South Africa’s new national minimum wage of R30.23 per hour took effect on March 1, 2026, but labor advocates say the increase still leaves domestic workers earning below the poverty line.
The adjustment, an increase of R1.44 from the previous rate of R28.79, was announced in February 2026 and applies to all workers, including those in the agricultural sector, according to a statement from the Department of Employment and Labour. The new rate represents a roughly 5% increase from the previous year.
While the increase is welcomed by some, concerns remain about its adequacy for domestic workers, who often support families. The national minimum wage was initially introduced on January 1, 2019, at R20 per hour, and has been adjusted annually since then. The 2025 rate was set at R28.79 per hour, effective March 1, 2025, before the latest adjustment.
Workers employed under the Expanded Public Works Programme are entitled to a lower minimum wage of R16.62 per hour. This tiered system has drawn criticism from labor groups who argue for a single, universally applicable minimum wage.
The adjustment to the national minimum wage was made by Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth, who announced the increase from R27.58 to R28.79 for each ordinary hour worked in February 2025. The latest increase builds on that adjustment.
The South African government has stated that the national minimum wage is intended to reduce income inequality and promote economic growth. Although, critics argue that the current rate is insufficient to provide a decent standard of living for low-wage workers, particularly in light of rising inflation and the cost of living.
