Government Confirms Major Pay Hike for Public Servants – See New Salaries Starting June 2025

Government Confirms Major Pay Hike: In a landmark announcement, the South African government has officially approved a significant salary increase for all public servants, effective June 1, 2025. This move comes after extensive wage negotiations between the state and various public sector unions, with the goal of easing economic pressure on over 1.3 million government employees affected by rising inflation and living costs.

The salary hike applies to a wide range of workers across national, provincial, and local government levels. It also includes improvements to related allowances and benefits, enhancing the overall compensation package for public employees.

Who Qualifies for the Salary Increase ?

The government has outlined broad eligibility criteria, making the increase accessible to most public servants:

• Full-time permanent employees in any public service department or state-owned entity
• Contract employees under union-negotiated agreements
• Service delivery professionals like teachers, nurses, police officers, and administrative staff
• Employees who meet performance evaluation benchmarks
• Members under the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) or similar forums

Those in service as of June 1, 2025, including those on leave, probation, or secondment, are included subject to department-specific guidelines.

Updated Pay Scale Salary Band Comparison Table

To help employees understand how this increase affects their earnings, the Department of Public Service and Administration released a detailed salary comparison:

Job Role	Grade	Previous Monthly Salary (R)	New Monthly Salary (R)	Approx. Increase (R)
Entry-Level Clerk	5	13,300	14,800	1,500
Senior Admin Officer	7	18,500	20,600	2,100
Teacher (Level 1)	8	22,400	24,800	2,400
Nurse (Professional)	9	27,000	30,000	3,000
SAPS Warrant Officer	10	32,700	36,000	3,300
Principal / Department Head	11	39,500	43,500	4,000
Director (Govt Dept.)	13	55,800	61,000	5,200
Deputy Director-General	15	96,000	103,500	7,500

These figures are gross monthly salaries and do not include deductions for tax, pension, or medical aid. Employees should consult their departmental payroll officers for personalized payslip previews.

Why the Increase Matters Now

The timing of this increase is significant. With inflation steadily climbing, public servants have seen declining purchasing power in recent years. Key reasons this move is crucial include:

• Restores real income value in line with inflation-linked projections
• Helps retain skilled personnel tempted by private-sector offers
• Reflects the government’s commitment from prior PSCBC agreements
• Boosts local economic activity through increased household spending
• Strengthens trust between unions and government, paving the way for future collaboration

When and How Will You Receive the Increased Salary ?

The revised salary will be reflected in June 2025 payslips, disbursed at the end of the month. Payment will occur via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to employees’ existing bank accounts on file with departmental HR.

Important payment facts:

• First increased salary to be paid in late June 2025
• Payslip will show itemized adjustments to base pay and allowances
• Employees should ensure bank and tax details are current
• For any issues, contact HR departments listed below

Additional Allowances and Benefits That Will Be Adjusted

The government has confirmed that several allowances will be adjusted in line with the salary hike. These changes enhance the total take-home package of affected workers:

• Housing allowances scaled to the new salary band
• Medical aid subsidies increased under the public scheme
• Night shift and overtime rates for healthcare and SAPS staff revised
• Transport reimbursements for staff with extensive travel duties
• Acting and responsibility allowances recalculated under new brackets

These adjustments may appear in either the June or July 2025 payslips, depending on departmental processing timelines.

Union Response and What Lies Ahead

Major unions such as NEHAWU, SADTU, POPCRU, and DENOSA have welcomed the hike, noting that it addresses long-standing concerns around stagnant wages. However, they also highlighted remaining issues, including:

• Improving working conditions, especially in healthcare
• Addressing job security
• Developing a predictable, inflation-linked wage adjustment strategy

Negotiations for 2026 wage adjustments are expected to begin later in 2025, with unions pushing for a more sustainable framework.

What This Means for South Africa’s Public Sector

This across-the-board salary hike is more than just a paycheck boost it’s a reaffirmation of the government’s recognition of its frontline workers. Key takeaways:

• Morale boost for over 1.3 million employees
• Increased financial stability for public servants and their families
• Enhanced service delivery as motivated staff are better supported
• Positive economic ripple effects in communities across the country

All eligible workers are encouraged to review their June payslip, track changes, and contact HR for clarity if needed.

Departmental Contact Information for Queries

If you need help understanding the new salary breakdown or encounter delays, contact your department’s HR office using the information below:

Department	Email	Phone Number
Public Service & Administration	[email protected]	012 336 1000
Basic Education	[email protected]	012 357 3000
SAPS Employee Services	[email protected]	012 393 1000
National Treasury	[email protected]	012 315 5111
Department of Health	[email protected]	012 395 8000
Public Works & Infrastructure	[email protected]	012 406 1000
Higher Education & Training	[email protected]	012 312 5911

Keep a copy of emails, payslips, and HR correspondence for reference and record-keeping.