Check Online Application Status 2025-2026How to Apply Online 2025-2026Check Admission Requirements 2025-2026
Tvet Colleges Online Application Form

Bursaries Closing in November 2024

Application Forms 2025-2026

What Is The Minimum Wage In South Africa?

What Is The Minimum Wage In South Africa

What Is The Minimum Wage In South Africa
What Is The Minimum Wage In South Africa

In South Africa, many industries, including farming, hospitality, and domestic work, already have set minimum wages through collective agreements. The wages are evaluated each year to see if they are having the desired effect of reducing poverty and wage inequality.

 

So How much Exactly is a South African to expect as Minimum Wage?

Workers in South Africa have been entitled to a minimum wage of R20 per hour since January 2019. This amounts to around R3,500 based on a 40-hour working week.

All workers in South Africa are subject to the new regulations with some exceptions. The National Defence Force, the National Intelligence Agency, and Secret Service employees are excluded.

Workers on expanded public works programs now earn a minimum wage of R11, domestic employees to R15, and farm workers to R18.

 

Can Some Employers be Exempt from minimum wage?

It is not known at this moment when employers in South Africa can apply for an exemption from the minimum wage. In such cases, large penalties are imposed on employers who do not pay the minimum wage.

The goal is to determine whether the wages are having the desired impact on reducing poverty and decreasing wage inequality by reviewing them every year.

 

Does Minimum Wage Vary?

Within the private sector, minimum wages vary considerably, as private sector councils determine standards. Employees in lower-paid industries such as cosmetology and hairdressing earn between R1,809 and R4,749. Those employed in the metal and engineering sector, on the other hand, earn between R3,992 and R12,687 per month.

The government employs Employment Conditions Commissions to assist the Minister of Labour in establishing minimum wages for specific sectors.

The following sectors have defined sectoral wages: domestic work/contract cleaning, private security, forestry, wholesale and retail, hospitality, agriculture, taxi, learnerships (a special form of apprenticeship), hospitality, metal and engineering, pharmaceuticals, and oil production.

 

The minimum wages in South Africa by sector.

The amount employers must pay in industries operating a minimum wage varies greatly, depending on the job and location.

Employees in some industries may be subject to different rules if they work more than 27 hours per week.

 

Are Foreign employees in South Africa are paid the minimum wage?

Foreign workers in South Africa are subject to sector-specific minimum wages. A new national minimum wage applies to both South African nationals and foreign employees.

Work permits will still be required for foreign workers in South Africa, even if labor laws remain the same.

 

Are Wage payments are governed by labour law in South Africa.

In South Africa, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act governs compensation. This law allows employers to establish and pay salaries using an hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly method.

An employer must pay staff within seven days of the pay period ending, regardless of their preferred pay period.

Overview of MBA
Choosing Your MBA
MBA Schools in SA
How to Apply