South African Engineer's Paycheck Sparks Online Debate

• When an engineer's payslip revealed a whopping tax deduction, South Africans were left questioning the fairness of the tax system.
• A viral TikTok video showcased the staggering amount an engineer earns, sparking a heated discussion across social media platforms.
• Netizens flooded the comments section with their opinions, shedding light on the challenges professionals face in today's economic climate.

Let me tell you, folks, South Africans were genuinely stunned when a TikTok video revealed an engineer’s payslip. The amount deducted for taxes left many feeling like they'd just watched a jaw-dropping plot twist in a movie. The viral clip, shared by @mpendulo_sibiya, quickly became the talk of the town, with people scratching their heads over how much engineers are really taking home after all the deductions.

Engineer's Staggering R21K Tax Deduction Leaves South Africa Speechless

In the viral TikTok video, @mpendulo_sibiya broke down the salary details of an engineer whose payslip revealed a staggering R21,590 tax deduction. Now, that's a number that could make anyone’s eyes widen. The engineer earns a monthly salary of R78,000, with a basic hourly pay of R58,500 and an overtime payment of R19,500. But here’s the kicker—after all those deductions, the take-home pay is significantly lower than what the paycheck initially suggested.

This revelation didn’t just spark curiosity; it ignited a firestorm of reactions online. People from all walks of life weighed in, expressing disbelief and sharing their own experiences with taxes. Some empathized with the engineer, pointing out the harsh realities of being a high earner in South Africa, while others debated whether the remaining salary was still worth it after such a hefty tax bite.

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What’s the Average Engineer Salary in South Africa?

To give you some context, according to Talent.com, the average annual salary for engineers in South Africa is around R559,665, or roughly R287 per hour. Of course, this number varies depending on experience and specialization. Entry-level engineers can expect to earn around R305,001 annually, while seasoned professionals might pull in up to R720,000. But as we’ve seen, the take-home pay can look quite different once taxes come into play.

Watch the video below:

South Africans React to Engineer's Tax Deduction

The discussion didn’t stop at the engineer’s payslip. It spiraled into a broader conversation about South Africa’s tax system, the rising cost of living, and the importance of financial planning. While some users acknowledged that higher earners are expected to contribute more to the economy through taxes, others argued that the deductions were simply too high. Many questioned whether salaries truly reflect the actual money professionals end up with after taxes.

Billz Billz Reloaded chimed in, saying:

"I’m also earning R78k, but my tax is R17k. Why is this one on R21k?"

Sandile Shezi couldn’t resist throwing in a humorous remark:

"He’s being taxed my salary, Jesus."

Ngwato raised a valid point:

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"The payslip doesn’t add up because a 78k tax cannot be 21k, and why basic hourly pay instead of basic monthly pay?"

Khulekani added:

"An engineer earning such a small amount? Which company is this?"

And Habiba summed it up perfectly:

"This is insane ridiculous."

South African Woman Shows Off Teacher's Payslip

• Briefly News reported earlier that another viral TikTok video had tongues wagging when a woman unveiled a government teacher's payslip. The clip quickly went viral, sparking debates about salaries in the education sector.
• A young TikToker shared an eye-opening post, showcasing a teacher’s payslip, leaving many South Africans questioning the fairness of public sector compensation.
• In a separate incident, a TikTok video showing a private school teacher's payslip also made waves, with viewers reacting to the significant differences between public and private sector earnings.

As these discussions continue, it’s clear that the conversation around salaries and taxes in South Africa is far from over. Whether it’s engineers, teachers, or other professionals, the issue of fair compensation and reasonable tax deductions remains a hot topic. So, what do you think? Is the current system working, or does it need a major overhaul? Let us know your thoughts!