South Africa's Minimum Wage Has Increased — Here Is What Workers Need to Know in 2026

Effective 1 March 2026, the National Minimum Wage increased to R30.23 for each ordinary hour worked — up from R28.79 per hour. That is an increase of R1.44, which works out to approximately 5%. The South African

For a typical 38-hour work week, the new rate equals R1,148.74 per week or R4,974.04 per month. For workers on a 45-hour week, that rises to R1,360.35 per week. The South African

The amendment was officially gazetted by the Minister of Employment and Labour on 3 February 2026, in terms of the National Minimum Wage Act, No. 9 of 2018.

The new minimum wage covers the vast majority of workers in South Africa. Here is a breakdown by category:

Farm workers and domestic workers will receive R30.23 per hour, matching the national rate — bringing them fully in line with all other workers for the first time. This is a significant milestone. For years, domestic and farm workers earned below the general national rate, leaving some of the country's most vulnerable workers with less protection. That gap has now been closed. Nuusflits

Workers on the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) will receive at least R16.62 per hour, up from the previous rate of R15.83 per hour. While the EPWP rate remains lower than the general minimum, the increase still puts more money in the hands of workers on government-funded community programmes. InBound SA

Learners under registered learnership agreements will receive updated weekly allowances based on their NQF level and credits earned, with amounts ranging from R455.00 to R2,654.04 per week. If you are currently on a learnership, check with your employer or training provider to confirm your updated allowance

A minimum wage increase is about more than just rands per hour. When the National Minimum Wage was first introduced in 2019 at R20 an hour, there were approximately six million workers in South Africa earning below that rate. Each annual increase lifts the floor for the lowest-paid workers in the country — reducing the gap between what people earn and what it actually costs to live. The South African

For job seekers, knowing the minimum wage gives you a clear baseline when evaluating job offers. If a company is offering you less than R30.23 per hour for ordinary hours worked, that offer is illegal — and you have the right to report it.

For employers, compliance is not optional. Paying below the National Minimum Wage is a violation of the National Minimum Wage Act and can result in penalties enforced by the Department of Employment and Labour.

Every employer in South Africa is legally required to pay at least the new minimum rate for all ordinary hours worked. This applies to full-time, part-time, casual, and temporary workers alike. If your business has not yet updated its payroll to reflect the R30.23 rate, it needs to happen immediately — the increase has been in effect since 1 March 2026.

It is also worth noting that some sectors operate under bargaining council agreements that set rates above the national minimum. Workers in those sectors should check their specific sectoral determination to understand the full picture.

Check your current hourly rate against R30.23 and confirm you are being paid correctly

If you are a domestic or farm worker, you are now entitled to the full national rate — not a lower rate

Keep records of your hours worked and what you are paid each month

If you believe your employer is underpaying you, report it to the Department of Employment and Labour or the CCMA

If you are on a learnership, confirm your weekly allowance with your employer or SETA

Knowing your rights as a worker is just as important as finding work. Stay informed, and do not be afraid to ask questions about your pay.

For the latest job listings, learnership opportunities, and labour news relevant to South African workers, visit JoblySA regularly.