National Minimum Wage: Adjustments Gazetted for 1 March 2026

Posted 03 February 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Labour

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: The Department of Employment & Labour has gazetted a notice increasing the national minimum wage to R30.23 per ordinary hour worked, effective from 1 March 2026.

In terms of the National Minimum Wage Act, No. 9 of 2018, the Minister of Employment and Labour has adjusted the national minimum wage for the upcoming cycle. The adjustment represents an increase of R1.44 per hour over the previous rate. The new rates, which apply across various sectors, are as follows:

  • General workers: R30.23 per ordinary hour worked.
  • Farm workers: R30.23 per ordinary hour worked (aligned with the national rate).
  • Domestic workers: R30.23 per ordinary hour worked (aligned with the national rate).
  • Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP): R16.62 per ordinary hour worked.

The adjustments follow the statutory review process initiated in August 2025, which included a period for public comment on the recommendations provided in the ensuing report. The Government Gazette notice includes schedules prescribing the specific adjustments and the categories of employees to which they apply.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: No direct individual obligations; impact is channelled through firm-level compliance and payroll advisory roles.
  • For your business: Ensure that payroll systems and accounting software are updated to reflect the R30.23 hourly rate for all affected staff categories prior to the 1 March 2026 commencement date.
  • For your clients: Advise clients, particularly those in the agricultural and domestic service sectors, to review their employment contracts and budget for increased labor costs to ensure compliance with the National Minimum Wage Act.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/national-minimum-wage-latest-adjustments-gazetted-in-force-from-1-march-2026

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