The Department of Employment and Labour has announced an increase in the national minimum wage (NMW), from R28.79 to R30.23 per hour.

The minimum wage, which has increased by R1.44, is effective from 1 March, and set to benefit all workers, including farm workers and domestic workers.

Labour and Employment Minister Nomakhosazana Meth has warned that no employee must be paid below the NMW.

“It cannot be varied by contract, collective agreement or law; and it is also an unfair labour practice for an employer to unilaterally alter hours of work or other conditions of employment in implementing the NMW,” said Meth.

While noting the increase, AgriSA said the timing of the adjustment will put additional pressure on the agricultural sector, which is already under strain.

“AgriSA reiterates its support for fair and decent wages for farmworkers, and recognises the importance of protecting vulnerable workers against rising living costs.

“However, this announcement comes at a time of uncertainty for South African agriculture, as the sector is experiencing real and measurable economic losses arising from the ongoing foot and mouth disease [FMD] outbreak and ongoing biosecurity challenges.

The livestock industry accounts for between 40 and 45 per cent of agriculture’s contribution to GDP,” said AgriSA CEO Johann Kotze.
Kotze said the wage policy must be sector-responsive and implementation-aware, particularly in periods of systemic risk such as the current FMD crisis.

“Agriculture is emerging from consecutive years of contraction caused by drought, climate volatility and animal disease outbreaks. While parts of the sector [showed] recovery in 2025, this recovery remains fragile and uneven. Labour-intensive subsectors, emerging farmers and export-orientated value chains are particularly exposed,” he said.

“While the organisation engaged constructively throughout the national minimum wage review process, it remains concerned that above-inflation adjustments, implemented during a period of animal health emergency, may place additional strain on jobs, farm viability and rural economies.”

Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here:

HAVE YOUR SAY