A school principal’s payslip showing a gross monthly salary of R63,788.78 after 18 years of service has sparked debate about what experienced educators and school leaders earn in South Africa. The payslip, shared in a TikTok video, is from the Gauteng Department of Education. It shows a basic salary of R61,751.50, plus an R2,037.28 housing allowance. After deductions, the principal takes home R42,550.95 per month. The figures provide a real-world example of a principal’s earnings rather than a general salary estimate.

How much does the principal earn?

According to the payslip, the principal’s gross salary is R63,788.78 per month. Total deductions amount to R21,237.83. These include R16,442.89 in tax and R4,631.36 in pension contributions, alongside other deductions. The resulting net salary is R42,550.95.

It is important to note that this is one reported principal’s payslip. It should not be interpreted as the standard salary for every school principal in South Africa. Public-sector salaries can differ depending on factors such as the position, qualifications, experience and applicable salary structures.

Watch the real payslip and join the conversation below!

Is R42,550 a good salary for a principal?

That is where the debate begins.

Some people who saw the payslip considered R63,788.78 a good salary, particularly when compared with what many South Africans earn. Others focused on the employee’s 18 years of service, arguing that an experienced school principal should be earning considerably more. Some viewers compared the salary with earnings in other professions, while others argued that those comparisons miss the point. A principal is responsible for the day-to-day running of a school, including managing staff, learners, parents and administrative demands.

Teacher stress is also part of the conversation.

The salary debate comes at a time when working conditions are a major issue for South African teachers.

The OECD’s TALIS 2024 data found that 30% of South African teachers experience a lot of stress at work, compared with 19% across the OECD. The most commonly reported sources of stress included too much marking at 72%, being held responsible for learner achievement at 70%, and excessive administrative work at 66%.

A separate 2025 study from Stellenbosch University’s Teacher Demographic Dividend Project found that nearly half of teachers were considering leaving the profession within the next decade. The study also found that 70% identified administrative tasks as their main source of stress.

The Public Servants Association has also reported that 30,992 educators left South African public schools over a five-year period, based on figures contained in a parliamentary reply from the Minister of Basic Education. For some people, R42,550.95 take-home pay is a good salary. For others, 18 years of service and the responsibility attached to running a school make the figure seem too low.

The bigger question

The payslip has sparked a bigger debate about what experienced educators and school leaders should earn. While some see R42,550.95 take-home pay as a good salary, others believe 18 years of service and the responsibility of running a school deserve more. Ultimately, the question is whether South Africa is doing enough to attract and retain experienced educators.

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You can email boni@liferesetwithboni.com to submit your payslip with the following details: years of experience, qualifications, industry and the job title.

Written by Admin