SOUTH African ministers and MPs must accept a slim 4% pay rise as an “example” to 1,1-million public service workers threatening to strike for a 7,3% wage hike. Cabinet decided government “should lead by example” in accepting the 4% pay increase, which is one percent below Tuesday’s 4,9% inflation figure, government spokesman Joel Netshitenze said. “The current wage debate in the public sector was certainly taken into consideration … when we made this decision,” he said. At least three major political parties immediately supported the government’s decision, SABC radio reported. “There is no way we can support a higher increase for members of parliament than what civil servants will get,” said New National Party leader Marthinus van Schalkwyk.