South Africa’s Ramaphosa approves pay rises of up to 4% for politicians, judges and public officials

PRETORIA, November 10, 2026 — South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has approved salary increases of between 3.5 per cent and 4 per cent for political office-holders, judges and other senior public officials for the 2026/27 financial year, following recommendations from an independent remuneration commission.

The adjustments, which take effect retrospectively from April 1, 2026, cover members of the national and provincial executives, parliamentarians, judicial officers, traditional leaders and officials serving in independent constitutional institutions.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Presidency said Ramaphosa had considered the recommendations of the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-Bearers alongside the country’s economic challenges before determining the increases.

Members of the national executive, National Assembly and permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces will receive a 3.5 per cent salary increase.

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

Judges of the Constitutional Court, judges serving in other courts and magistrates will receive a 4 per cent 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 4 per cent.

Economic pressures shape remuneration decision

The Presidency said the commission had considered several economic and institutional factors before submitting its recommendations.

These included fiscal affordability, historical inflation, inflation forecasts, wage settlements, previous remuneration determinations and average annual salary increases.

The commission also assessed the responsibilities, functions and status of the public officials covered by its recommendations, alongside submissions from relevant stakeholders.

Established under South Africa’s constitutional framework, the commission is responsible for making annual recommendations on salaries, allowances and benefits for designated public office-holders.

Its mandate is derived from Section 219 of the Constitution and the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-Bearers Act of 1997.

The recommendations are intended to provide an institutional basis for determining remuneration while taking account of economic conditions and the responsibilities attached to public office.

The Presidency did not disclose the total fiscal cost of the approved increases or provide revised salary figures for individual positions.

Ramaphosa calls for accountability

Ramaphosa thanked the commission for its work in assessing remuneration arrangements and urged public officials to fulfil their responsibilities to the public.

The Presidency said the president had acknowledged the commission’s diligence and careful scrutiny in preparing its recommendations.

He also called on office-holders to uphold their mandates and honour the public trust and expectations associated with their positions.

The decision establishes different rates of adjustment for elected political representatives and other categories of public office-holders during the current financial year.

With the increases backdated to April, eligible officials will receive remuneration adjustments covering the period from the beginning of the financial year, subject to the applicable payment arrangements.

The determination comes as South Africa continues to weigh public expenditure commitments against broader economic and fiscal pressures.

The salary adjustments will form part of the government’s remuneration obligations for the 2026/27 financial year.