SAFTU slams 3,8% salary increase for top political office-bearers

South African R200 notes

The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) has strongly condemned President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to approve a 3,8% salary increase for top political office-bearers, calling it insensitive.

The increases will cover remuneration packages for the President, Deputy President, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Premiers, MECs and Members of Parliament.

WATCH | SAFTU General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi says they reject the public office bearer salary increment, which is set to rise by 4.1% and 3.8% in different categories from April 2026, arguing that the economy is stagnating and unemployment remains alarmingly high. Instead of… pic.twitter.com/uGpn4gHlPN

— SABC News (@SABCNews) January 24, 2026

SAFTU Secretary General Zwelinzima Vavi, says this decision is scandalous, especially at a time when millions of South Africans are barely surviving under worsening economic conditions.

“It’s an insult to workers, because already some 3 to 7 million workers, are earning below even a national minimum wage of R5500. This is happening, when the food basket in South Africa, costs between R5500 and R6000 meaning that even the working families, even the working people actually form part of the 20 million South Africans, who are missing a meal everyday.”

[LISTEN] Politicians are under fire after getting a 3.8% pay hike, despite many citizens struggling with poverty & unemployment. UAT National Spokesperson, Mighty Mabule says they want it reversed

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— SABC News Radio (@SABCNews_Radio) January 22, 2026