Waghied Misbach
Waghied Misbach
Unhappy members of parliament will decide next week whether to approach President Thabo Mbeki for a greater increase in their salaries.
This comes after Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke proposed a 5,4percent increase for MPs, but a much larger hike in pay for Mbeki, cabinet ministers and judges.
Moseneke recommended a 57percent increase for Mbeki.
The president could see his annual salary increase from R1,1million to R1,8million.
The deputy president's salary would increase from R1,1million to R1,7million, and cabinet ministers from R1million to R1,4million.
The chief whips of all the political parties will gather on Wednesday at the chief whips' forum to decide on the way forward.
Mbeki's spokesman Mukoni Ratshitanga has indicated that the president is willing to listen to the views of MPs on the matter.
MPs met with Moseneke earlier this week to hear how he had arrived at the increases in salaries.
The meeting was reportedly "cordial", but Moseneke stood by his recommendations.
Moseneke is chairman of the independent remuneration commission. While Mbeki has the power to accept or reject Moseneke's recommendations, Parliament will decide whether to approve Mbeki's own pay hike.