National Minimum Wage: 2026 Adjustment Recommendations and Call for Public Comment
Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: The Department of Employment & Labour has released the National Minimum Wage Commission’s annual investigation report, proposing a specific percentage increase for 2026.
In terms of the National Minimum Wage Act, No. 9 of 2018, the Department of Employment & Labour has gazetted a report on the latest annual national minimum wage investigation along with a notice calling for public representations. The report recommends that the 2026 upward adjustment to the prevailing minimum wage be calculated according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus 1.5%.
The recommended adjustment was informed by stakeholder input received during the investigation process, which commenced in August 2025. Since 1 March 2025, the national minimum hourly rate has been set at R28,79 for every ordinary hour worked. This rate currently applies to:
- General workers;
- Farm workers; and
- Domestic workers.
Stakeholders and interested parties have until 12 January 2026 to submit written representations regarding the proposed adjustments. It is anticipated that the final determined national minimum wage increase will commence on 1 March 2026.
What this means for you, your business, or your clients
- For yourself: Monitor the Government Gazette in early 2026 for the final determination to ensure accurate compliance advice is provided to your firm or employer.
- For your business: Update payroll systems and budget allocations for the 2026/27 financial cycle to reflect the proposed CPI plus 1.5% increase for all employees earning the minimum wage.
- For your clients: Advise clients to submit written representations to the Commission by the 12 January 2026 deadline if the proposed adjustment significantly impacts their operational viability or sector-specific sustainability.
Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/national-minimum-wage-input-sought-on-latest-report-with-recommendations