10/02/2026
New National Minimum Wage Increase in South Africa 2026
The Department of Employment and Labour has announced a 5% increase in the National Minimum Wage. The new rate is now R30.23 per hour, up from R28.79.
This applies to most workers including domestic workers and farm workers.
Workers on Expanded Public Works Programmes will earn R16.62 per hour.
What this means in real terms:
About R1,264.85 per week (45-hour work week)
Around R5,894.40 per month
Employers must still pay for a minimum of four hours per day, meaning roughly R121 per day at minimum wage.
While domestic workers have been covered by the full minimum wage since 2022, recent data shows that many still earn below the legal requirement. Reports indicate median domestic worker salaries remain significantly lower than the official minimum, although some platform-based workers are earning closer to or above the required rate.
Households employing domestic workers are encouraged to review their budgets and ensure wages are aligned with the new legal minimums. Anyone employing a domestic worker should comply with the minimum wage, have a proper employment contract in place, and ensure UIF contributions are registered and paid.
