Preparing to negotiate an offer in South Africa requires research, tact and a clear understanding of total rewards (salary, benefits, tax and conditions). Below are practical, ready-to-use negotiation scripts, expert tips and a decision checklist to help you ask confidently for more pay, medical aid cover or relocation support — while protecting your relationship with the recruiter or hiring manager.
Why negotiation matters (South African context)
- Total reward matters more than base pay: Benefits like medical aid, retirement contributions, relocation packages and bonuses can change your net position substantially. See how to evaluate a full offer in detail: How to Evaluate a South African Job Offer: Total Rewards, Tax (SARS) and Benefits Explained.
- Timing and strategy: Best to start negotiation after a formal written offer. For guidance on when to raise pay, see: Timing Your Salary Conversation: When to Discuss Pay During South African Interview Processes.
- Know your market value: Research benchmarks and scarce-skills premiums before you ask: Interview Preparation South Africa: How to Research Salary Benchmarks Before Your Interview and Negotiating Scarce Skills Premiums in South Africa: When and How to Request Market-Related Pay.
Quick negotiation checklist (before you call or email)
- Confirm the offer details in writing.
- Calculate take-home pay (SARS, UIF and other deductions): Cost-of-Living and Net Pay: Calculate Your Take-Home Salary in South Africa (SARS Considerations).
- Identify your BATNA (best alternative to a negotiated agreement).
- Decide top 3 priorities (e.g., higher base, medical aid, relocation).
- Prepare evidence: market data, recent offers, cost estimates for relocation.
- Plan the tone: collaborative, confident, and solution-focused.
Scripts to ask for more base pay
Phone / Video script (concise, professional)
"Thank you again for the offer — I'm excited about the role. Based on market benchmarks and my experience in [skill/industry], I'm looking for a salary of R[desired amount] to reflect the scope and responsibilities. Is there flexibility to move from R[current offer] to R[desired amount], or could we explore an earlier review and performance-linked increase?"
Key points:
- State excitement first.
- Provide a clear number or small range.
- Offer alternatives (earlier review) to keep negotiations constructive.
Email script (formal)
Subject: Offer Discussion — [Your Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
Thank you for the offer and for the confidence you've expressed in me. I'm very keen to join [Company]. After reviewing the full package and market data for similar roles, I was hoping we could discuss the base salary. Given my experience in [X], and the responsibilities outlined, would you consider R[desired amount] (or a midpoint range of R[X–Y])?
If a higher base isn't possible, I'm open to discussing an earlier performance review at 6 months and a performance-linked bonus structure.
Thank you for considering — I'm confident we can reach an agreement that reflects the value I'll bring.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
Scripts to request medical aid coverage or improvements
Medical aid is often negotiable — especially if the employer currently offers partial cover or a company scheme you can join. Highlight cost implications and family coverage if relevant.
Phone / In-person script
"I noticed the offer includes a contribution of X% to medical aid. Given my family's needs (or the scheme options), would the company consider increasing the employer contribution to cover [principal member + 1] or offering a subsidy to join the group scheme? Alternatively, would you consider a medical aid allowance of R[amount] per month?"
Email script
Subject: Medical Aid Component — Offer Discussion
Dear [Hiring Manager],
Thank you again for the offer. One area I'd like to discuss is the medical aid contribution. The current offer indicates [employer contribution level]. Given the cost differences between private schemes and family needs, would the company consider increasing the employer contribution to [X] or providing a monthly medical allowance of R[amount]?
I'm open to options that would make the total package workable for both sides.
Best,
[Your Name]
Reference: Learn how medical aid and retirement components typically affect offers here: Understanding UIF, Pension/Provident Funds and Medical Aid in SA Job Offers.
Scripts to request relocation support
Relocation requests should be specific: moving costs, temporary accommodation, travel, work permits (if applicable) and reimbursement policies.
Phone / Video script
"Moving from [city] will incur costs including movers, travel and temporary housing. Could the company provide a relocation allowance of R[amount] or organize and cover standard moving expenses? If a lump sum isn't possible, could we agree on reimbursement for invoices up to R[amount]?"
Email script (detailed)
Subject: Relocation Support — [Your Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I’m excited to accept the role but will require relocation from [location]. Could we discuss relocation support? Typical needs include:
- Movers and transport of household goods
- Up to X weeks of temporary accommodation
- Travel for house-hunting
Would you consider either a relocation allowance of R[amount] or reimbursement of relocation invoices up to R[amount]? I'm happy to provide estimates and receipts.
Thanks for considering,
[Your Name]
Note: Check tax implications and company relocation policies; some allowances may be taxable. For specifics, see: How to Evaluate a South African Job Offer: Total Rewards, Tax (SARS) and Benefits Explained.
Alternatives & trade-offs: compare options
| Negotiation Item | Pros | Cons | Typical South African considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Higher base salary | Recurring benefit to all future earnings | Harder to secure if budget fixed | Affects UIF/pension contributions and tax |
| Sign-on / Relocation allowance | One-off cost, easier for employer | Not recurring | Often taxed; get receipts and clarify policy |
| Increased medical aid contribution | Improves family coverage & lowers out-of-pocket | Costly for employer | May be easier in larger employers with schemes |
| Earlier review / performance-based increase | Lowers upfront cost for employer | Dependent on performance | Agree on KPIs and review date in writing |
| Scarce-skills premium | Recognises market value | Must justify with data | See tactics: Negotiating Scarce Skills Premiums in South Africa |
Closing the negotiation professionally
- If agreed verbally, request the revised offer in writing and review clauses such as probation, notice periods and bonuses: How Probation Clauses, Notice Periods and Bonus Structures Work in South African Contracts.
- If you accept, follow the professional acceptance process: see Counteroffer Strategies and How to Accept or Decline a South African Job Offer Professionally.
- Use the checklist to ensure you’ve assessed leave, flexibility, learning and other benefits: Sample Offer Evaluation Checklist for South African Job Seekers (Benefits, Leave, Flexibility, Learning).
Final tips from an expert
- Be data-driven: use salary benchmarks and evidence to justify requests.
- Be flexible: offer alternatives (sign-on, earlier review, adjusted benefits).
- Maintain rapport: negotiation should be collaborative, not adversarial.
- Document everything: get any change to the offer in writing before resigning your current role.
For deeper prep on benchmarking and calculating net impact, start with: Interview Preparation South Africa: How to Research Salary Benchmarks Before Your Interview and Cost-of-Living and Net Pay: Calculate Your Take-Home Salary in South Africa (SARS Considerations).
Use the scripts above, tailor the numbers and evidence to your situation, and negotiate confidently.