By REGINALD KANYANE
1 October 2025- The Congress of the People (COPE) said it strongly condemns the decision by the Polokwane Local Municipality’s Council to consider salary increases for councillors only. COPE said this follows the recent reclassification of the municipality to a Grade 6 status, a level on par with metropolitan municipalities.
COPE acting General Secretary, Erick Mohlapamaswi said during yesterday’s council meeting, a proposal was tabled to adjust councillors’ salaries in line with the Grade 6 classification. Mohlapamaswi said, however, no similar provision was made for the municipality’s administrators and workers, whose tireless efforts were instrumental in achieving this milestone.
“We express concern and disappointment over the exclusion of administrators and workers from the proposed salary adjustments. It is deeply unjust that only councillors are set to benefit from the Grade 6 upgrade, while the very people who worked day and night to secure this achievement are being left behind.
“Administrators and municipal workers played a key role in meeting the standards required for this new status. Why are they being sidelined in these discussions?” he asked.
Mohlapamaswi further criticised the move as discriminatory and exploitative, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent where councillors benefit from the hard work of others without recognition of the broader workforce’s contribution. He added that this is nothing short of an insult to the men and women who ensure this municipality runs effectively.
Mohlapamaswi said they cannot allow a situation, where councillors receive fat cheques while administrators, who arguably work even harder, are overlooked. He said they are calling on the executive mayor and the entire council to urgently reconsider this decision and ensure that salary adjustments apply to all staff, including administrators and municipal workers, not just councillors.
“COPE also insists that the quality-of-service delivery to communities must also reflect Grade 6 status. “A Grade 6 classification is not just about salary scales for politicians.
“It also implies higher standards of governance, improved service delivery and better conditions for all stakeholders, including workers and residents. We cannot claim to be a Grade 6 municipality while offering Grade 4 service delivery,” said Mohlapamaswi.
He said COPE reiterates its call for the fair and inclusive implementation of the Determination of Upper Limits of Salaries, Allowances and Benefits of Different Members of Municipal Councils for 2024/2025, as gazetted in Government Gazette No. 51419, and its 2025 amendment (Gazette No. 53168). Mohlapamaswi said the party urges all relevant stakeholders to ensure the benefits of this municipal upgrade are shared fairly among councillors, employees and most importantly, the communities they serve.
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