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Zuma tones down salary hikes

Nov 12 2009 22:09

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

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SC
Nov 13 2009 13:12 Report this comment

That's a lot of money for any person - whatever their job description. If they really cared they could give some of it to the poor - or the poorly paid teachers and policemen as Scyla said. I guess they aren't in it for the charity and the service aspect. Unfortunately looks like our country will have to go through this corruption until those in power grow up and see the bigger picture.

Chicken
Nov 13 2009 12:55 Report this comment

How come is it that they don't pay tax!!????? Do tey not enjoy the same roads, highways, and insurances (UIF Road Accident) and so on. Do you know that even thought they get huge salaries, and as we have established do not pay tax, they also get cars, houses and domestic workers which are state funded. Why do these rich people have to be given so much else, on top of their ginormous untaxed salary. They get invited to bigwig parties all the time, have meals and refreshments in parliament??? WHY.

Bob
Nov 13 2009 12:53 Report this comment

I'm not an ANC fan at all. I don't however think that a 7% increase in salary is unreasonable in our current economic environment. They are afterall people with families like you are me. I think Zuma is doing very good PR at the moment. It will be interesting to see what the trade unions start demanding next year - i quite certain it wont be 7%.

Lotus
Nov 13 2009 11:52 Report this comment

yes and there are free schools in the rural areas and new clinics to treat the sick and poor people get free legal services from lawyers. Sigh, when will the rape of our country by greedy politicians end?

Sqwerty
Nov 13 2009 11:02 Report this comment

OH WOW!!! JZ is a great guy. What a leader to cut his salary increase by 1%. WHAT A MAN. What a lot of $#!@. Whp do they think they are fooling. Any increase for these crooks after they have spent so much on there cars id absolute robbery. We cannot go on like this.

Scyla
Nov 13 2009 10:48 Report this comment

There should have been a 0% increase. The money that was allocated for increases should have been given to teachers, police, nurses and doctors who are all underpaid. That would have been more of a service to the country than the 1% less than suggested increase. And ministers and dep ministers DO earn way too much. The only thing you see them doing in CT is visiting the Waterfront and spending large amounts of money in fancy shops and restaurants - all on our expense.

Thando
Nov 13 2009 10:41 Report this comment

I am a bit confused now.. When did Zuma and company get into office? Do they really qualify for this increase, or is this increase only applicable to employees who were in office before April 2009?

Casper
Nov 13 2009 10:04 Report this comment

Good decision by Zuma not to approve 8 percent increase but seven.


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