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MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE IN MARCH 2024
The National Minimum Wage (NMW), as well as minimum wages in some specified sectors, will increase with effect from 1 March 2024.
R27,58 per hour
The minimum wage of R25,42 per hour will increase to R27,58 per hour (an increase of approximately 8,5%). The new minimum wage sets a new baseline across all sectors, with a few exceptions.
Farmworkers and domestic workers
The minimum rate for farm workers and domestic workers remain on par with the NMW at R27,58 per hour.
Exceptions
The exceptions are as follows:
- Workers employed on Expanded Public Works: R15,16 per hour
- Workers with learnership agreements in terms of the Skills Development Act: See the schedule in the link to the Government Gazette below
Increases in other sectors
Employers in SD9: Wholesale and Retail Sector will have to increase their minimum rates (which depends on the job category, the lowest of which is in line with the NMW at R27,58 per hour). Employers in the SD1: Contract Cleaning Sector will also have to increase their minimum rates, with a R30,35 minimum in metropolitan areas and R27,67 in certain rural areas). More details can be found in the Government Gazette (GG) – click here.
Allowances, etc?
Employers are reminded that the NMW excludes allowances that are paid to enable employees to work (such as transport and equipment), or payment in kind (such as board or accommodation), as well as bonuses, tips or food.
Exemption
There is provision for employers to apply for exemption. The National Minimum Wage Exemption System is accessible online at https://nmw.labour.gov.za. Alternatively, employers may approach their nearest branch of the Department of Employment and Labour.
Comments
Is there a different rate in the hospitality industry and what are the hours
Much appreciated
Colleen Barnard
The national minimum wage applies to the hospitality sector, except in the Johannesburg and Pretoria areas where there are two bargaining councils that prescribe different rates. The working hours are prescribed by sectoral determination 14: hospitality sector, and the respective bargaining councils mentioned.
Is there a different rate in the hospitality industry and what are the hours for the hospitality industry.
Much appreciated
Colleen Barnard
Hi .
I’m my staff is contracted to 35 hours a week excluding 5 hours lunch general staff.
Min wage paid.
Am I correct if the weekly payment is
R 965.30
(27.58 x 35 hrs )
That is correct
Good day,
Please advise what the mimimum wage per day (9 hour workday)
and per month will be as from 1 March 2024
Assuming there is a meal interval of 1 hour in a 9-hour workday, then the minimum daily rate would be R27.58 x 8 = R220.64. The monthly minimum – assuming 45 normal working hours per week (excluding meal intervals) – would be R5377.69 per month.