Cape Town – The recent decision to significantly increase the salaries of Parliament’s lowest-paid workers, including cleaners, has sparked public and political controversy.
The agreement, reached after negotiations with Nehawu, will see cleaners’ salaries double from R170,000 annually to R350,000 by 2026.
This means they will earn over R28,000 a month.
According to BusinessTech, the average salary of a South African Police Services (SAPS) officer is R299 000 per year or R24 915 per month for the employees with the lowest skill levels, while the starting salary for entry-level teachers is R154 671 per year, or R12 889 per month.
Ian Cameron, chairperson of the portfolio committee on police, criticised the move as unfair to police officers, highlighting the struggles of dedicated officers who have faced limited promotions and stagnant pay, Times Live reported.
“Outrageous that cleaners at parliament will soon earn more than police officers working the beat.
As a police officer I really need that cleaning job or tea making at the parliament,it is better to earn that good salary of 350 k per annum than to be exposed to R5 rifles and Aks,than earn these less than 300 k salary per annum, please plug me guys
— Boykie sekgweleo (@BoykieSekgweleo) November 12, 2024
“No offence to the cleaning staff, but surely we need to look after our cops. Imagine being a sergeant for more than 10 years, and some much longer. Despite excellent performance, you have witnessed promotions of politically connected individuals over the years, and you hear this news. These are the changes we are fighting for. We must speak on behalf of the cops who don’t get a fair opportunity to do so,” the rep[ort quoted Cameron as saying.
Conversely, Parliament’s spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo, defended the salary adjustments, describing them as necessary to eliminate disparities in entry-level pay and promote workplace equality.
The public remains divided on the issue, with some advocating for investment in education for better-paying jobs and others supporting the decision as a victory for underpaid workers.
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Picture: X/@IanCameron23
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
