The Department of Employment and Labour has officially announced an increase in South Africa’s National Minimum Wage from R28.79 to R30.23 per hour, effective 1 March 2026.
The adjustment was formalised through the publication of the National Minimum Wage Amendment 2026 in Government Gazette No. 54075, issued on 3 February 2026. The amendment was signed and approved by the Minister of Employment and Labour, Ms Nomakhosazana Meth, in terms of Section 6(5) of the National Minimum Wage Act No. 9 of 2018.
This annual adjustment reflects government’s continued commitment to improving the livelihoods of workers while promoting fair labour practices and sustainable economic growth.
Key Highlights of the Amendment
New National Minimum Wage
From 1 March 2026, the following minimum wage rates will apply nationally:
- General national minimum wage: R30.23 per ordinary hour worked
- Farm workers: R30.23 per hour
- Domestic workers: R30.23 per hour
- Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers: R16.62 per hour
- Learners in registered learnerships: Allowances as outlined in Schedule 2 of the amendment
These updated rates ensure that historically vulnerable worker groups remain fully protected under the National Minimum Wage framework.
Revised Learnership Allowances
The amendment also introduces updated minimum weekly allowances for workers participating in learnership programmes, in accordance with the Skills Development Act.
Minimum Learnership Allowances Per Week
Allowances are determined based on NQF level and credits already earned:
| NQF Level | Credits Earned | Minimum Weekly Allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1–2 | 0–120 | R455.00 |
| Level 1–2 | 121–240 | R909.94 |
| Level 3 | 0–120 | R455.00 |
| Level 3 | 121–240 | R856.94 |
| Level 3 | 241–360 | R1,402.87 |
| Level 4 | 0–120 | R455.00 |
| Level 4 | 121–240 | R910.04 |
| Level 4 | 241–360 | R1,402.87 |
| Level 4 | 361–480 | R2,047.41 |
| Level 5–8 | 0–120 | R455.00 |
| Level 5–8 | 121–240 | R985.76 |
| Level 5–8 | 241–360 | R1,474.90 |
| Level 5–8 | 361–480 | R2,077.79 |
| Level 5–8 | 481–600 | R2,654.04 |
These allowances are aimed at supporting skills development while ensuring fair compensation for learners in the workplace.
Sector-Specific Minimum Wage Adjustments
In addition to the general national minimum wage increase, updated wage schedules have been introduced for specific sectors.
Contract Cleaning Sector
New minimum wages for contract cleaning employees have been set according to geographic areas:
- Area A: R33.27 per hour
- Area B (KwaZulu-Natal): Subject to collective agreements of the Bargaining Council for the Contract Cleaning Service Industry (BCCCI)
- Area C: R30.33 per hour
Employers are reminded that any service provider that contracts with cleaning companies at rates that make it impossible to comply with minimum wage obligations may be held legally liable under Section 200B of the Labour Relations Act.
Wholesale and Retail Sector
Updated minimum wages have also been gazetted for employees in the wholesale and retail industry. Rates now vary based on:
- Job category (e.g., cashier, driver, supervisor, manager)
- Geographic area (Area A or Area B)
- Hours worked
For example:
- General Assistants and Security Guards: Minimum of R30.23 per hour
- Cashiers: Between R30.23 and R34.62 per hour, depending on area
- Supervisors: Up to R50.14 per hour
- Managers: Up to R64.66 per hour
These sectoral adjustments ensure alignment with the revised national minimum wage and promote fair remuneration across different occupational categories.
Workers and employers who want to understand how the new increase affects take-home pay can use the our online salary calculation tool available here:
Employer Compliance Reminder
The Department of Employment and Labour urges all employers to ensure full compliance with the new wage determinations from 1 March 2026.
Failure to implement the amended minimum wages may result in enforcement action in terms of the National Minimum Wage Act and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act.
Employers, employees, and members of the public are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the full details of the amendment, available online via the Government Printing Works at:
Minister’s Statement
Minister Nomakhosazana Meth reaffirmed government’s commitment to protecting low-income workers:
“The increase in the National Minimum Wage is an important intervention to safeguard workers against rising living costs. Government remains committed to ensuring fair pay, decent working conditions, and inclusive economic growth for all South Africans.”
Media Enquiries
Department of Employment and Labour
Communications Unit
Website: www.labour.gov.za
