Lentswe, Klerksdorp - The new minimum wage was announced in the go-vernment Gazette on February 3. Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth announced an increase in the statutory National Minimum Wage for 2026, raising it from R28.79 to R30.23 for each ordinary hour worked. “The amendment will become binding on March 1.
“The R1.44 upward adjustment will benefit all workers, including vulnerable farm workers and domestic workers,” the Minister said.
Excluded are workers employed under the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). Due to EPWP workers being employed under a special dispensation, their adjustment will rise from R15.16 per hour to a minimum wage of R16.62 per hour.
- Wage for an eight hour day: R241.38.
- Wage for a worker who is employed full-time (20 working days): R4 827.60.
