The proposed increase was recommended by the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers for the 2025/26 financial year and published in the Government Gazette earlier this month. While SAMA acknowledged the need for fair remuneration, it argued that the proposed adjustment sends the wrong signal when frontline health services continue to face funding shortfalls.

SAMA has instead voiced support for an inflation-linked increase of 3.1%, which it believes better reflects current economic realities and fiscal constraints. The organisation said public healthcare facilities across the country are grappling with shortages of staff, equipment and essential medicines, placing growing pressure on doctors, nurses and allied health professionals.

Speaking on the matter, SAMA Chairperson Dr Mvuyisi Mzukwa called on government to demonstrate ethical and restrained leadership. He said remuneration decisions for senior leaders should prioritise the public interest and service delivery rather than individual benefit. According to SAMA, limiting increases to inflation would reflect solidarity with healthcare workers and communities who rely on an already overstretched public system.

SAMA warned that approving higher-than-inflation increases for public office bearers risks undermining public confidence, particularly as healthcare workers face frozen posts, delayed overtime payments and limited resources. The association stressed that leadership decisions should reflect sensitivity to the broader social and economic environment.

–SABC/ChannelAfrica–