The proposed two percent salary increment for civil servants in the 2026/2027 financial year has drawn sharp criticism from public sector unions, who describe it as insufficient given escalating living costs and unmet government promises.
Speaking on behalf of the Coalition of Lesotho Public Employees (COLEPE), Secretary General of the Lesotho Public Employees Union (LPEU), Motebang Leboela, said workers had urged more substantial adjustments, especially for lower-paid employees.
The unions proposed a M1,500 increment for those earning below M3,000 monthly to help cover basic needs, but the government rejected this.
“We plead with the Government to add 10 percent while civil servants contribute five percent to the pension fund as a way of sustaining livelihoods post-retirement,” Leboela said.
They also requested a M3,000 allowance for staff in remote areas to address challenging working conditions.
Concerns over public infrastructure maintenance
Leboela acknowledged some progress on union concerns but highlighted ongoing issues with public infrastructure upkeep. While funds have been budgeted for maintaining facilities like schools and police stations, she expressed worry over the increasing outsourcing of projects to private firms via tenders.
She noted that the Ministry of Public Works’ Buildings Department has internal capacity to handle repairs more cost-effectively.
“We have noted that the available funds could be used more effectively if the work were handled internally. We are deeply concerned about this approach. Nevertheless, we remain hopeful, although it appears that this year we will once again endure ongoing challenges,” she said.
Rising transport costs
The unions also flagged anticipated hikes in public transport fares, which compound financial strain for many civil servants commuting to work. Leboela questioned the allocation basis for transport-related support, emphasising government responsibility.
She reminded authorities of earlier commitments, citing Prime Minister Sam Matekane’s pledge for living wages upon taking office. “We still remember that when this government came into office, the Prime Minister made a significant promise that workers would receive living wages. We are surprised that this is now the third year and yet we continue to receive only a two percent increase. The question now is: where do we stand regarding the promise of living wages?” she asked.
Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Dr. Retšelisitsoe Matlanyane, has confirmed a two percent across-the-board adjustment to public service salaries and wages for 2026/27.
She added that tax credits and thresholds would be revised to help shield lower- and middle-income earners from bracket creep due to inflation, while maintaining tax system fairness and revenue stability.
“The tax credit and thresholds will be adjusted accordingly to protect lower and middle-income earners from bracket creep and sustain fairness within the tax system while preserving revenue stability,” Matlanyane said.
Summary
- The proposed two percent salary increment for civil servants in the 2026/2027 financial year has drawn sharp criticism from public sector unions, who describe it as insufficient given escalating living costs and unmet government promises.
- “We plead with the Government to add 10 percent while civil servants contribute five percent to the pension fund as a way of sustaining livelihoods post-retirement,” Leboela said.
- We are surprised that this is now the third year and yet we continue to receive only a two percent increase.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.
