President Jacob Zuma announced a 5% increase in salaries of public office bearers for the 2013/2014 financial year, the presidency said on Friday.
"The president will not take any salary increase. The 5% increase is effective from 1 April 2013, the start of the 2013/14 financial year," spokesperson Mac Maharaj said.
Zuma took the decision after taking into account the affordability of the different levels of remuneration, the present social and economic context, and inflation.
Zuma considered the recommendations of the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers, Maharaj said.
It had recommended the total remuneration of people earning below R500 000 per year be increased by 7%, while those earning between R500 000 and R800 000 get 5% increases.
Those earning between R800 000 and R1-million per annum should get an increase of 4%. Those earning above R1-million should not get an increase.
Salaries determined by president
"The recommendation of the commission for an increase based on a sliding scale requires careful study during the coming year to ascertain its financial implications for national, provincial and local governments … "
The salaries are determined by the president in terms of the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers Act.
Public officer bearers include the president, deputy president, ministers, deputy ministers, members of Parliament, premiers, and members of mayoral committees, provincial legislatures, as well as mayors, councillors, judges, magistrates and traditional leaders. – Sapa