On 1 January 2019, the national minimum wage first came into effect, flowing from the National Minimum Wage Act 9 of 2018 (“NMWA”). 

The primary reason for the national minimum wage being implemented was for the protection of workers from earning unreasonably low wages.

In terms of the NMWA, the National Minimum Wage Commission is tasked with reviewing the national minimum wage on an annual basis and make recommendations as to whether there should be an increase.

The national minimum wage applies to all workers and their employers except members of the South African National Defence Force, the National Intelligence Agency and the South African Secret Service.

With effect from Sunday, 1 March 2026 the national minimum wage will increase from R28.79 for each ordinary hour worked to R30.23 for each ordinary hour worked.

1. Farm workers are entitled to a minimum wage of R30.23 per hour.
2. Domestic workers are entitled to a minimum wage of R30.23 per hour.
3. Workers employed on an expanded public works programme are entitled to a minimum wage of R16.62 per hour.
4. Workers who have concluded learnership agreements in accordance with the Skills Development Act, 1998, are entitled to the allowances as set out in the Schedule shown below:

It is crucial that all employers ensure that the wages paid to their workers are not less than the prescribed minimum wage.  Non-compliance with the NMWA carries significant financial consequences for employers, such as hefty fines issued by the Department of Employment and Labour.  Moreover, if workers who seek to challenge their employer’s non-compliance are successful, the employer may be ordered to pay the worker retrospectively.

For assistance with ensuring NMWA compliance, contact deirdre.venter@wylie.co.za and unathi.dlamini@wylie.co.za