National Minimum Wage Amendment – Effective 1 March 2026

The Department of Employment and Labour has gazetted amendments to the National Minimum Wage (NMW) in terms of the National Minimum Wage Act, No. 9 of 2018. These changes will come into effect on 1 March 2026 .

Key highlights include:

• The national minimum wage has been set at R30.23 per ordinary hour worked.

• Farm workers and domestic workers are entitled to the same minimum hourly wage of R30.23.

• Workers employed under the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) are entitled to a minimum wage of R16.62 per hour.

• Updated learnership allowances apply across NQF Levels 1–8, based on credits already earned.

• Revised minimum wages for specific sectors, including:

  • Contract Cleaning Sector, with area-based rates and conditions.

  • Wholesale and Retail Sector, with differentiated rates by job category and geographic area.

Employers are encouraged to review the full Government Gazette to ensure compliance with the amended wage structures and sectoral determinations.

Download the full Government Gazette: Notice 7083 of SA Gov Gazette 54075 of 3 February 2026 NMW.pdf