Farm workers and labourers in other sectors are set to get more sweet for their sweat
following the announcement of an increase in the national minimum wage (NMW).
The Department of Employment and Labour this week announced an upward adjustment of the NMW rates for 2025 from R27,58 to R28,79 for each ordinary hour worked.
Minister of Employment and Labour Nomakhosazana Meth said the introduction and implementation of the NMW ensured that workers received their dues and were not exploited for the services they rendered.
Employers may not pay wages that are below the minimum wage.
Trade union federation Cosatu welcomed the increase, saying it was progressive.
The federation’s spokesperson, Matthew Parks, said while Cosatu had tabled a slightly higher proposal to the NMW Commission, they were pleased that their demand for a positive above-inflation increase secured the unanimous support of the commission and Meth.
“This positive increase will help protect the value of the NMW and workers’ ability to take care of their families. It will inject badly needed stimulus into the economy, spurring growth and sustaining and creating badly needed jobs.
“It will provide relief to 6-million workers earning within the NMW range, in particular farm, domestic, construction, retail, transport, hospitality, security, and cleaning workers,” Parks said.
AgriSA chief executive officer Johann Kotzé said the increase aimed to safeguard the livelihoods of farm workers, while also considering the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of our agricultural sector, “which plays a crucial role in the South African economy”.
“With approximately 935 000 people employed in agriculture, it is imperative that we support both fair wages and the viability of our industry, particularly in rural areas, where job creation is vital,” he said.
Parliament enacted the implementation of the National Minimum Wage Act in 2019, which obligates employers to pay workers a minimum amount per hour. The NMW is subject to annual review and increases annually from March 1.
The NMW amendment is enforced by law and binding from March 1, 2025, and failure to
Adhering to the law is punishable by heavy fines.
The NMW determination includes vulnerable sectors such as farm workers and domestic workers, who since 2022 have been aligned with the NMW rates.
