Critics are questioning the South African government’s decision to allow thousands of public employees to earn high salaries while many citizens struggle financially. At the same time, the country’s infrastructure—including roads, railways, and water systems—continues to deteriorate.
Political economist Moeletsi Mbeki recently criticized the government on the *State of the Nation* podcast, arguing that taxpayer money should be used to fix essential services rather than fund large salaries for public workers.
“Instead of building new railways or towns, they are letting infrastructure collapse while taxing the economy to pay themselves enormous salaries,” Mbeki said.
His comments follow the National Treasury’s 2023 budget report, which revealed that 55,000 government employees earn over R1 million per year. A decade ago, only 10,000 workers were in this salary bracket. Nearly half of all public servants now earn between R350,000 and R600,000 annually.
Mbeki suggested that South Africa must reduce public sector salaries to compete globally, particularly with countries like China. He also dismissed calls for transformation, urging instead for immediate action on infrastructure, education, and energy reforms.
Meanwhile, Jacques van Wyk, CEO of forensic services firm JGL, pointed out that many public servants earn more than doctors, straining government finances.
“Rewarding good work is fair, but South Africa’s civil service is not performing well,” Van Wyk said. He referenced economist Dawie Roodt’s view that the country’s 1.3 million civil servants are often overpaid and underworked.
Both experts agree that cutting wasteful spending—rather than increasing taxes—is key to improving efficiency and easing the burden on the economy.
Despite the criticism, Mbeki remains hopeful that new leadership can steer South Africa toward progress.