President Cyril Ramaphosa has approved a 3.8% salary increase for the National Executive and members of Parliament, lifting already high annual packages for ministers, deputy ministers and MPs. The increase follows a December recommendation by the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-Bearers.

What was Approved and who Gets it

For cabinet, the approved packages move a minister from R2,689,937 to R2,792,155 a year, while a deputy minister increases from R2,215,220 to R2,299,398. The deputy president’s package rises from R3,164,654 to R3,284,911.

In Parliament, top earners like the National Assembly speaker and NCOP chair rise from R3,164,654 to R3,284,911. Ordinary MPs in the National Assembly increase from R1,274,536 to R1,322,968.

Why the Figure Landed on 3.8%

The commission recommended a 4.1% increase, but the approved rate for the National Executive and Parliament came in 0.3 percentage points lower at 3.8%. Provincial legislature packages, however, were approved in line with the 4.1% recommendation.

The commission pointed to easing inflation, noting projections shifted from 4.5% early in the year to 3.5% by year end. It said a realistic base range for 2025/26 inflation is 3.5% to 4.5%, putting the 3.8% increase inside that band.

How this Compares to Other Wage Pressures

While the political office-bearer increase is above inflation, it is lower than the public service wage agreement, which lifted public servants’ wages by 5.5% from April 2025.

The report also notes that government’s wage bill has fallen as a share of consolidated spending, from 35.7% in 2013/14 to 32.1% in 2023/24, and is projected at 31.4% by 2027/28.

What About Ramaphosa’s Own Pay

Even though the president signs off most top official increases, his own salary is approved by Parliament. The commission recommended a 4.1% increase for Ramaphosa, taking his current R3.35 million package to about R3.5 million if MPs approve it.