What is minimum wage in South Africa

Michael Visser - Head of Services

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1 April 2026

The national minimum wage in South Africa (effective 1 March 2026) is R30.23 per ordinary hour worked.

Quick facts:

• Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers: R16.62 per hour.
• Learnerships: learners receive weekly allowances set by schedule (varies by NQF level).
• Some groups (e.g., SANDF, certain intelligence services) are exempt.
• The NMW is a legal floor — allowances, tips and bonuses don’t count toward the NMW.

Source: National Minimum Wage Act 9 of 2018, as amended — latest adjustment effective 1 March 2026 (published by the Minister of Employment and Labour).