Civil Servants to Receive 4.7% Salary Hike
The Department of Public Service and Administration announced a 4.7% salary increase for civil servants starting April 1, aligning with a two-year wage deal signed by a majority of public sector trade unions last year , reports News24. This raise aligns with a two-year wage deal endorsed by a narrow majority of public sector trade unions in March last year, guaranteeing a 7.5% wage increase for 2023/24 and an inflation-linked raise for 2024/25. While inflation averaged 6% in 2023, projections suggest it will average around 5.0% in 2024. Despite this, civil servants will receive a higher increase than forecasted inflation. Qualifying civil servants will benefit from a 1.5% "pay progression" increase from July. Minister Noxolo Kiviet said that the government's commitment to fair compensation and quality public services, citing the importance of attracting and retaining skilled individuals dedicated to public service. However, the substantial growth of the public sector wage bill over the past 14 years poses challenges, with debt payments consuming a significant portion of government revenue.
South Africa Seeks Extradition of AKA Murder Suspects from Eswatini
South African Justice Minister Ronald Lamola has approved and forwarded an extradition request for Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, popularly known as AKA, murder suspects Siyabonga Gezani Ndimande and Malusi Dave Ndimande from Eswatini, reports TimesLIVE. This action follows the extradition treaty between South Africa and Eswatini as well as the Sadc protocol on extradition, both of which the countries are signatories to. Ministry spokesperson Chrispin Phiri expressed readiness for cooperation with Eswatini authorities. The Ndimande brothers are implicated in the murder of AKA and his friend Tebello "Tibz" Motsoane in Durban in 2023, with their arrest occurring on February 24 in Eswatini. In South Africa, their co-accused face charges including conspiracy to commit murder, murder, possession of firearms and ammunition, and attempted murder.
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Zuma Urges Election Win to Oust 'Cruel' ANC Leaders Amid MK Party Legal Clash
Former African National Congress president Jacob Zuma rallied supporters of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party in Bloemfontein, urging them to win elections and reclaim the ANC from what he termed "cruel" leaders, reports News24. Zuma's address occurred amid an Electoral Court hearing on the ANC's bid to declare the MK Party's registration unlawful. Zuma promised to purge the ANC of undesirable elements and restore the party's legacy once he assumed power. The ANC's objection to the MK Party's registration was met with accusations of tardiness and political maneuvering, with both sides engaging in a legal battle over jurisdiction and urgency. Meanwhile, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said that the ANC's determination to protect its legacy and trademarks, characterizing the MK Party as a gathering of individuals opposing the party's renewal. The dispute is set to continue in the Durban High Court over copyright infringement.
