Domestic workers and other low-income employees across Gauteng will receive a higher hourly wage from March 2026 following an increase to South Africa’s national minimum wage. The adjustment raises the hourly rate by R1.44, directly affecting households that employ domestic workers and workers who rely on the minimum wage as their primary income. The change matters now because it sets the legal pay floor for the new financial year and determines what employers must lawfully pay from 1 March.
The increase was announced by the Minister of Employment and Labour as part of the annual minimum wage review.
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What Was Announced and Who It Affects
The Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth, confirmed that the national minimum wage will increase with effect from 1 March 2026.
According to the department, the adjustment applies to all workers covered by the National Minimum Wage Act, including domestic workers and farm workers. Employees under the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) are treated separately under a different wage framework.
The announcement follows the statutory annual review required by labour legislation.
New Minimum Wage for Domestic Workers in 2026
With the R1.44 increase, the national minimum wage will rise from R28.79 per hour to R30.23 per hour.
For domestic workers, this means:
- R30.23 per hour from 1 March 2026
- An increase of nearly R2 per hour compared to the 2025 rate
- A higher monthly wage for full-time workers based on hours worked
The department said the increase establishes the legal minimum that employers must comply with, regardless of contractual arrangements.
How the National Minimum Wage Works
South Africa’s national minimum wage came into effect in 2019 under the National Minimum Wage Act. It sets a legally binding minimum hourly rate that employers must pay workers.
According to the department, the minimum wage:
- Applies nationally across sectors
- Is reviewed annually
- Cannot be reduced by agreement or contract
- Serves as the baseline for all employment relationships
The Act is enforced by labour inspectors and dispute resolution bodies.
What the Law Says About Compliance
The minister emphasised that paying below the national minimum wage is unlawful.
According to the Department of Employment and Labour, the minimum wage:
- May not be waived by contract or agreement
- May not be replaced by benefits in kind
- Must be paid in money, not allowances
Failure to comply can result in fines and enforcement action.
The department confirmed that enforcement is carried out through labour inspectors and the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
Workers Who Are Excluded or Treated Differently
Not all workers fall under the standard national minimum wage framework.
According to the department:
- EPWP workers are covered under a separate dispensation
- EPWP hourly wages will rise from R15.16 to R16.62 per hour
- Learnership participants are paid according to regulated allowances
The department said updated learnership rates will be published separately.
What Is Not Included in the Minimum Wage
The department clarified that the national minimum wage refers only to the hourly cash wage.
It does not include:
- Transport allowances
- Food or accommodation
- Tools of trade
- Tips or bonuses
- Gifts or payments in kind
Employers may not use these benefits to offset the minimum hourly rate.
Consequences for Employers Who Do Not Comply
According to the minister, employers who fail to pay the minimum wage may face enforcement action.
Possible consequences include:
- Labour inspections
- Compliance orders
- Fines imposed under the labour law
- Referral of disputes to the CCMA
The department said unilateral changes to working hours or conditions to avoid paying the minimum wage may also constitute unfair labour practices.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
For Gauteng residents, the wage increase affects both sides of the employment relationship. Domestic workers employed in private households will see higher legal earnings, while employers must adjust budgets to meet the new minimum.
In a province with a high number of domestic workers and informal employment arrangements, the change reinforces the importance of written agreements and lawful pay structures. It also places renewed responsibility on employers to understand their obligations under labour law.
Broader Context Around the Wage Increase
The minimum wage adjustment comes amid ongoing debates between business groups, labour unions, and policymakers about affordability, job creation, and household income pressures.
While some employers have raised concerns about rising costs, the department has maintained that the minimum wage is a statutory requirement designed to protect vulnerable workers.
The minister said the minimum wage represents the legal floor below which no worker may be paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the new minimum wage take effect?
From 1 March 2026.
What is the new hourly wage for domestic workers?
R30.23 per hour.
Can an employer pay less if benefits are provided?
No. Benefits cannot replace the minimum wage.
Are EPWP workers included?
No. They are covered under a separate wage framework.
What happens if an employer does not comply?
They may face enforcement action and fines.
What Happens Next
The Department of Employment and Labour said it will publish additional information on learnership allowances and continue monitoring compliance through inspections. The next review of the national minimum wage will take place as part of the annual process ahead of 2027.
