The National Youth Unemployment Movement (NYUM) has called on policymakers to balance wage increases with strategies that promote job creation and economic growth. This comes after Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth, announced an increase to the national minimum wage, raising it from R28.79 to R30.23 per hour, effective from 1 March 2026.
While welcoming the increase, NYUM leader Lindokuhle Yende stressed that youth unemployment remains a critical challenge. “We need initiatives addressing the skills mismatch and fostering employment opportunities for young people. We will reiterate our call for a national youth unemployment dialogue to tackle this crisis collectively,” Yende said.
In contrast, the General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (GIWUSA) has rejected the increase, describing it as inadequate and insulting. GIWUSA president Mametlwe Sebei noted that the minimum wage still leaves workers with a monthly shortfall of around R2,000 against basic living expenses, calling it a betrayal of the working class.
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