Politicians are likely to get an inflation-related increase this year as an interim measure, it emerged on Friday.
President Thabo Mbeki is still considering the recommendations made by Judge Dikgang Moseneke, who heads the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-Bearers, the Presidency said in a statement.
”In the interim, the president has asked the commission to consider a proposal of an inflation-linked increase for the financial year 2007/08.”
A further determination will be made after the president has fully considered the commission’s earlier recommendations.
”President Mbeki said it will take some time to consider the commission’s report and requested the commission to advise on the interim proposal. ”The commission will soon advise the president on the percentage increase he should consider in his determination,” the Presidency said.
In terms of the relevant legislation, the president determines the salaries, allowances and benefits of ministers and MPs, as well as the upper limits for premiers, members of provincial executive councils, provincial legislatures and members of local authorities.
The president also determines the remuneration of judges and magistrates after approval by Parliament.
The president’s remuneration, on the other hand, is determined by the National Assembly.
Moseneke sparked an outcry among MPs earlier this year when he first proposed a 5,4% pay hike for them — bringing an ordinary MP’s total package to R643 800 a year.
The Independent Democrats was the only political party to support the recommendations. — Sapa