Citizens should be aware that the new National Minimum Wage has been set at R28.79 per hour, up from R27.58 in 2024, reflecting a 4.4% increase in line with inflation.

According to Pretoria Rekord, this rate applies to all workers, including domestic workers.

However, those employed under the government’s extended public works programme will earn a reduced rate of R15.83 per hour.

Contract cleaners in major and select local municipalities will have a higher rate of R31.69 per hour.

The Department of Employment and Labour recently gazetted the new National Minimum Wage.

The wage translates to a weekly minimum of R1 295.55 (45-hour workweek) and a monthly minimum of R5 613.62 (4.3 weeks) in most jobs.

The new wage is effective from March 1.

A minimum wage is the lowest remuneration employers can legally pay their employees for each ordinary hour worked. It is illegal for an employer to pay employees less than this minimum floor.

Factors considered by the National Minimum Wage Commission in the annual adjustment include:

• Inflation
• The cost of living and the need to retain the value of the minimum wage
• Wage levels and collective bargaining outcomes
• Gross Domestic Product
• The ability of employers to carry on their businesses successfully
• The operation of small, medium or micro-enterprises and new enterprises
• The impact on employment or job creation

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