South Africans Divided Over School Principal's Salary, Calling It "Peanuts"
- A TikTok creator shared a school principal's payslip, revealing a gross salary of a huge amount of money
- The woman argued that some people view that amount as "peanuts," while others defended the salary as being within public sector norms
- The post reignited calls for the Department of Basic Education to review educator salaries and ensure fair compensation for school principals, with many feeling they deserve more
- Briefly News spoke to financial expert Fulufhelani Mashapha about the financial advice she would offer to low-income earners looking for better-paying job opportunities
A woman has sparked debate on social media after revealing the monthly salary of a school principal, and Mzansi is not impressed.
Source: Facebook
In South Africa, according to the Jobted website, the average income for a school principal is R 477,914 gross annually (R 39,830 gross monthly), 69% more than the national average. Salary Range: R 346,000 is the average beginning salary for a school principal. The biggest compensation is more than R 1,000,000.00.
Principal's salary reveal called "peanuts"
A woman on TikTok, known for sharing people's salaries, left South Africans buzzing again after she unveiled the payslip of a principal in Mzansi.
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Taking to her social media account under the handle @lifereset_za on 12 July 2025, she showcased the principal's payslip, who earns a gross salary of R60,000. She expressed in the clip how people in South Africa view that as "peanuts."
"Guys, why are you acting all new? Why are you acting fresh? Most of you don't even earn R20k, but you come on here and you say people who have a gross of R60k there are earning peanuts," said @lifereset_za.
She went on to say that the school principal is paying a home loan of R10388. @lifereset_za stated that she was also questioned as to why the principal does not pay medical aid, to which she said the principal has spousal support.
The post has sparked debate on social media after revealing the monthly salary of a school principal. While some defended the salary as being within public sector norms, the broader sentiment was that more should be done to uplift educators, especially those in leadership positions. A few commenters even shared their own experiences in education, echoing similar frustrations.
The viral post has reignited calls for the Department of Basic Education to review educator salaries and ensure that school principals are compensated fairly for the critical roles they play in communities. As the conversation continues, one thing is clear many South Africans feel that those who hold the future of the country in their hands deserve more than just "peanuts."
Briefly News spoke to financial expert Fulufhelani Mashapha about how individuals in financially constrained situations can prepare to negotiate better wages or job offers. She explained:
"While R5,000 is above the national minimum wage, salary negotiations—especially for entry- level roles—require a strategic approach. Individuals with experience can often justify higher pay by highlighting their track record and providing references to support their value."
Watch the video on the salary below:
Mzansi shares its thoughts
The online community of South Africa reacted to the principal's salary as they shared their thoughts, saying:
Buka said:
"South Africans acting rich on social media, but in reality they are surviving on a R13k salary."
Mullez Tom shared:
"That’s a lot of money."
Toffolux expressed:
"I am also a school Principal with no medical Aid, I am a dependent on my wife's medical aid, who is a police officer."
Aunt Sdo Jabu Mngadi wrote:
"I owned a paid-up house because of this salary."
Clemlet85 commented:
"Most principals and teachers don't have medical aid..I was shocked to realise that."
Source: Facebook
Other viral stories of SA people's payslips
- One woman gave people in Mzansi chest pains when she unveiled a private school payslip, and the clip went viral on social media.
- A lady had tongues wagging online after she unveiled the payslip of a government teacher, and netizens were stunned.
- Briefly News also reported that a video revealing a rock engineer's monthly salary set social media abuzz with debates.
- A teacher in South Africa's pay slip was shared online, which sparked concern among netizens nationwide.
Updated by Hilary Sekgota, Human Interest HOD at Briefly News.
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Source: Briefly News
Johana Mukandila (Human Interest Editor) Johana Tshidibi Mukandila has been a Human Interest Reporter at Briefly News since 2023. She has over four years of experience as a multimedia journalist. Johana holds a national diploma in journalism from the Cape Peninsula University Of Technology (2023). She has worked at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, PAICTA, BONA Magazine and Albella Music Production. She is currently furthering her education in journalism at the CPUT. She has passed a set of trainings from Google News Initiative. Reach her at johana.mukandila@briefly.co.za
Fulufhelani Mashapha (Author and Actuarial Analyst) Fulufhelani Mashapha is a qualified actuarial analyst and author of 'Mind Your Cents'. She is also a One Young World Ambassador and Personal Finance Youtuber focusing on budgets, debt, savings, insurance and investments.
