# TRUTH AND SOLIDARITY MOVEMENT
## OFFICIAL LETTER TO PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA
### RE: 3.5% SALARY INCREASE FOR POLITICAL OFFICE-BEARERS – A MATTER OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY
**To:** His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa
**From:** Truth and Solidarity Movement
**Subject: Ministers' Salary Increases While Ordinary South Africans Face Economic Hardship**
The Truth and Solidarity Movement expresses serious concern over the reported approval of a 3.5% salary increase for South Africa's political office-bearers, backdated to 1 April 2026.
At a time when millions of South Africans are battling unemployment, poverty, rising living costs, food insecurity and the inability to meet basic household expenses, the reported additional R97,725 per year for ministers raises important questions about priorities in government.
How can ordinary workers be expected to tighten their belts while those entrusted with public leadership receive substantial additional remuneration?
A mother struggling to put food on the table cannot simply approve herself a salary increase. An unemployed graduate cannot vote themselves a monthly income. A pensioner cannot increase their grant when electricity, transport and groceries become more expensive.
Yet decisions affecting political salaries are made within government structures while ordinary citizens continue to carry the economic burden.
**Public office is a responsibility, not a privilege detached from the suffering of the people.**
We call on the Presidency and Parliament to provide the public with:
1. A full explanation of the financial implications of these salary increases.
2. Transparency regarding the process and recommendations behind the decision.
3. An explanation of how the increase is justified against the economic circumstances facing ordinary households.
4. A public account of what government is doing to improve the living conditions of struggling South Africans.
The people of South Africa deserve leadership that is accountable, transparent and responsive to their daily struggles.
The country cannot continue to have one standard of economic sacrifice for ordinary citizens and another for those occupying positions of political power.
**The dignity of an ordinary South African must matter as much as the remuneration of a minister.**
Issued by:
**TRUTH AND SOLIDARITY MOVEMENT**
President: Mehmet Vefa Dag
*For accountability, equality and the dignity of every South African.*
Breaking news for residents of Ward 2, Stellenbosch: The Truth and Solidarity Movement will contest the Ward 2 by-election.
If you are interested in standing as a candidate for the Truth and Solidarity Movement, WhatsApp 072 608 63 70.
The Truth and Solidarity Movement is ready to defeat the DA anywhere in South Africa.
Sign up for membership at https://t.co/VtvsftTMKw.
# MEDIA STATEMENT
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
## TRUTH CONDEMNS ALLEGED PHYSICAL ATTACK ON ITS WARD 113 COUNCILLOR CANDIDATE IN JOHANNESBURG
The Truth and Solidarity Movement is deeply disturbed by reports that our Ward 113 councillor candidate in the City of Johannesburg was allegedly physically assaulted at a voting station.
We regard these allegations as extremely serious. No political party, individual or organisation has the right to use violence, intimidation or threats against candidates participating in democratic elections.
Our candidate has reportedly been hospitalised following the incident. We further confirm that criminal charges have been opened, and we call on the South African Police Service to investigate the matter urgently and impartially.
**Elections must be decided by the people through their votes, not through intimidation and violence.**
We demand:
1. An urgent and thorough SAPS investigation.
2. Accountability for everyone found responsible.
3. Protection for all candidates, election officials and voters.
4. Immediate attention from the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).
5. A safe and peaceful environment at every voting station.
We will not accept political violence as part of South Africa's democratic process.
We call on all political organisations to respect the democratic rights of every candidate and voter, regardless of political affiliation.
**Democracy must never become a battlefield.**
Issued by:
**Mehmet Vefa Dag**
President
Truth and Solidarity Movement
**NO POLITICAL VIOLENCE. NO INTIMIDATION. JUSTICE AND ACCOUNTABILITY.**
White supremacy cannot be allowed to undermine South Africa’s future.
We are officially opposing it, whatever the cost.
We will reclaim what is rightfully ours.
The nation must not be allowed to suffer.
This is unacceptable.
# MEDIA STATEMENT
**TRUTH AND SOLIDARITY MOVEMENT**
### DEMAND FOR URGENT INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGATIONS OF FIREARMS SUPPLY TO THE CAPE FLATS
The Truth and Solidarity Movement expresses serious concern over allegations reportedly made by DA Councillor Sebbi Petersen concerning Cape Coloured Congress representative Larry Varrie and the alleged supply of firearms to communities on the Cape Flats.
These are extremely serious allegations that cannot simply be ignored.
The Truth and Solidarity Movement calls on the South African Police Service (SAPS), the relevant firearms investigation units and other law-enforcement authorities to:
1. Launch an urgent, thorough and independent investigation into these allegations.
2. Establish whether there is any credible evidence linking Larry Varrie to the alleged supply or distribution of illegal firearms.
3. Investigate the origin, movement and intended recipients of any firearms connected to the allegations.
4. Ensure that anyone found to be involved in criminal activity is arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
**OUR POSITION IS CLEAR:**
If evidence establishes that Larry Varrie has been involved in supplying illegal firearms, we demand that he be arrested and brought before the courts without delay.
However, nobody should be declared guilty before the investigation has been completed and the evidence tested through the proper legal process.
The people of the Cape Flats deserve safety, accountability and protection from gun violence. Our communities have suffered enough from shootings, gangsterism and the devastating consequences of illegal firearms.
We cannot allow serious allegations involving firearms to disappear without answers.
We demand transparency, accountability and justice.
**TRUTH AND SOLIDARITY MOVEMENT**
*For truth. For justice. For the safety of our communities.*
**Issued by:**
President
Truth and Solidarity Movement
We are establishing the Truth Farming Forum to challenge racist white farmers at every level.
We will protect disadvantaged farmers across the country.
If you want to join our farming forum lets us know
072 608 63 70