Cyril Ramaphosa gives MPs, premiers and judges a salary hike

President Cyril Ramaphosa has approved salary increases of between 3.5% and 4% for South Africa’s public office-bearers for the 2026/27 financial year.

The increases are effective from 1 April 2026 and follow recommendations by the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-Bearers.

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Higher increase for judges

Cyril Ramaphosa determined that a 3.5% increase would apply to members of the National Executive, Members of Parliament, permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces, premiers, members of provincial executive councils and members of provincial legislatures.

A higher increase of 4% has been approved for judges of the Constitutional Court and other courts, as well as magistrates.

Traditional leaders and members of the National and Provincial Houses of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders will also receive a 4% increase.

The same adjustment applies to members of independent constitutional institutions.

How the increases were determined

The Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-Bearers is constitutionally mandated to make annual recommendations on the salaries, allowances and benefits of public office-bearers.

In preparing its recommendations, the Commission considered several factors, including stakeholder submissions, the responsibilities and status of the positions concerned, historic and forecast inflation, fiscal affordability and average annual wage increases.

It also considered previous recommendations and the President’s determination for the preceding financial year.

The Presidency said Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision took into account the serious economic challenges facing the country.

The President thanked the Commission for its work and urged public office-bearers to uphold their mandates and honour the public trust associated with their responsibilities.