Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi unveiled a new National Minimum Wage (NMW) determination, raising it from R25.42 to R27.58 per ordinary hour worked, effective from March 1, 2024.

The Department of Employment and Labour stated that the new NMW also covers vulnerable sectors like farm workers and domestic workers, aligning with rates set since 2022.

Workers in expanded public works programs will see their minimum wage increase to R15.16 per hour from R13.97. Additionally, learnership agreements under the Skills Development Act, 1998, will receive allowances as per the latest government schedule.

The Act applies universally to workers and employers, excluding specific entities such as the South African National Defence Force, the National Intelligence Agency, and the South African Secret Service. Volunteers, who do not receive remuneration for their service, are also exempt.

The NMW sets the minimum remuneration that employers must legally provide for work done, excluding allowances, payments in kind, tips, bonuses, and gifts. Introduced in 2019 at R20 per hour, the NMW is legally enforced, with violations subject to fines.

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