PRETORIA, Wednesday 11 November 2026 — President Cyril Ramaphosa has approved salary increases of between 3.5% and 4% for several categories of public office-bearers, with the adjustments backdated to 1 April 2026.
The Presidency announced the determination on Tuesday, saying the increases followed recommendations from the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-Bearers.
The decision affects members of the national and provincial legislatures, executive office-bearers, judges, magistrates and several other categories of public officials.
MPs and executive office-bearers receive 3.5%
Under the determination, members of the national executive, National Assembly members and permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces will receive a 3.5% salary increase.
The same adjustment applies to provincial premiers, members of provincial executive councils and members of provincial legislatures.
The increases apply to the 2026/27 financial year and take effect retrospectively from the beginning of April.
Judges and traditional leaders receive 4%
A separate 4% increase applies to Constitutional Court judges, judges of other courts and magistrates.
Traditional leaders, members of national and provincial houses of traditional and Khoi-San leaders, and members of independent constitutional institutions will also receive a 4% adjustment.
The Presidency said the commission had considered factors including inflation, fiscal affordability, previous salary determinations, wage settlements and the responsibilities of the affected office-bearers.
Presidency cites economic pressures
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the determination followed consideration of the economic challenges facing South Africa.
The Independent Commission makes annual recommendations concerning the remuneration and benefits of public office-bearers under the Constitution and applicable legislation.
Ramaphosa urged public officials to uphold their responsibilities and maintain the public’s trust.
The announcement establishes the percentage increases but does not provide a consolidated estimate of the additional expenditure associated with the adjustments.
