Pretoria – The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) has condemned President Cyril Ramaphosa’s approval of a 3.8% salary increase for top political office-bearers, calling it “scandalous” and insensitive.
SAFTU Secretary General Zwelinzima Vavi highlighted that millions of South Africans struggle with rising living costs, unemployment, and poverty, with 3–7 million workers earning below the minimum wage while many households cannot afford basic meals.
“It’s an insult to workers,” Vavi said during an interview with SABC News.
“Between three and seven million workers are earning below even the national minimum wage of R5 500. This is happening when the food basket in South Africa costs between R5 500 and R6 000.”
WATCH | SAFTU General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi says they reject the public office bearer salary increment, which is set to rise by 4.1% and 3.8% in different categories from April 2026, arguing that the economy is stagnating and unemployment remains alarmingly high. Instead of… pic.twitter.com/uGpn4gHlPN
— SABC News (@SABCNews) January 24, 2026
The federation urged the government to focus on raising workers’ wages, creating jobs, and providing social support rather than increasing politicians’ pay.
The presidency has not responded.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: Facebook/Andile Gogoda
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
