This is how much you should be paying your domestic helper
The new minimum wage applies to all workers covered under the law, with the exception of those employed on expanded public works programmes, who are entitled to a lower rate of R16.62 per hour.
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The Department of Employment and Labour has announced the latest increase to South Africa’s National Minimum Wage (NMW), raising the minimum hourly rate to R30.23.
The adjustment, published in the Government Gazette, will take effect from 1 March 2026, in terms of the National Minimum Wage Act. This is an increase from R28.79 in 2025, representing a 5% rise in the minimum wage, in line with recommendations from the National Minimum Wage Council.
The new minimum wage applies to all workers covered under the law, with the exception of those employed on expanded public works programmes, who are entitled to a lower rate of R16.62 per hour.
The move has already prompted reactions from industry bodies and labour groups. AgriSA said that while it supports fair and decent wages for workers, the timing of the increase places additional pressure on sectors already facing economic challenges, particularly agriculture, which is contending with the ongoing Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak.
'AgriSA reiterates its support for fair and decent wages for farmworkers and recognises the importance of protecting vulnerable workers against rising living costs," CEO Johann Kotzé said.
"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% of agriculture’s contribution to GDP".
Kotzé added that AgriSA remains concerned that above-inflation wage adjustments, implemented during a period of systemic risk such as the current FMD crisis.
"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".
Trade union COSATU said it welcomes the 5% increase to the National Minimum Wage, describing it as progressive.
"The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) welcomes the 2026 increase of inflation plus 1.5% (5% in total or R1.44) for the National Minimum Wage (NMW). This progressive above inflation increase raises the NMW from R28,79 per hour to R30.23 from 1 March 2026".
"Whilst COSATU had tabled a slightly higher proposal, we are pleased that our demand for a positive above inflation increase secured the support of the Commission and the Minister for Employment and Labour, Ms. N. Meth".
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za
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