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By Newz.Africa News Desk | Pretoria, South Africa| 5 February 2026 | National Minimum Wage Increase
National Minimum Wage to increase to R30.23 from 1 March
South Africa’s national minimum wage will increase from R28.79 to R30.23 per hour on 1 March 2026. The Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth, announced the increase on 3 February. The department says the rise will support millions of workers across all sectors.
Vulnerable workers included in the national minimum wage increase
Farm workers and domestic workers will get the same minimum hourly rate of R30.23. These groups are fully aligned with the national wage floor. The department says the goal is to protect workers who are often the most exposed to low pay.
Exceptions and special rates for certain workers
Workers in the Expanded Public Works Programme will get R16.62 per hour due to their special classification. Learners in approved learnerships will get updated allowances that vary according to NQF level and credits earned. These rates form part of Schedule 2 of the National Minimum Wage Amendment.
Enforcement and compliance measures
The National Minimum Wage Act requires employers to pay no less than the legal hourly rate. The law treats any effort to reduce hours or change conditions to avoid compliance as an unfair labour practice. Violations lead to fines issued by inspectors or the CCMA. Employers apply for exemption, but must follow the official legal process.
Economic context behind the 2026 national minimum wage increase
The increase reflects a 5 percent rise, influenced by inflation and recommendations from the National Minimum Wage Commission. Government says the update helps keep wages in line with living costs. Labour groups like Cosatu have welcomed the increase as a step toward protecting workers from rising expenses.
Original Reporting
- Verified the increase amount, effective date, and statement from Minister Meth using government and press releases.
- Cross‑checked inclusion and exclusion categories like EPWP rates and learnership allowances.
- Confirmed enforcement rules under the National Minimum Wage Act based on government guidance.
Primary Artefact
- SAnews government report confirming the new National Minimum Wage of R30.23 per hour and effective 1 March date.
Sources
- SAnews: National Minimum Wage to Rise to R30.23 per hour from March
- News24: National minimum wage above R30 per hour for the first time
- African News Agency: South Africa’s National Minimum Wage to rise to R30.23
- Nasi Ispani: National Minimum Wage – R30.23 Per Hour Effective 1 March
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