Work from home could be making a big comeback in South Africa

Updated June 12, 2026, 5:54 a.m. | By East Coast Breakfast

With fuel prices up, electricity up and food prices up; could hybrid work become the new normal in South Africa?

South African public servants could soon spend fewer days commuting to the office if a new proposal from the Public Servants Association (PSA) gains traction.

The PSA, which represents more than 245,000 public servants, pensioners, and state employees, has formally called on government to introduce a structured hybrid work model across the public service.

The proposal was tabled at a recent meeting of the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC), with the union arguing that many workers are struggling to cope with rising living costs.

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Why the PSA wants hybrid work

According to the PSA, increases in fuel prices, medical aid contributions, electricity tariffs, food costs, and other household expenses have significantly reduced the purchasing power of public servants.

The union noted that the recent 4% salary increase has done little to offset these financial pressures.

The union believes that allowing eligible employees to work from home for part of the week could provide immediate financial relief by reducing transport and fuel costs.

Many public servants spend a significant portion of their salaries simply getting to and from work each month.

The PSA argues that a hybrid model would ease that burden while maintaining productivity.

The proposal also points to lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, when thousands of public servants worked remotely while continuing to deliver essential government services.

According to the union, that period demonstrated that flexible work arrangements can be effective where job functions allow.

Potential savings for government

The PSA says the benefits would not be limited to employees.

A reduction in office occupancy could lower government spending on electricity, water, building maintenance, and other operational costs.

The union has described the proposal as a largely cost-neutral intervention that could help both employees and the state during a period of economic strain.

However, the PSA acknowledged that hybrid work is not practical for all government employees.

Frontline staff and essential service workers, whose duties require physical presence, would likely be excluded from such arrangements.

For these employees, the union has suggested alternative forms of support, including transport assistance, additional leave days, or other compensation measures to help offset rising living expenses.

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The proposal comes as South Africans continue to feel the impact of higher inflation and fuel costs.

After inflation rose to 4.0% year-on-year in April, economists expect price pressures to remain elevated in the short term.

Fuel price increases in May and June have added further strain on household budgets, with higher transport costs filtering through to the prices of goods and services.

While early indicators suggest motorists may receive some relief in July, experts warn that several months of meaningful fuel price cuts would be needed to undo the financial damage already experienced by consumers.

For now, the PSA believes hybrid work could offer one practical way to help public servants navigate an increasingly expensive economic environment.