Public Sector Salary Hike – In a move that brings welcome relief to thousands of government employees, the South African government has confirmed a broad-based salary increase for public servants, effective from June 2025. This increase follows months of deliberation and negotiations led by the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), in collaboration with public service trade unions under the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC). The salary hike is not only a measure to adjust for inflation but also a strategic effort to retain skilled professionals in public service, especially within critical sectors like health, education, policing, and administration. With rising inflation, soaring utility costs, and increased food and transportation expenses affecting households nationwide, this salary adjustment is seen as both timely and necessary. The wage hike applies across all national and provincial government departments and will be accompanied by updates to housing, transport, and medical allowances. The government hopes this move will boost morale, productivity, and service delivery outcomes across all departments.
Overview of the June 2025 Public Sector Salary Increase
The June 2025 salary hike forms part of a multi-year wage agreement signed in 2023, which included provisions for annual adjustments based on cost-of-living metrics. This year’s increase is one of the largest since 2021 and reflects the government’s continued commitment to fair compensation.
The adjustment benefits over 1.2 million public sector workers and is designed to:
- Close wage gaps across departments and job levels
- Ensure salaries remain competitive with the private sector
- Retain high-demand professionals such as nurses, teachers, and law enforcement officers
- Offer more support for public servants stationed in remote or rural areas
The agreement also includes provisions for reviewing certain occupational-specific dispensation (OSD) categories to provide tailored support for specialist professions.
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Key Features of the Salary Adjustment
- Effective Date: 1 June 2025
- Average Increase: 5.8% across most salary bands
- Target Groups: Permanent employees on Persal payroll system
- Benefits Updated: Housing, transport, medical, and rural hardship allowances
- Back Pay: Arrears for the period from 1 June to 30 June to be paid in July
Detailed Public Sector Salary Hike Adjustments by Job Level
This section provides an overview of estimated salary changes based on the new agreement. While final numbers may vary slightly depending on role-specific allowances, the table below highlights the average revised gross monthly salaries for key job levels.
| Job Level | Previous Monthly Salary (ZAR) | New Monthly Salary (ZAR) | % Increase | Key Allowances |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 (General Assistant) | 10,065 | 10,650 | 5.8% | Housing, Medical Aid |
| Level 3 (Junior Admin) | 13,572 | 14,359 | 5.8% | Pension, Transport |
| Level 5 (Clerical) | 15,527 | 16,430 | 5.8% | Transport, Housing |
| Level 7 (Supervisor/Admin) | 22,311 | 23,605 | 5.8% | Cellphone, Housing |
| Level 9 (Specialist Officer) | 35,230 | 37,278 | 5.8% | Rural, Medical |
| Level 11 (Senior Manager) | 48,620 | 51,437 | 5.8% | Travel, OSD, Communication |
| Educator (PL1) | 23,000 | 24,334 | 5.8% | Rural Incentive, Transport |
| Police Constable | 21,310 | 22,546 | 5.8% | Risk, Uniform |
| Professional Nurse | 25,531 | 27,005 | 5.8% | OSD, Scarce Skills, Housing |
| Admin Clerk (Prov. Office) | 17,405 | 18,417 | 5.8% | Medical, Pension |
Sector-Specific Adjustments and Critical Allowance Updates
Some departments are also rolling out additional adjustments on top of the 5.8% hike. These include increases in risk, hardship, uniform, and rural allowances for employees in critical service roles.
| Department | Special Provisions |
|---|---|
| Department of Health | OSD revised for nurses, midwives, and clinical support staff |
| Department of Basic Education | Expanded rural incentive for teachers in remote zones |
| SAPS | Enhanced risk and night-shift allowances |
| Correctional Services | Increased danger pay and mental health support |
| Department of Transport | Updated travel reimbursement for technical inspectors |
| Home Affairs | Shortage-based retention bonus for senior and legal roles |
| Public Works | Allowance extension for engineers and infrastructure planners |
These targeted increases aim to address staffing issues and improve retention, particularly in under-served regions and high-demand disciplines.
How to Check Your New Salary and Benefits
Employees are encouraged to confirm their new salary and allowances using the Persal system or through their departmental HR/payroll portals. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
- Visit your department’s intranet portal or the official HR section
- Log in using your Persal Number and employee ID
- Click on the “Salary Information” or “Remuneration” section
- View your updated basic salary, total gross pay, and allowance breakdown
- Check for any arrears under the “Back Pay” or “Salary Adjustments” tab
Should you notice any discrepancies, report them immediately to your HR officer for resolution.
Understanding Deductions: Tax, Pension, and UIF Adjustments
With a higher gross salary comes changes in deductions. It’s essential for employees to review their updated payslips carefully.
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- PAYE Tax: Depending on your salary bracket, you may move into a higher income tax tier
- Pension: Contributions increase in proportion to your salary, ensuring better retirement benefits
- UIF: Your contribution will rise slightly in line with earnings
- Arrears: These will be subject to tax but shown separately from your regular income
It is advisable to log into your SARS eFiling profile or speak to a tax advisor to understand your new tax position fully.
Payment Schedule and Arrears Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Salary Adjustment Implementation | 1 June 2025 |
| First Salary Reflecting New Rates | 25 June 2025 |
| Payment of Backdated Arrears | 25 July 2025 |
| Finalisation of Adjustment Reports | 30 July 2025 |
Dispute Resolution Process for Incorrect Salary Updates
In case your salary is not adjusted as expected:
- Contact your immediate HR representative
- Provide your Persal number, department details, and recent payslips
- Submit a formal query via your department’s payroll management system
- If unresolved, escalate the issue to DPSA grievance support team
The June 2025 salary hike represents a much-needed and long-anticipated financial boost for South Africa’s dedicated public service workers. It’s more than just an increase, it’s a recognition of their resilience, effort, and commitment to serving the nation, especially through challenging times. By adjusting pay structures and providing sector-specific benefits, the government aims to enhance performance, reduce turnover, and improve overall service delivery in critical sectors. Public servants are encouraged to remain informed, verify their salary changes promptly, and use the resources available to resolve any issues. This adjustment, while financially empowering, also reflects a deeper investment in the human capital that drives the country’s governance and administration forward.
Departmental Contact Directory
| Department/Body | Contact Number | Email Address |
|---|---|---|
| DPSA – General Enquiries | 012 336 1000 | [email protected] |
| GEPF (Pension Fund) | 0800 117 669 | [email protected] |
| SARS (Tax Queries) | 0800 00 7277 | [email protected] |
| Department of Education | 012 357 3000 | [email protected] |
| Department of Health | 012 395 8000 | [email protected] |
| Home Affairs HR Division | Use local office | Via provincial contact directory |
| Treasury and Finance | 012 315 5111 | [email protected] |
FAQs about Public Sector Salary Hike
Q1: Is this salary increase part of a multi-year agreement?
Yes, it forms part of the three-year wage deal negotiated through the PSCBC.
Q2: Will I automatically receive the increase?
Yes, if you are a permanent employee on the Persal payroll system.
Q3: Are contract workers included?
Only those whose terms of employment mirror permanent Persal-linked structures.
Q4: Do I need to apply or submit a form for the increase?
No, adjustments will be processed automatically.
Q5: What if my increase is lower than expected?
Speak to your HR/payroll office immediately to clarify the discrepancy.
