South Africa raises National Minimum Wage

South Africa’s Employment and Labour Minister, Thulas Nxesi, has announced a revised National Minimum Wage (NMW) determination. Increasing it from R25.42 to R27.58 for each ordinary hour worked.

The Department of Employment and Labour, in a statement released on Saturday, confirmed that this adjustment will take effect from 1 March.

ALSO READ: News in a minute: Government raised the national minimum wage [VIDEO]

NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE EXTENSION

“The National Minimum Wage determination also includes the vulnerable sectors of farm workers and the domestic workers – who since 2022 were aligned with the NMW rates.

“However, the workers employed on an expanded public works programme are entitled to a minimum wage of R15,16 per hour [up] from R13,97. Workers who have concluded learnership agreements contemplated in section 17 of the Skills Development Act, 1998, are entitled to the allowances as determined in the latest government schedule,” the department said.

ALSO READ: National minimum wage RAISED to R27.58 an hour

To access detailed information regarding learnerships and sectoral determinations for Contract Cleaning, Wholesale, and Retail sector employees, the department encourages individuals to visit its official website.

NMW ACT: EXCLUSIONS AND EXCEPTIONS

The NMW Act is applicable to all workers and their employers. However, members of the South African National Defence Force, the National Intelligence Agency, and the South African Secret Service are excluded from its provisions. Additionally, volunteers, defined as those working without remuneration, are exempt from the act.

ALSO READ: Minister Kodwa cheers Bafana Bafana’s AFCON semifinals spot

The NMW serves as the legal baseline for employer remuneration, excluding allowances, payments in kind, tips, bonuses, and gifts. Enforced since 2019 at a minimum of R20 per hour, the NMW aims to prevent exploitation by setting a floor below which no employee should be paid. Authorities may impose fines for violations of this law.

ALSO READ: National minimum wage increase: COSATU welcomes plan for 2022

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY NOZIBUSISO MAZIBUKO