By Raine St.Claire
March is Human Rights Month in South Africa, underscoring the significance of the rights embedded in the nation’s Constitution. These rights, crucial in both public and the workplace, form the bedrock of a fair and thriving society. They ensure not only safe working conditions but also provide individuals with the opportunity to contribute to an economically resilient community. This acknowledgment of human rights is vital in fostering an environment where every person can play a part in the country’s progress and prosperity.
The South African government has set a national minimum wage (NMW), which sets a baseline for earnings across all sectors. An increase to the minimum wage is effective from 1 March 2024 by 8,5% from R25.42 to R27.58 for each ordinary hour worked and applicable to all farmworkers and domestic workers.
Employees working on an expanded public works programme or workers engaged through learnerships are also excluded from the general NMW increase. The minimum wage for workers employed on an expanded works programme will increase from an hourly rate of R13.97 to R15.16.
The increased minimum wage will not apply to members of the South African Defence Force, the National Intelligence Agency, the South African Secret Service, and volunteers; all of whom are excluded for the ambit of the wage of the National Minimum Wage Act, 2018.
Workers who have concluded learnership agreements in terms of section 17 of the Skills Development Act, 1998, will be entitled to the increased allowances announced by the Minister, which range from R415.07 to R2421.13 a week, depending on the learner’s NQF level and number of credits earned by the learner.