[South Africa] Municipal workers to receive 4.75% pay rise

In South Africa, municipal employees are set to receive a 4.75 per cent pay rise this year, alongside adjustments to housing allowances and employer medical aid contributions, Timeless News reports.

The rise will impact nearly 295,000 workers.

The increase is reportedly part of a multi-year wage agreement, concluded in September 2024, following long negotiations at the South African Local Government Bargaining Council (SALGBC).

From July, the minimum wage in South Africa’s 257 municipalities will go up from R10,600 to R11,100 per month. The homeowners’ allowance will increase from R1,170 to R1,225, while employer contributions to medical aid will rise from R5,971 to just under R6,100.

SALGBC general secretary Bill Govender told municipal managers that municipalities are expected to implement the agreed adjustments.

The agreement allows municipalities to apply for exemptions if they are unable to implement the increases. Applications must be submitted within 30 days of the approval of a municipality’s 2026/27 budget or by June 30, whichever comes first.

The SALGBC reportedly warned that municipalities must submit the required information promptly to ensure accurate analysis and prevent delays in finalising the wage curve negotiations.

Source: Timeless News

In South Africa, municipal employees are set to receive a 4.75 per cent pay rise this year, alongside adjustments to housing allowances and employer medical aid contributions, Timeless News reports.

The rise will impact nearly 295,000 workers.

The increase is reportedly part of a multi-year wage agreement, concluded in September 2024, following long negotiations at the South African Local Government Bargaining Council (SALGBC).

From July, the minimum wage in South Africa’s 257 municipalities will go up from R10,600 to R11,100 per month. The homeowners’ allowance will increase from R1,170 to R1,225, while employer contributions to medical aid will rise from R5,971 to just under R6,100.

SALGBC general secretary Bill Govender told municipal managers that municipalities are expected to implement the agreed adjustments.

The agreement allows municipalities to apply for exemptions if they are unable to implement the increases. Applications must be submitted within 30 days of the approval of a municipality’s 2026/27 budget or by June 30, whichever comes first.

The SALGBC reportedly warned that municipalities must submit the required information promptly to ensure accurate analysis and prevent delays in finalising the wage curve negotiations.

Source: Timeless News