Great news for South African public sector employees. In a welcome move aimed at easing the impact of inflation and boosting morale, the government has officially issued an order granting a 22% salary bonus to qualifying employees.
The directive, announced by the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), will take effect from May 10, 2025, and will benefit thousands of civil servants across national and provincial departments.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of who qualifies, how it will be paid, and which departments are covered.
Bonus
This bonus is part of the government’s revised compensation strategy for public employees, especially those in lower- to mid-level posts. It will apply retrospectively from May 10, 2025, and is calculated as 22% of the employee’s current base salary.
Details
- Bonus Amount: 22% of current basic salary
- Effective From: May 10, 2025
- Applies To: Grade 1 to Grade 12 permanent public servants
- Payment Mode: Direct bank credit via PERSAL system
- Regions: All nine provinces and national departments
Departments
This salary bonus is not limited to one or two sectors—it applies widely across essential public departments. Here’s a quick look at which ones are included and how many employees will benefit.
| Department Name | Eligible | Bonus Range (ZAR) | Employees Benefiting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Health | Yes | 3,500 – 12,000 | 98,000 |
| Department of Education | Yes | 4,200 – 13,500 | 110,000 |
| Department of Social Development | Yes | 3,000 – 11,000 | 47,000 |
| Department of Home Affairs | Yes | 3,200 – 10,000 | 25,000 |
| Department of Transport | Yes | 3,800 – 12,200 | 19,500 |
| Department of Agriculture | Yes | 3,600 – 11,300 | 21,700 |
| Public Works and Infrastructure | Yes | 3,400 – 10,500 | 16,800 |
| Department of Police Services | Yes | 4,000 – 14,000 | 150,000 |
Payment
Public employees won’t have to jump through hoops to receive their bonus. Here’s how it will work:
Payment Schedule
- First Payment Date: May 25, 2025
- Transfer System: PERSAL
- Account Type: Direct deposit into salary bank account
- Tax: Subject to PAYE deductions as per SARS regulations
Important Reminders
- Ensure your banking details are updated
- Check your payslip after May 25 to confirm payment
- Contact your HR department or DPSA for corrections
Eligibility
Not everyone in the public sector qualifies. Here’s who is eligible and who is not under this bonus order:
Who Is Eligible:
- Permanent employees under any national or provincial department
- Must be actively employed as of April 30, 2025
- Not under suspension or disciplinary action
Who Is Not Eligible:
| Employee Category | Why Not Eligible |
|---|---|
| Contract Workers | Bonus not part of employment terms |
| Temporary Employees | Not in the formal public structure |
| Suspended Staff | Disqualified pending disciplinary outcome |
| Interns/Learners | Excluded from structured salary benefits |
Impact
This announcement has already sparked optimism among public workers, especially in essential services like healthcare, policing, and education.
With the rising cost of living affecting households across South Africa, this bonus aims to improve financial stability and workplace satisfaction.
It also reflects a strategic decision by the government to retain talent, reward loyalty, and recognize the critical roles played by civil servants nationwide.
FAQs
When will the 22% bonus be paid?
The first payment is scheduled for May 25, 2025.
Who qualifies for the salary bonus?
All permanent public employees Grade 1–12 active as of April 30, 2025.
Are contract workers included?
No, contract and temporary workers are not eligible.
Will the bonus be taxed?
Yes, it will be taxed as per SARS PAYE rules.
Which system will process the payments?
Payments will be processed through the PERSAL system.
