Cyril Ramaphosa Approves Pay Increases for Ministers, MPs and Judges

President Cyril Ramaphosa has approved salary increases for public office-bearers in the 2026/27 financial year, with the changes set to take effect on April 1, 2026, according to the report. The decision comes as many South Africans face pressure from rising costs and tight household budgets. The increases follow recommendations by the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-Bearers. The commission is responsible for making annual recommendations on salaries, allowances and benefits for public office-holders under the Constitution and the relevant legislation. Ramaphosa approved a 3.5% increase for members of the national executive, National Assembly members and permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces. The same adjustment applies to premiers, provincial executive council members and provincial legislators. A 4% rise was approved for Constitutional Court judges, judges of other courts and magistrates. The higher rate also covers traditional leaders, members of national and provincial houses of traditional leaders, Khoi-San leaders and members of independent constitutional institutions. The report says the commission’s recommendations took account of the country’s serious economic challenges. Ramaphosa thanked the commission for its work and urged public office-bearers to fulfil their responsibilities and respect the public trust attached to their positions. The announcement sets out different increases according to the categories of office-holder, with the pay changes due to begin at the start of the new financial year. It does not provide individual salary figures, but confirms that the approved adjustments range from 3.5% to 4%.