PSA welcomes politicians’ 3.5% pay rise as Cosatu objects

The Public Servants Association (PSA) has welcomed the 3.5% salary increase for MPs, ministers, premiers and MPLs, saying it promotes fairness in public sector remuneration, while Cosatu believes the increase is excessive.

The PSA said the adjustment was, for the first time in many years, broadly aligned with salary increases received by employees in the broader public service.

President Cyril Ramaphosa determined the increases on Monday for the 2026/27 financial year.

He also determined a 4% increase for Constitutional Court judges, judges of other courts and magistrates. The same increase applies to traditional leaders, members of the national and provincial houses of traditional and Khoi-San leaders, and members of independent constitutional institutions.

The PSA said it recognised the demanding responsibilities of public office and believed appropriate remuneration was necessary to attract and retain capable people entrusted with serving South Africa and its citizens.

“The reality is, however, that the persistent increase in the cost of living, including food, fuel, electricity, transport and other essential expenses continues to place enormous pressure on household finances. Even public office bearers, including MPs, may find that such an adjustment offers limited relief against the financial pressures experienced,” it said.

The union said the announcement should also serve as a reminder that public servants at the coalface of service delivery could not continue to be overlooked when salary adjustments were considered.

“Teachers, nurses, police officers, social workers, correctional officials, administrative personnel and other public servants are equally affected by the rising cost of living and deserve meaningful recognition for their contribution to the country.”

The PSA called for increases to be linked to performance amid persistent service delivery problems, saying basic services should remain a priority.

“Forthcoming wage negotiations will present an opportunity for government to demonstrate that it values its employees through tangible and appropriate salary adjustments.”

Cosatu, however, said it was dismayed by the 3.5% increase for MPs, MPLs and councillors.

While it appreciated that the government had reduced the proposed increase for politicians from 4.1% to 3.5%, the federation said the adjustment remained excessive. It said the increase sent an ill-considered message to an increasingly frustrated public that the political elite was dangerously out of touch with ordinary South Africans.

Cosatu supported the 4% increase for magistrates, saying measures were needed to retain skilled professionals and avoid a brain drain in an already overwhelmed judicial system.

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