Press Statement dated 21 November 2018
The Public Servants Association (PSA) has noted with concern, the recommendation by the Independent Commission for Remuneration of Public Office Bearers, that the President, Ministers, members of the judiciary and mayors, amongst others, receive a 4% salary increase.
This recommendation comes as government continues to voice comments on what it deems as an unsustainable public-sector wage bill. The Minister of Finance in his Medium-Term Policy Statement also indicated that National Treasury does not have R30 billion to cater for this year’s public service wage increases. “It would be irresponsible for President Cyril Ramaphosa to approve the recommendation for the 4% hike. Government cannot cry austerity everywhere else except when coming to its own salaries," said PSA General Manager, Ivan Fredericks.
"For the PSA, there is no justification for these office bearers to receive an increase in light of allegations of corruption and mismanagement levelled against several public office bearers and taking into account the declining levels of financial equality in the country. At a time where many workers are facing retrenchments, job uncertainty and in the face of the country’s high levels of unemployment, President Ramaphosa and his cabinet should lead by example and forego the increase, as sign of concern for the current economic circumstances.” said Mr Fredericks.
Issued by Ivan Fredericks, General Manager, Public Servants Association (PSA)