The Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth, has announced an increase in the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for 2025, raising it from R27.58 to R28.79 per ordinary hour worked.
This 4.2% adjustment is intended to improve the economic well-being of workers across the country.
Meth emphasised that the National Minimum Wage Act, introduced in 2019, plays a crucial role in South Africa’s labour market reforms.
The Act ensures that no employee is paid below the legally set threshold, reinforcing the government’s commitment to social protection and fair wages.
The new wage rate will take effect from 1 March 2025 and will continue to be reviewed annually.
“The implementation of the National Minimum Wage Act, which came into effect in 2019, has been an essential facet of South Africa’s labour market reforms. This law mandates employers to remunerate employees at a minimum threshold, ensuring that no worker is paid below this legally established rate,” Meth said.
“No employer is permitted to pay wages below the minimum rate.”
Applicability and Exceptions
The updated NMW applies to all employees, including workers in vulnerable sectors such as farm and domestic work, which have been fully aligned with the NMW rate since 2022.
However, certain exemptions remain:
- Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers will see their hourly rate increase from R15.16 to R15.83.
- Learners under the Skills Development Act will receive stipends as outlined in the latest government gazette.
- The NMW Act does not apply to volunteers or employees of specific government entities, including the South African National Defence Force and the National Intelligence Agency.
Access to Updated Wage Tables
To ensure transparency, updated wage tables for the Contract Cleaning Sector, Wholesale and Retail Sector, and other relevant industries will be available on the Department of Employment and Labour’s website (www.labour.gov.za).
“This digital resource aims to keep employers and employees well-informed about their rights and responsibilities to concerning the NMW.”
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