SOUTH AFRICA — President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially determined the public office-bearers salary increase for the 2026/27 financial year, approving increments of between 3.5% and 4% that will take effect on 1 April 2026.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Presidency confirmed that the determination was made following recommendations from the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-Bearers. The decision was reached after taking into serious consideration the ongoing economic challenges facing the country.
Under the new determination, a 3.5% salary 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.
A 4% salary increase has been allocated to judges of the Constitutional Court, judges of other courts, and magistrates. This 4% increment also applies 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, which is constitutionally mandated to make annual recommendations regarding the salaries, allowances, and benefits of public office-bearers, based its advice on a comprehensive review of national data.
In arriving at its recommendations, the Commission evaluated stakeholder inputs, the specific roles and responsibilities of public office-bearers, and fiscal affordability. The review also factored in historic and projected inflation, wage settlement data, average annual wage increases, previous Commission recommendations, and the President’s salary determination for the preceding financial year.
Following the publication of the determination, President Ramaphosa expressed his gratitude to the Commission for its work. Through the Presidency, he issued a directive urging all public office-bearers to remain mindful of the responsibilities entrusted to them.
The Presidency stated that the President urges public office-bearers to uphold their mandates and honour the public trust and expectations associated with their varied responsibilities.
