As ordinary South Africans continue to struggle with the rising cost of living, ministers and Members of Parliament (MPs) are set to earn more following the latest salary increase approved by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa approved salary increases of between 3.5% and 4% for public office-bearers for the 2026/27 financial year.
The 3.5% increase applies to ministers, MPs, premiers and members of provincial legislatures, while judges, magistrates and traditional leaders will receive a 4% increase. The new salary rates are backdated to April 1, 2026.
The decision follows recommendations by the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-Bearers, with the President also taking into account the serious economic challenges facing the country.
These included the country’s financial position, inflation, expected inflation, average wage increases and the duties and responsibilities of public office-bearers.
The commission also considered comments from stakeholders and salary increases from the previous year. Ramaphosa said his decision took into account the serious economic challenges facing the country.
How much ministers and MPs will earn
Ministers will receive an additional R98,008 per year, raising their annual salaries from R2,800,225 to R2,898,233 following the 3.5% increase. That works out to R241,519 per month. Deputy ministers will also receive a salary increase of R80,712, bringing their annual earnings from R2,306,044 to R2,386,756 (or R198,896 per month).
Ordinary Members of Parliament (MPs) will earn R1,373,230 a year, up from R1,326,792. This is an increase of R46,438 and equates to monthly earnings of R114,435. The Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces will each earn R3,409,708 annually, an increase of R115,304.
Meanwhile, premiers will see their annual salaries increase from R2,635,562 to R2,727,807, while MECs will earn R2,386,756, up from R2,306,044. This equates to monthly earnings of R227,317 and R198,896, respectively.
SAFTU rejects the salary increases
The decision to increase politicians’ salaries has already received criticism from the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU).
The federation has rejected the 3.5% increase for ministers, MPs, premiers and provincial legislators, arguing that political office-bearers should not receive higher salaries while millions of South Africans struggle with unemployment and poverty.
“This decision is indefensible in a country where, in the second quarter of 2026, 8.5 million people were officially unemployed and another 4.6 million formed part of the potential labour force. That means 13.1 million people were unemployed or part of the potential labour force.”
