Johannesburg - President Jacob Zuma has approved a 5.5% salary increase for top public servants, the presidency said on Thursday.
"After taking into consideration the recommendations of the commission and other relevant factors... the President determined that the total remuneration of all public office bearers should be adjusted by 5.5% with effect from 1 April 2012," his spokesperson Mac Maharaj said in a statement.
"The President is empowered by the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers Act, 1998... to determine salaries, allowances and other benefits of the public office bearers."
The Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers announced its recommendation on Wednesday.
Commission chair Judge Willie Seriti said the proposal, which is 0.5% higher than last year's, enjoyed the backing of the ministers consulted, notably Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan.
It would increase the president's annual pay package up to R2.6m and push that of a Cabinet member to just above the R2m mark.
Premiers would take home R1.88m a year, mayors just over R1m and Members of Parliament R889 383.
The commission said it based its recommendation on the Consumer Price Index, the economic climate and market trends in salary increases.
The recommendation was presented to Zuma in June. He traditionally took a decision on the final figure within two to three months, Seriti said.