Ramaphosa slammed for approving salary increases for public office bearers

January 21, 2026 61

Photo credit: Cyril Ramaphosa, X — Image credit: Cyril Ramaphosa, X

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to approve salary increases for public office bearers has sparked debate among South Africans, with critics accusing the government of prioritising politicians over the needs of ordinary citizens.

The increases follow recommendations by the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-Bearers.

According to the Presidency, Ramaphosa approved a 4.1% increase for judges, magistrates, traditional leaders, and members of independent constitutional institutions. A 3.8% increase will apply to members of the national executive, Parliament, provincial executives, and legislatures.

The move has drawn criticism on social media, where some South Africans argue that the funds would be better directed toward struggling public services such as health and education.

He should update SERVICE level instead of updating SALARY levels!

— White Lion II (NDDN) Wittoslav Lionovski (@WhiteLionII1) January 20, 2026

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has approved salary increases for politicians and other public office-bearers. The salary adjustments will take effect from April 1. Under the new structure, the deputy president will earn about $177,000 a year, cabinet ministers around… pic.twitter.com/HMCS6V5OzB

— Sahel Revolutionary Soldier (@cecild84) January 20, 2026

Your salary increase was between 3% and 6% in the last 8 years of Ramaphosa while the cost of living increase was between 10% and 25%. You are much poorer now than before.

Meanwhile resourceful baddies are making R300k monthly through negotiable affections. pic.twitter.com/6ftEuP5gub

— Sentletse 🇿🇦🇷🇺🇵🇸🇱🇧 (@Sentletse) January 20, 2026

@ziziphol

#politics #cyrilramaphosa

♬ original sound – Zizipho✨

Trade unions, including the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) and the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU), have echoed these concerns.

COSATU says the decision sends an ill-considered message and is out of touch with the realities faced by ordinary South Africans.

While the federation supports the increase for magistrates to prevent skills losses in the justice system, it has criticised what it describes as generous increases for politicians.

#NEHAWU condemns the decision by President Ramaphosa to approve an increase in salaries for Public Office Bearers by 3.8% following recommendations by the Independent Commission for Remuneration for Public Office.@MorningLiveSABC @SakinaKamwendo @Treasury_RSA @PresidencyZA pic.twitter.com/74kKFgVyWb

— @COSATU Today (@_cosatu) January 20, 2026

SAFTU has also condemned the decision, warning that it could deepen poverty and further strain the working class.