The Congress of South African Trade Unions has rejected a proposed 4.1 percent salary increase for politicians, describing it as excessive and disconnected from the financial pressures faced by ordinary South Africans.
The proposed increase was recommended by the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers for the 2025 and 2026 financial year. Cosatu says the recommendation creates the impression that the political elite are out of touch with the country’s economic realities, particularly at a time when citizens are grappling with rising living costs and the possibility of future tax increases.
Concerns Over Economic Pressures And Tax Burden
The union has criticised the proposal to allocate an additional R536 million to fund salary increases for politicians, commissioners and judges, especially following recent warnings by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana that further tax hikes may be necessary from 2026.
Cosatu argues that the timing of the recommendation sends the wrong message to South Africans who are already under financial strain.
Objection To Salary Hikes For Local Government Councillors
Cosatu has also expressed strong opposition to the inclusion of local government councillors in the proposed increase. The union pointed out that many municipalities are under severe financial strain and are failing to meet basic obligations such as paying salaries, pensions, medical aid contributions and statutory taxes.
Call To Prioritise Frontline Workers
According to Cosatu, any available government funds should instead be prioritised for the employment of frontline workers, including doctors, nurses, teachers and police officers, who are critically needed in working class communities.
Breakdown Of Proposed Salary Increases
If approved, the proposed increases would see President Cyril Ramaphosa’s salary rise by R137,000 to approximately R3.4 million per year. Deputy President Paul Mashatile would receive an increase of nearly R130,000, bringing his annual salary to about R3.1 million. Cabinet Ministers could see their salaries increase by R110,000 to R2.8 million per year.
Support For Separate Salary Adjustments For Judges And Magistrates
While opposing salary increases for politicians, Cosatu has indicated its support for Minister Godongwana’s recommendations regarding judges and magistrates. The Minister has proposed a 4.1 percent increase for members of the judiciary and a lower 3.5 percent increase for public representatives.
The union says judges and magistrates should be treated separately due to their extensive legal qualifications and experience.
Calls For Public Consultation And Greater Accountability
Cosatu has called for greater transparency in the process, arguing that proposals from the Commission should be released for public comment before being submitted to the President for approval.
The union has further urged government to amend the terms of reference governing salary increases so that they are linked to the performance of public representatives and the institutions they oversee.
Ramaphosa Urged To Reject Commission Proposal
Cosatu has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to reject the Commission’s proposal for politicians and to approve only an inflation linked increase of 3.5 percent for members of the judiciary.
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