COSATU’s statement on the recommendations of a 3,8% salary increase for Political Office Bearers
27 April 2023
The Congress of South African Trade Unions has noted with disappointment the recommendations submitted by the Independent Commission on the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers that all Political Office Bearers should get a 3,8% salary increase. This disconcerting recommendation should be rejected by President Cyril Ramaphosa and South Africans in general.
This recommendation is divorced from the real economic crisis experienced by millions of workers and their families every day. Many households continue to struggle to absorb the escalating living costs.
About 15 million people, currently, live below the food poverty line and the unemployment rate is sitting at 42,6%. These are the statistics that should leave the elite of this country ashamed.
The Political Office Bearers have spectacularly failed in their attempt to use the economy which is based on unrealistic free market economic principles to solve the issue of poverty, unemployment, and income inequality. They have not earned their current salaries, let alone an increase.