The national minimum wage (NMW) will increase with effect from 1 March 2026. There will also be an increase of the minimum wage in certain specified sectors.
R30,23 per hour
The minimum wage of R28,79 per hour will increase to R30,23 per hour (an increase of 5%). The new minimum wage sets a new baseline across all sectors, with a few exceptions.
Farmworkers and domestic workers
The minimum rate for farm workers and domestic workers remain on par with the NMW at R30,23 per hour.
Exceptions
The exceptions are as follows:
- Workers employed on Expanded Public Works: R16,62 per hour
- Workers with learnership agreements in terms of the Skills Development Act: See schedule in the link to the Government Gazette below
Increases in other sectors
Employers in SD9: Wholesale and Retail Sector will have to increase their minimum rates (which depends on the job category, the lowest of which is in line with the NMW at R30,23 per hour). Employers in the SD1: Contract Cleaning Sector will also have to increase their minimum rates, with a R33,27 minimum in metropolitan areas and R30,33 in certain rural areas). More details can be found in the Government Gazette (GG) – CLICK HERE.
Allowances, etc?
Employers are reminded that the NMW excludes allowances that are paid to enable employees to work (such as transport and equipment), or payment in kind (such as board or accommodation), as well as bonuses, tips or food.
Exemption
There is provision for employers to apply for exemption. The National Minimum Wage Exemption System is accessible online at https://nmw.labour.gov.za. Alternatively, employers may approach their nearest branch of the Department of Employment and Labour.
Where can I see the minimum salaries for RETAILERS.
Till operators, packers, Managers, Ass Managers ext.
You’ll find it in the Government Gazette – just follow the link in the article
what happens in a situation where a business was recently purchased and profits are between break even and bear minimum and we are not in possession of income statements and balance sheets. The alternative will be to reduce staff as we cannot afford the nmw
Staff reduction (retrenchment) is a possible as a last resort, but it is important to follow the process prescribed in section 189 of the Labour Relations Act.
hi i want to find out about driver
c1 and code 8 minimum wage
as from 1 march
also we delevery driver
why are we rate as code 8 driver
becouse we drive code 10 van
The National Bargaining Council for the Road Freight Industry prescribes its own minimum wages – see https://www.nbcrfli.org.za