Despite getting a salary increase of R130 000 annually, or 5%, President Jacob Zuma insists he is sensitive to the country’s social and economic conditions.

In response to media reports that he would now be getting a salary of more than R2.7m a year, Zuma said he has opted on various occasions for a salary increase below what was recommended by the Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers, the Presidency said in a statement on Friday.

“Since 2010 for instance, the president has never approved or accepted the commission’s recommended increase that is above the prevailing inflation rate,” spokesperson Harold Maloka said.

“Since taking office in 2009 President Jacob Zuma has been sensitive to South Africans’ social and economic conditions…”

He said that in 2009, the commission recommended that Zuma get an 8% increase but the president reduced it to 7%.

In 2010, a 7% increase was recommended and Zuma reduced it to 5%, said Maloka.

“In 2013, after the tragic incidents in Marikana, the commission recommended 7% but President Zuma decided against an increase for himself but approved increases for members of Parliament and other office bearers.”

“The directors general of all departments also declined any salary increases in 2013, following the president’s example.”

Opposition parties were against Zuma receiving an increase.

DA leader Mmusi Maimane reportedly saying Zuma already received a 100-year advance with the R246m for Nkandla.

The EFF’s Chief Whip Floyd Shivambu reportedly also chimed in and said that the country already feeds him, dresses him, pays for his legal fees and even built him a cattle kraal and chicken run.

The FF Plus called for the president’s salary to be reduced to R1. News24