The Department of Employment and Labour has formally announced the annual adjustment to the National Minimum Wage, as published under Regulation Gazette 11941, in terms of the National Minimum Wage Act, 2018. The adjusted wage rates will come into effect on 1 March 2026, in line with the legislated annual increase.
With effect from 1 March 2026, the national minimum wage for ordinary hours worked has increased to R30.23 per hour. This rate applies to the general workforce, as well as farm workers and domestic workers, whose minimum wages are now fully aligned with the national rate.
Employees engaged on Expanded Public Works Programmes (EPWP) will be subject to a statutory minimum wage of R16.62 per hour, as set out in the Gazette. Minimum allowances applicable to learners on registered learnership agreements remain determined in accordance with the schedules published in the Gazette, based on the applicable NQF level and credits completed.
Employers are urged to review the official Gazette, update payroll systems accordingly, and ensure full compliance with the revised minimum wage rates by 1 March 2026.
You may view Regulation Gazette 11941 here.
For more information, please contact Melanie Hart at melanie@bv-inc.co.za.