SANDF salaries: Is this what our protectors are worth?

Updated March 4, 2025, 6 a.m. | By East Coast Breakfast / Skyye Ndlovu

A TikTok user recently revealed the shocking salary of an SANDF soldier, sparking widespread debate.

A recent video by TikTok content creator Boni has sparked widespread debate after revealing the payslip of a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldier.

For many, the men and women in uniform remain out of sight, silently working to protect our borders and national security. We may not see them in action every day (which is actually a good thing), but when it comes to what they earn, are they getting the recognition they deserve?

In the viral clip, Boni breaks down the salary of a lower-ranking SANDF member who has been in service for 18 years. The figure? R23,000 per month. After deductions, it drops to R17,000 take-home pay.

That’s when the floodgates opened.

@lifereset_za Replying to @melfordngqavu SANDF Salary #SalaryChallenge #salarytransparency #careertok #lifereset_za #sandf ♬ original sound - Lifereset with Boni

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Social media exploded with mixed reactions. Many were outraged, arguing that soldiers, who risk their lives for national security, should be earning far more.

@Gabi Gal pointed out a shocking comparison: “A Parliament cleaner earns R30,000 while SANDF earns way less… wow! That’s the government we voted for.”

@ausi couldn’t believe it. “This is so wrong! Soldiers are being underpaid. We’re talking about people risking their lives for us. This salary needs to be reviewed 😭”

However, not everyone thought the pay was unfair. Some felt it was reasonable compared to other jobs.

@saartjiematthysen, who claims to be a retired SANDF member, shared her perspective: “I was in the SANDF for 40 years. That salary is actually good compared to what some people earn, like a cashier at Spar.”

“R17,000 without a rank? That’s actually a lot of money," @Tyson added.

While @DerrickG encouraged a positive outlook: “This is better than being unemployed, guys. Let’s focus on the bright side.”

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There’s no denying that soldiers earn significantly more when deployed. But when stationed at home with no immediate threats, should their base pay be higher?

While some argue that R17,000 is too low for someone serving the country, others feel that in today’s economy, having a stable job with a steady income is a privilege.

At the end of the day, not everything is about a flashy lifestyle – sometimes, it’s about stability, security, and a career that brings purpose.

What do you think? Should SANDF salaries be increased, or is this a fair wage for the job?