South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) has described the announcement of an increase in the salaries of public office-bearers, soon after Statistics South Africa released the latest unemployment figures, as insensitive.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the salaries of public office-bearers will increase by 3.5 per cent, effective from 1 April 2026.

The union has rejected the increase, saying it will divert resources much needed to alleviate the unemployment crisis and the high cost of living.

SAFTU General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi is calling for the increase to be reversed.

Vavi says, “The leadership have lost their political compass. They seem not to understand the extent of poverty in this economy. They are simply blinded to the fact that 67 per cent of the population now survive below the upper bound poverty level of a mere R2 900 plus a month. These guys have forgotten the roots altogether. And so to them, it’s business as usual”.

He says, “All SAFTU is saying is that let’s not make the crisis of unemployment, poverty, inequality normal”.

Ramaphosa has determined salary increases for public office-bearers for the 2026/27 financial year, effective from 1 April 2026. The determination follows recommendations by the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-Bearers, and the President’s consideration of the serious economic challenges facing the country.

The Commission is mandated in terms of section 219(1), (2) and (5) of the Constitution, read with section 8(4) of the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-Bearers Act, 1997 (Act No. 92 of 1997), to make annual recommendations on the salaries, or upper limits of the salaries, allowances and benefits of public office-bearers.

SAFTU rejects 3.5 per cent increase for political office-bearers

SAFTU REJECTS 3.5% PAY INCREASE FOR POLITICAL OFFICE-BEARERS: MAKES AN EXCEPTION FOR JUDGES.
#Ramaphosa #politicsplay #unemployment

https://t.co/04cbQBiDZk

— SAFTU (@SAFTU_media) November 10, 2026