· The new national minimum wage (NMW) is R21.69 per hour, an increase of 4.5% (current inflation plus 1.5%).
· Farm workers' minimum wage has become equal the national minimum wage.
· The minimum wage for domestic workers has been increased by 23% in 2021. This is still below the national minimum wage (expected to be brought on par by 2022).
All Workers R21.69 p/h (was R20.76)
Farm Workers R21.69 p/h (was R18.68)
Domestic Workers R19.09 p/h (was R15.57)
Domestic work is defined as work performed in or for a household(s). It is therefore defined according to the workplace, which is a private household. A domestic worker therefore provides for personal and household care. Domestic workers also include gardeners, drivers and people who look after children, the aged, sick, frail or disabled, in a private household.
Public works programme: Workers employed on an expanded public works programme earn less than the NMW. They only earn R11.93 per hour.
Wages of employees who currently earn more than the NMW may not be reduced. According to the Act, it is illegal and an unfair practice for an employer to unilaterally alter hours of work or other conditions of employment in implementing the National Minimum Wage.
The national minimum wage is the amount payable for ordinary hours of work and does not include payment of allowances (such as transport, tools, food or accommodation), payments in kind (such as board or lodging), tips, gifts, as well as bonuses. Employers may not pay an employee less than the minimum wage because they contribute to their uniform or provide them with meals.
The national minimum wages are reviewed on an annual basis.
National Minimum Wage Act, 9 of 2018, as amended.
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