The National Minimum Wage Act came into effect in South Africa on 1 January 2019 and has been adjusted annually since. Understanding it protects you as a worker from being underpaid, helps you evaluate whether a job offer is legal, and explains what you can do if an employer is not paying you correctly. Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 minimum wage in South Africa.
The 2026 National Minimum Wage Rate
From 1 March 2026, the national minimum wage is R28.79 per hour. This applies to ordinary time worked — overtime must be compensated at a rate of at least 1.5 times the normal rate, and public holiday and Sunday work at double time in most cases. The hourly rate translates to approximately R5,600 per month for a standard 45-hour working week.
The rate is adjusted annually, typically announced in February and taking effect in March. The adjustment is linked to inflation and labour market conditions. Historically, adjustments have ranged between 3% and 9% per year since the act was introduced.
Who the National Minimum Wage Applies To
The national minimum wage applies to all employees in South Africa regardless of whether they are permanent, part-time, fixed-term, or informal workers. It applies in every sector and every province. There is no geographic variation — an employer in Mokopane, Limpopo must pay the same minimum wage as one in Sandton, Johannesburg.
Domestic workers — people employed in private households — were previously on a lower minimum wage. As of recent amendments, domestic workers are covered by the national minimum wage at the same rate as all other workers.
Who Is Exempt?
Workers on expanded public works programme (EPWP) projects and learners in formal learnerships registered with a SETA operate under different remuneration frameworks set by the relevant legislation. Members of the South African National Defence Force, the National Intelligence Agency, and the South African Secret Service are also excluded from the NMW Act. For most workers in private sector and government service employment, the national minimum wage applies fully.
Sectoral Determinations — Some Sectors Have Higher Minimums
In addition to the national minimum wage, certain sectors have sectoral determinations that set higher minimum wages than the national floor. The security sector, the retail sector, the hospitality sector, and domestic workers all have sectoral determinations that may exceed the national minimum. If a sectoral determination in your industry sets a higher minimum than R28.79 per hour, your employer must pay the higher amount.
| Hours per Week | Estimated Monthly Minimum (R28.79/hr) |
|---|---|
| 40 hours | ~R5,009 |
| 45 hours | ~R5,635 |
| 50 hours (incl. overtime) | ~R6,682 (with OT premium) |
What to Do If You Are Being Paid Below Minimum Wage
Paying below the national minimum wage is illegal. If your employer is paying you less than R28.79 per hour, you have the right to report them. First, try to resolve it internally — raise it with your employer or HR department in writing. If that fails, report the violation to the Department of Employment and Labour by calling their national helpline on 0800 601 011 (toll-free) or visiting your nearest labour centre. You can also complete an online complaint at labour.gov.za. The department will investigate and can order back pay of the underpaid amount plus penalties against the employer.
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