Ramaphosa says traditional leaders will receive salaries and benefits on par with public servants

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that his administration is actively working to ensure that all traditional leaders in South Africa receive salaries, allowances and medical benefits on par with other public servants.

Commitment announced during ANC ground campaign

Ramaphosa made the statement while campaigning in the Chris Hani region, where he led the ANC’s election and volunteer drive and met with supporters and local traditional leaders. The visit included a meeting with King Dalindyebo Matanzima at Qamata Great Place in Cofimvaba, accompanied by Eastern Cape Chairperson Oscar Mabuyane.

How changes will be determined

Ramaphosa said that salaries and welfare benefits for traditional leaders are determined through structured committees set up for that purpose, and that medical aid benefits are handled by a committee as well. He described the rollout as progressive, saying these measures will be introduced incrementally until they “materialise for everyone.”

“We as government leaders, including kings and queens, and other traditional leaders we are all public servants. our salaries are determined by the structures, which determine our salaries. Even when it comes to medical aid benefits, there is a committee responsible for that,”

Protecting the institution of traditional leadership

Ramaphosa reiterated the ANC’s aim to strengthen the institution of traditional leadership and to address the legacy of apartheid’s interference in traditional institutions while restoring their place with dignity, respect and constitutional recognition.

“We, as the government, want everyone to receive a decent salary, including medical aid benefit, and a decent pension fund. All these things are being introduced in incremental measures. Eventually these things will materialise for everyone,”

Political context

The announcement came as the ANC is finalising the selection of mayoral candidates for key metros. Interviews for prospective mayoral candidates in the Western Cape were recently conducted by a panel, and interviews at Luthuli House have taken place as the party works on its candidate selection ahead of the upcoming elections.

Ramaphosa framed the measures as part of the ANC’s broader commitment to service, community development and strengthening ties with traditional leadership as the party campaigns.