South Africa's Wage Hike: What You Need To Know
- On February 4, 2025, the South African government announced a significant increase in the minimum wage.
- This adjustment officially gazetted the new rate, setting it at R28.79 per hour for farmworkers and domestic workers.
- With this change, domestic workers are now expected to earn approximately R4,989.88 monthly—a figure that sparked widespread debate across the nation.
Tebogo Mokwena, a seasoned journalist for Briefly News, has spent seven years covering current affairs, focusing on both international and local social issues such as health, corruption, education, unemployment, labor disputes, service delivery protests, and immigration in South Africa. His work has appeared in Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News, where he has consistently delivered insightful analysis.
JOHANNESBURG — In a move aimed at improving the lives of working-class citizens, the South African government has announced a hike in the minimum wage, impacting domestic workers and farmworkers. While many welcomed the news, others expressed concerns about affordability, sparking a lively national discussion.
What’s the New Minimum Wage?
Siya, an active member of the online community, shared a screenshot of the official gazette announcement on his @SS_Tembe X account. The document confirmed that, as of February 4, 2025, the national minimum wage stands at R28.79 per hour. This applies to all domestic and farm workers, who are now entitled to this rate for every hour worked. Siya went further, calculating that domestic workers could now expect to earn around R4,989.88 per month based on a standard 40-hour workweek.
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Check out Siya's X tweet here.
Recent Policy Changes in South Africa
- President Cyril Ramaphosa made headlines in January 2025 by signing the controversial Expropriation Act into law.
- Just after the 2024 general elections, he signed the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act into law.
- Two weeks before the elections, he also signed the National Health Insurance Act into law, signaling a broader push toward reforming key sectors.
What Are South Africans Saying?
The announcement has sparked intense debate, with many South Africans weighing in on social media platforms. Some questioned the practicality of the wage increase, while others celebrated it as a step toward greater equality.
Andre Froneman commented, “60% of my white mates don’t get paid that much, so they’ll never be able to afford a worker.”
Another user, Mzansi’s No1, asked, “What happens if I can only afford R3,500?”
Siya responded, “Then you can’t afford a full-time helper. Maybe hire someone who comes in twice a week.”
Mthokozisi Mpungose added, “Most exploited domestic workers are working for us black people.”
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Douglas Wayne chimed in, “That will never happen. She’ll get what she wants, and if she doesn’t like it, she’s welcome to seek employment elsewhere.”
Breaking Down the Minimum Wage
The National Minimum Wage Act, introduced in 2019, is a cornerstone of South Africa’s labor legislation. Its purpose is simple yet powerful: to protect workers from exploitation and ensure fair compensation. The act mandates that no employer can pay below the stipulated minimum wage without applying for and receiving an exemption from the Department of Labour. Failure to comply can result in hefty fines or even legal action.
The minimum wage applies universally, covering all industries and contract types, though there are exceptions. Volunteers, members of the South African Defence Force (SANDF), and other government entities are exempt. Additionally, workers in the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) fall outside the minimum wage framework.
Employers must review their payroll systems and adjust accordingly to meet these new standards. Employees, meanwhile, have the right to report violations to the Department of Labour or the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). Beyond the minimum wage, employers must also adhere to regulations concerning working hours, overtime pay, and employee benefits, ensuring a balanced and equitable work environment.
Parliament Boosts Salaries for Support Staff
In related news, Parliament announced plans to increase the salaries of its support staff, including cleaners, chefs, and waitstaff. By 2026, these essential workers will earn a monthly salary of R28,600. This decision follows successful negotiations led by the National Education Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu).
The union revealed that this achievement has been years in the making, culminating in an agreement with the government. Support staff received their first increment in December, with two more scheduled for April and May 2026. This move underscores the government’s commitment to addressing wage disparities and improving the livelihoods of all workers.
