Ordinary MPs are, says DA's Mike Ellis, on the brink of a revolt because of their proposed 5,4 percent salary increase - even though this will take their basic annual salary to R643 800 plus numerous perks.

Ordinary MPs are, says DA's Mike Ellis, on the brink of a revolt because of their proposed 5,4 percent salary increase - even though this will take their basic annual salary to R643 800 plus numerous perks.

The MPs have appealed to President Thabo Mbeki, says Ellis and others, they will be unable to survive on their salaries unless the proposed increase is revised substantially upwards.

Meanwhile, the government maintains it cannot afford to give more than a 6 percent salary increase to our deserving qualified teachers.

Unlike the avaricious members of parliament in revolt, who require no qualifications for the job, our teachers are qualified and are essential to the advancement and wellbeing of our country.

At present they are expected to be satisfied with a monthly salary of  as little as R7000 or R8000.

Who can survive on that? Theymust be given a substantial increase and 12 percent is not unreasonable.

If the government can fork out billions for a few weeks of soccer games, then it should be able to find the same to pay our teachers decent salaries.

It's quite ironic that Ellis is demanding much more for himself, while his party has stated that teachers do not deserve the  12 percent increase their unions are demanding.

Frank Hartry, Kingsburgh