NATIONAL NEWS - Public office-bearers in South Africa will receive salary increases of between 3.5% and 4%, effective from 1 April 2026, following a determination by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The Presidency announced the increases on Tuesday, saying the decision followed recommendations by the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-Bearers, with the country's economic challenges taken into consideration.

A 3.5% increase will apply to members of the National Executive, Members of the National Assembly, permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces, premiers, members of provincial executive councils and members of provincial legislatures.

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

The same adjustment will apply to traditional leaders, members of the National and Provincial Houses of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, and members of independent constitutional institutions.

The Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-Bearers is constitutionally mandated to make annual recommendations on the salaries, allowances and benefits of public office-bearers.

In reaching its recommendations, the Commission considered submissions from stakeholders, the responsibilities of public office-bearers, the affordability of increases within the national fiscus, historic and projected inflation, wage settlements and average annual salary adjustments.

Previous Commission recommendations and the President's salary determination for the 2025/26 financial year were also taken into account.

Ramaphosa thanked the Commission for its work and called on public office-bearers to remain mindful of their responsibilities and the public trust placed in them.

The Presidency said he had urged them to uphold their mandates and meet the expectations associated with their respective positions. – SAnews.gov.za

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