SANDF Special Forces Earn ±R20k–R36k Monthly — Matlala Says He Pays Former Members R100k as Private Security

By Thabo Mosia – South Africa’s elite military and police units, known for their high-risk operations, offer salaries that reflect the dangers involved but often fall short of private sector pay, according to recent estimates. Members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Special Forces typically earn between R20,000 and R36,000 per month, depending on rank, experience, and allowances, while those in the South African Police Service (SAPS) Special Task Force (STF) can see take-home pay ranging from R50,000 to R60,000 or more, boosted by a substantial danger allowance.

These figures have come under the spotlight following businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s testimony before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee, where he revealed paying former special forces members R100,000 each per month for his personal security detail. The stark contrast highlights the allure of private security gigs for highly trained operatives, amid ongoing debates about public sector compensation in a country facing budget constraints and rising living costs.

Matlala’s claims, made during a heated cross-examination on 26 November 2025, have sparked discussions on the value of specialised skills in the private versus public sectors. As South Africans grapple with economic pressures, these revelations underscore why some elite forces members might jump ship for better-paying roles, potentially draining public institutions of top talent. With the festive season approaching, the focus on earnings also ties into broader concerns about financial stability for those in uniform.

Breaking Down SANDF Special Forces Salaries

The SANDF Special Forces, renowned for counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism, and direct action missions, command pay that varies widely based on factors like rank, years of service, and deployment status. Entry-level riflemen or privates might start around R19,000 to R25,000 per month, but averages across the force hover at about R36,000 for men and R32,500 for women as of 2024 figures.  Special Forces operatives, with their advanced training, often earn on the higher end, potentially reaching R335,000 annually—or roughly R28,000 monthly—when including allowances for hazards and overtime. 

Public data from sources like PayScale indicates an average of R335,679 yearly for SANDF employees in 2025, translating to about R28,000 per month.  However, lower ranks see net pay as low as R17,735 after deductions, with basics starting at R23,371 plus minimal overtime. 

Deployments and special allowances can bump this up, but secrecy around elite unit pay makes exact numbers hard to pin down. Older estimates from 2017 show privates at around R200,000 yearly (R16,700 monthly), rising sharply for seniors.  Overall, the range of R20,000 to R36,000 captures the typical
spread, factoring in these variables.

These earnings reflect the demanding nature of Special Forces work, but they pale compared to private opportunities, as Matlala’s testimony illustrates.

SAPS STF Pay: Base Salaries Plus Hefty Danger Allowances

For the SAPS Special Task Force, tasked with high-risk operations like hostage rescues and counter-terrorism, compensation includes a base salary plus significant add-ons. Constables start at around R13,000 to R18,300 monthly, with sergeants and warrant officers earning R175,000 to R220,000 annually (about R14,500 to R18,300 monthly). The real boost comes from the danger allowance, hiked from R6,000 to R21,000 per month in 2024—a 250% increase for STF and National Intervention Unit (NIU) members.

Combining base pay with this allowance, STF operatives can take home R50,000 to R60,000 or more monthly, depending on rank and duties. The SAPS average salary across all members is about R37,500 monthly, but elite units like STF push higher with extras like overtime. Recent scales from April 2024 show entry-level positions starting lower, but allowances make the difference for high-risk roles.
This structure aims to reward the dangers faced, but as Matlala’s revelations show, private gigs can offer far more lucrative deals.

Matlala’s Bombshell: R100k Monthly for Former Elite Forces Members

During his appearance before the Ad Hoc Committee probing police corruption on 26 November 2025, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala disclosed paying each of his 14 personal protectors—mostly former SANDF Special Forces and one ex-SAPS Task Force member—R100,000 per month. His total security budget hits R2 million monthly, covering food, petrol, convoys, and hotels. Matlala, facing questions from EFF leader Julius Malema, defended the high pay as necessary for top-tier protection, noting eight are ex-special forces and one from task force.

This figure dwarfs public sector earnings, highlighting why skilled operatives might switch to private security. Matlala’s detail, described as “paramilitary,” raises eyebrows given his own controversies, including kidnapping allegations. His testimony also touched on alleged payments to former Police Minister Bheki Cele, adding layers to the inquiry.

Why Pay Varies: Ranks, Allowances, and Uncertainties

Salaries in these units are not one-size-fits-all. Rank plays a big role—privates earn less than officers—and allowances for danger or deployments can add thousands. For SANDF, hazard pay and overtime boost basics, while SAPS STF’s R21,000 danger allowance is a game-changer. Secrecy around elite pay adds fog, with public reports often outdated or averaged across forces.

Economic pressures, like inflation, also factor in, with periodic adjustments through unions. Yet, as Matlala’s R100,000 offers show, private firms can lure talent with triple the pay, potentially weakening public forces.

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