The National Minimum Wage (NMW) has increased by R1.44, raising the minimum pay per ordinary hour from R28.79 to R30.23, after Minister of Employment and Labour Nomakhosazana Meth gazetted the increase earlier this week.
Effective from 1 March, the R1.44 adjustment amounts to a 5% overall increase, in line with the recommendations of the National Minimum Wage Commission outlined in its report toward the end of last year.
Speaking to VOC News, COSATU National Spokesperson Zanele Sabela welcomed the increase, arguing that it aligns with the National Minimum Wage Act by ensuring that wages rise above inflation.
“COSATU welcomes the increase. It is inflation plus a 1.5% increase. We had proposed an increase of inflation plus 3%. Nonetheless, we are happy that it is above inflation, because that is what the minimum wage is supposed to do. The National Minimum Wage Act says that it must not be eroded by inflation, so we are happy that the Minister of Employment and Labour, together with the Commission, has ensured this,” said Sabela.
Listen to the full interview here:
Photo: Pixabay
