Zuma tones down salary hikes

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has implemented a seven percent salary increase across the board for all public office bearers, the presidency said on Thursday.

"In light of the current economic situation, and the pressure on government finances, I have decided to adjust downwards the percentage recommended by the commission," he said.

Earlier on Thursday, the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers told the media it felt an eight percent increase was fair.

"We appreciate the considerations applied by the commission in determining the 2009/2010 remuneration for public office bearers," said Zuma.

The commission makes annual recommendations relating to the salaries, benefits and allowances, and to the resources required by public office bearers to enable them to the perform their duties. Public office bearers include the cabinet, ministers and members of parliament.

Zuma commended the commission for its thorough approach to its work, and reiterated the importance of its independence.

The salary adjustment is backdated to April 1.

The commission had considered responses and consultations from cabinet ministers and the chief justice, its chairperson Judge Willie Seriti said earlier in Pretoria.

Seriti said the eight percent proposal was supported by all ministers except Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan.

"He did not support it, but I cannot speculate and tell you why not," said Seriti.

At the moment, Zuma receives an annual salary of R2 275 802, and Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe receives R1 896 546 a year, ministers get R1 612 053 and deputy ministers R1 327 560.

Seriti said factors taken into account in making the recommendation were the link between labour costs and inflation, the global economic downturn and the resultant slow revenue growth and contracted gross domestic product, and a decline in revenue collection.

- Sapa