COSATU urges government to prioritise frontline workers over political pay rises. Pictures Credits: Seifsa
By Aisha Zardad
South Africa – The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has strongly rejected a proposed 4.1% salary increase for politicians, judges and senior government officials, describing the move as unfair and disconnected from the realities facing ordinary South Africans.
The proposed increase comes at a time when households are grappling with higher taxes, rising food prices and mounting living costs. COSATU said the proposal sends the wrong message, particularly as government continues to warn of fiscal strain and limited resources.
According to the trade union federation, the proposed adjustments could cost the state approximately R536 million. This includes salary increases for more than 9,000 municipal councillors, many of whom serve in municipalities that are financially distressed or failing to deliver basic services.
COSATU argued that public funds would be far better spent addressing frontline service delivery shortages.
“That money should be redirected towards hiring doctors, nurses, teachers and police officers — workers who are under immense pressure and essential to the functioning of society,” the federation said.
COSATU parliamentary coordinator Matthew Parks said while the union is prepared to support a smaller 3.5% increase for judges and magistrates, it firmly opposes any salary increase for politicians. He called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to reject the proposal outright.
“It is beyond shameful that in a year when Cabinet claimed the state did not have enough money to meet its legal obligations — leading to a 2% VAT hike — that such a tone-deaf commission could make this obnoxious proposal,” Parks said.
He further criticised the timing of the proposal, noting that it follows warnings from Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana that additional tax hikes may be necessary in 2026.
“It defies logic that barely a month after the Minister of Finance warned Parliament and the nation about possible future tax increases, a proposal is put forward to spend an additional R536 million on salaries for politicians, commissioners and judges,” Parks said. “This is not morally justifiable.”
COSATU reiterated that government leaders must show restraint and solidarity with the public, especially during a period of economic strain. The federation warned that approving the increases would deepen public anger and further erode trust in political leadership.
