By: Bright Ntuli
The National Assembly has approved a 3.8% salary increase for President Cyril Ramaphosa, bringing his annual remuneration to just over R3.4 million.
The adjustment follows a recommendation by the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers, which had initially proposed a 4.1% increase for the country’s public office bearers. Parliament, however, settled on a slightly lower figure.
The ANC’s deputy chief whip, Doris Dlakude, defended the increase, arguing that the president’s salary remains significantly lower than that of many CEOs at state-owned enterprises and certain public entities. She added that the adjustment would also apply to former presidents, whose benefits are linked to the sitting president’s remuneration.
Opposition parties have criticised the move. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) described the increase as unjustified amid sluggish economic growth and mounting financial pressure on households. EFF MP Poppy Mailola said Ramaphosa should set an example by foregoing the raise, noting that many workers in the private sector have not received salary increases.
Meanwhile, ActionSA parliamentary leader Athol Trollip said the Government of National Unity cannot urge citizens to tighten their belts while the executive approves salary hikes for itself.
The increase forms part of annual adjustments to the remuneration of public office bearers, which are subject to parliamentary approval following recommendations from the independent commission.
