Cape Town — Minister for the Public Service and Administration, Noxolo Kiviet, announced government workers will receive a 4.7% salary increase as of 1 April 2024.
Kiviet said only non-Senior Management Service (SMS) employees across national and provincial departments, who are public servants on salary levels between 1 and 12 will receive the the increase, SA Gov News said.
According to the minister, the decision for the 2024 wage increase considered various factors including the current economic climate and the imperative for fiscal restraint.
“This decision aligns with the commitment to affordable and accessible public services while recognising the hard work and dedication of public servants,” said Minister Kiviet.”
📣 2024 WAGE INCREASE
The government will implement a 4.7% salary increment for public servants in Levels 1-12. Effective 01 April 2024. #PublicServantsWageIncrease pic.twitter.com/01ZFe8rfbY
— DPSA, RSA (@thedpsa) March 19, 2024
The Minister said a cash increase would help alleviate the challenges that many public sector workers face, and emphasised that monetary rewards are part of the broader effort to ensure Public Service becomes a choice and opportunity for personal development.
“The decision to implement a 4.7% salary increment reflects the Government’s commitment to fair compensation and the provision of quality public services. The Government appreciates the hard work of public servants and will continue to prioritise their well-being,” Minister Kiviet said.
According to The Citizen, independent economic analyst Bonke Dumisa said the 4.7% increment had to be viewed broadly. He noted the 4.7% increase is visibly lower than the previously-agreed upon 7.5% increase.
Government agreed to a 7.5% salary increase for public servants for the 2023/2024 financial, and a capped projected CPI salary increase for the 2024/2025 financial year.
Dumisa acknowledged the increase amid the rising cost of living, but said it could hurt the government’s pockets.
“South Africa is operating at huge budget deficits and has been for many years. These budget deficits are the cause of the continuous high inflation rate. Hence, when public servants get salary increases, that feeds more inflation.” Dumisa said.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
