wrote: Wow. Salary increase on our SA taxpayers expense. How can you decide to give yourself a salary increase, while unemployment is so high, and SA falling into dust? No service, no creation, no invention, no nothing. But you entitle yourself to increase.

Keaobaka Barx Mooka added: That high salary with no obligations is criminal. Imagine a CEO of a failing company getting an increase year by year and the CEO steals from the company in full view and with no consequences. 

Kavir Noody Maganbeharie wrote: Yes yourl need the increase because holiday accommodation has gone up, Land Rover prices have increased, even high-end restaurants have increased their prices. How would all the parliamentary officials live if they don't get increases? Oh, also designer clothing is up. 

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