- Government Gazette 50073 02 February 2024: National Minimum Wage
- Agri Wes-Kaap Statement re: Minimum Wage 02 February 2024
05 February 2024 – Minister Thulas Nxesi of the Department of Employment and Labour published a gazette on Friday, 02 February 2024, increasing the National Minimum Wage (NMW) in South Africa from R25.42 per hour to R27.58 per hour, effective 01 March 2024.
The NMW encompasses sectors considered ‘vulnerable,’ including domestic and farm workers, which have been aligned with the NMW since 2022. It is the legally mandated minimum amount that employers must pay, excluding additional allowances such as transport, tools, food, and accommodation.
This increase represents an 8.5% rise in the minimum wage, surpassing the Average Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) rate of 6% for 2023. This trend has persisted since the NMW’s introduction, resulting in a substantial 39% increase in labour costs since 2019.
Agri-Western Cape (AWK) CEO Jannie Strydom expressed disappointment, stating: “We are disappointed that the Minimum Wage Commission did not take into account organized agriculture’s recommendation to increase the minimum wage in a sustainable way.”
AWK urged the Commission to prioritize job creation and preservation, considering the financial implications on businesses during the NMW review. Despite many permanent agricultural employees already receiving wages above the minimum, the sector warns against yearly above-inflation increases, fearing it will contribute to increased cost-cutting in the industry.”
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Government Gazettte 50073 (02 February 2024): National Minimum Wage Act no. 09 of 2018
Agri-Wes Kaap Statement 02 February 2024
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Agri Wes-Kaap statement 02 February 2024
