National minimum wage is R30.23 an hour

The national minimum wage is R30.23 for each ordinary hour worked from 1 March 2026, up from R28.79. Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth announced the rate on 3 February 2026 (South African Government).

The same hourly rate applies to farm workers and domestic workers. Workers on the Expanded Public Works Programme are paid a lower rate of R16.62 an hour (Department of Employment and Labour).

How much is the minimum wage a month?

On the department's 2026 flyer, a 40-hour week is R1,209.20, and a month at 4.333 weeks is R5,239.46. An eight-hour day is R241.84 (Department of Employment and Labour).

Who is not covered by the minimum wage?

It does not apply to members of the South African National Defence Force, the National Intelligence Agency or the South African Secret Service, or to unpaid volunteers. Tips, bonuses, gifts and allowances such as transport or food do not count toward the R30.23 (South African Government).