NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE INCREASED in 2024

National Minimum Wage Increased

Employment and Labour Minister TW Nxesi announced that the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for each ordinary hour worked will increase to R27.58 with effect from 01 March 2024.

As in previous years, the adjustment provides exceptions for several worker groups, including:

• Farmworkers are entitled to a minimum wage of R27.58 per hour;

• Domestic workers are entitled to a minimum wage of R27.58 per hour;

• Workers employed on an expanded public works programme are entitled to a minimum wage of R15.16 per hour;

• Workers who have concluded learnership agreements contemplated in section 17 of the Skills Development Act, 1998 (Act No 97 of 1998), are entitled to allowances contained in schedule 2.

It is illegal and unfair labour practice for an employer to unilaterally change working hours or other employment conditions to implement the NMW.

The NMW is the amount payable for ordinary hours of work and excludes payment of allowances (such as transportation, tools, food, or lodging), payments in kind (board or lodging), tips, bonuses, and gifts.

Minimum Wages are applicable to the following: Contract Cleaning and Wholesale and Retail Sectors.