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Worker Rights

Minimum Wage South Africa — What Your Employer Must Pay You

South Africa has a National Minimum Wage. This means no employer can legally pay you less than a set amount per hour. If you are being paid less, your employer is breaking the law and you can do something about it — for free.

Per hour (2025)
R28.79
Farm workers
R28.79/hr
Domestic workers
R28.79/hr
Expanded works
R15.16/hr
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Note: Minimum wage rates change every year, usually in March. These are the 2025/2026 rates. Always check the latest rates at labour.gov.za.

Who does the minimum wage apply to?

check_circleAll employees in South Africa — permanent, part-time, casual, temporary
check_circleDomestic workers (same rate as everyone else since 2023)
check_circleFarm workers (same rate as everyone else since 2023)
check_circleWorkers employed through labour brokers or staffing agencies

The minimum wage does NOT apply to:

check_circleWorkers on an Expanded Public Works Programme (they have a lower rate of R15.16/hr)
check_circleLearners in registered learnerships (they may receive a learner allowance instead)

How to calculate your minimum wage

If you work different hours each week, here is how to check if you are being paid correctly:

calculate
Hourly worker

Multiply your hours worked by R28.79. For example: 8 hours × R28.79 = R230.32 per day. If you received less than this, you are owed the difference.

calculate
Monthly salary worker

Divide your salary by the number of hours you worked in the month. If the answer is below R28.79, your employer owes you more.

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Overtime (hours above 45 per week) must be paid at 1.5 times your normal rate. Sunday work must be paid at twice your normal rate, or you get a paid day off instead.

What to do if you are underpaid

1
Keep your payslips and work records

Write down your hours every day. Keep all payslips or payment receipts. This is your evidence.

2
Talk to your employer first

Show them the current minimum wage and ask them to correct your pay. Sometimes it is a mistake.

3
Report to the Department of Labour

Call 0800 030 007 (free) or visit your nearest Labour Centre. Inspectors can visit your employer, investigate, and force them to pay you the correct amount — including backpay.

4
Go to the CCMA if you are dismissed for complaining

If your employer fires you for asking about your rights, that is automatically an unfair dismissal. Go to the CCMA within 30 days (0861 16 2616 — free).

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You are protected by law. Your employer cannot fire you, reduce your hours, or treat you badly for asking about your wages or reporting them to the Department of Labour.

No. The minimum wage applies from your very first day of work, even during probation. There is no lower rate for new employees.

Yes, but only up to a limited amount. The value of accommodation can only reduce your cash wage by a maximum of 10% of your total wage. Food deductions require your written consent. Even with these deductions, your total package must still meet the minimum wage.

Yes. There is no exception for small businesses. The minimum wage applies to all employers regardless of the size of the business.

Key contacts

Department of Labour (free): 0800 030 007
CCMA (unfair dismissal): 0861 16 2616
Website: www.labour.gov.za
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This guide provides general information only. Always verify at official government websites. Mzansi Money Guide is independent.