The long-awaited salary review report for civil servants has finally been delivered, bringing a close to months of uncertainty and heated negotiations between government and public sector unions. The draft report was submitted on Friday.
In a press statement issued by the Ministry of Public Service, Principal Secretary (PS) Mthunzi Shabangu confirmed that the consultant submitted the draft report as per the revised timeline agreed upon in a collective agreement signed on 9 July, between the Government Negotiations Team (GNT) and the Public Sector Unions (PSUs).
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This agreement followed widespread outrage among civil service workers after the government announced that the consultant had requested a four-month extension, which would have pushed the completion date to October. Through nationwide consultations in June, the civil service gave the consultant until August to submit the report.
Background of the Salary Review
The salary review exercise, which aims to ensure fair and competitive compensation for civil servants, was initially commissioned in July 2024 with a 12-month deadline, meaning the report was due by June 2025. However, consultants Emergence Growth Consultancy and Umelusi Consultancy Firm requested an extension, sparking strong opposition from the PSUs.
The unions rejected the extension, demanding the report be delivered by the original 30 June deadline, leading civil servants to march to the Ministry of Public Service to express frustration and demand the report’s release.
The delays fueled concerns among civil servants about potential manipulation and a desire to delay salary increases. PSUs have actively participated in consultations and demanded regular updates to ensure transparency. The latest development is a testament to the unions’ persistence and government’s commitment to improving public sector wages.
Historical Context
The journey to this point has been long:
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In 2022, during the national budget speech, Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg announced that the government had set aside E15 million for the exercise.
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A tender issued in December 2022 received little interest, and the only bidder had previously conducted a salary review that left some workers worse off.
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The tender was re-advertised in 2023, and a consultant was finally found last year.
The scope of the exercise is comprehensive, including job evaluation, job description and profiling, in addition to monetary aspects.
The last civil servant salary review was in 2016. One was expected in 2019 but deferred due to financial constraints. The current exercise is crucial, as ongoing delays have heightened concerns about the rising cost of living and stagnant allowances.
Next Steps
Minister of Public Service Mabulala Maseko recently told Parliament that the salary review would be implemented in October, estimating that the exercise would require E2 billion, while the government’s 2025/26 budget only allocated E500 million, raising questions about full implementation.
With the draft report now in hand, the next step is a presentation session where the consultant will present critical findings, recommendations, and the implementation plan to social partners for deliberation and adoption.
The Ministry has expressed gratitude for the cooperation displayed by all parties and hopes this spirit continues until the exercise concludes. While the delivery of the report is a relief, the real work begins with the deliberation and adoption of the report’s recommendations.
Parallel Developments
The news comes just two days after Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini announced Phase II restructuring and salary review for junior security officers.
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The PM announced alignment of remuneration for inspector/chief officer, assistant superintendent, and superintendent with an 8% retrospective once-off backpay for a maximum of 24 months.
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The collective agreement also includes a 3% increment on basic salary for functional officers (assistant inspector/assistant chief officer, sergeant instructor, sergeant, warder instructor, constable, and warder/wardress) with a maximum 24-month backpay.
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The effective date for implementation is September.
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