National Minimum Wage South Africa 2026
South Africa's national minimum wage was R28.79 per ordinary hour from 1 March 2025. Adjustments are announced annually, effective 1 March; employers must confirm the applicable 2026 gazette before processing pay. Farm and domestic workers fall under the general floor, while Expanded Public Works Programme workers have a separate prescribed rate.
Apply the correct rate for the pay period
R28.79 per hour is the confirmed baseline effective 1 March 2025, not a claim about the 2026 adjustment. Check the latest Department of Employment and Labour gazette for the rate effective on the date worked.
The minimum wage covers ordinary hours. Allowances enabling work, tips, bonuses and payments in kind generally do not count towards the statutory hourly floor.
- Record ordinary hours separately from overtime.
- Check bargaining-council or sectoral rates where these are higher.
- Keep the rate's effective date in your payroll records.
Farm workers, domestic workers and EPWP
Farm workers and domestic workers are covered by the general national minimum wage. EPWP participants have a separately prescribed minimum, and qualifying learnership agreements have prescribed allowances.
Do not assume that a different job title or a part-time contract removes minimum-wage protection.
Who is excluded or exempt?
The Act excludes members of the National Defence Force, National Intelligence Agency and South African Secret Service, and genuine volunteers receiving no remuneration.
An employer needing relief must obtain a formal exemption through the prescribed process. Financial difficulty alone does not authorise paying below the minimum; any granted exemption has conditions and a validity period.
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