Opposition parties react to proposed MP salary hikes
Opposition parties are divided over the proposed salary increases for public office bearers by the Independent Commission on the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers.
They have recommended that, President Jacob Zuma, his deputy Cryil Ramaphosa as well as Members of Parliament and leaders of opposition parties get 5% more.
It would see Zuma move from his R2.75m salary to now getting 2.89 million.
Cope spokesperson, Dennis Bloem says that the new proposed salary hike is a total disgrace in the midst of the country's financial struggles.
"When the country is facing such difficult moments - where students are fighting for free education, where unemployment is skyrocketing and everything in the country is upside down," he said.
Although IFP chairperson Blessed Gwala agrees about the state of the economy, he says Members of Parliament are being paid and after taxes they need to feed their families as well.
"Now, it's not financially stable but the point is that if you're appointed tomorrow then you work as an MP, then nobody will be an MP tomorrow. There will be an election and nobody can enter into that position if you're not going to get anything.
"You're working like anybody else. You have to feed your family as well," he said.
(File photo)