The government needs more time to get public feedback about minimum wage changes for 2026.
People can now submit their input until October 30, 2025 instead of October 18.
Every year the National Minimum Wage Commission asks the public what they think about wage adjustments. They use this information to suggest new rates for the next year.
They will give these suggestions to the Employment Minister in late 2025. The Commission wants people to fill out an online survey.
This will help them write a better report. After they publish the report there will be another chance for public comments before they make the final decision for 2026.
The minimum wage is the lowest amount employers can legally pay workers per hour. Right now it is R28.79 per hour.
This started in March 2025. For someone working 38 hours a week this means R4737 per month. For 45 hours per week it’s R5,610 per month.
The Commission must check and suggest new minimum wage rates each year. They look at how it affects the economy and workers. Public input is important because it helps decide the final rate.
The minimum wage will likely go up to about R30 per hour. The Commission always raises it above inflation rates.
They look at things like living costs GDP and job creation when making changes. With inflation at about 3.2% workers can expect at least that much of an increase. This means the hourly rate should go up to at least R29.71.
