South Africa’s National Minimum Wage Has Changed

— Here’s What Employers Need to Know

Effective 1 March 2026

If you employ staff in South Africa, here’s a heads-up you don’t want to miss. The National Minimum Wage (NMW) was officially updated in the Government Gazette on 3 February 2026, and the new rates came into effect on 1 March 2026. Let’s break down exactly what changed and what it means for your business.

What Is the National Minimum Wage?

The National Minimum Wage Act (No. 9 of 2018) sets the floor for what workers in South Africa must legally be paid. It’s reviewed annually, and employers who pay below these rates can face significant legal consequences — so staying up to date is non-negotiable.

The New Rates at a Glance

Here’s what the updated Schedule 1 of the Act now says:

Note: Workers on learnership agreements are entitled to separate weekly allowances based on their NQF level and credits earned — these are set out in Schedule 2 of the Act.

What About the Cleaning and Retail Sectors?

The amended gazette also updates minimum wages for two important sectoral determinations:

• Contract Cleaning Sector (Sectoral Determination 1): Area A metros (Cape Town, Joburg, Tshwane, etc.) — R33,27/hour. KwaZulu-Natal falls under BCCCI bargaining council rates. Rest of South Africa — R30,33/hour.
• Wholesale and Retail Sector (Sectoral Determination 9): Rates vary by area (A or B) and job category — from General Assistants at R30,23/hour up to Managers at R64,66/hour (Area A). Make sure you’re paying the correct rate for each role.

What Do You Need to Do?

As an employer, here’s your quick compliance checklist:

• Review your current payroll and confirm all employees are paid at or above the applicable NMW rate.
• Check which sector your business falls under — general, cleaning, or wholesale/retail — as different rates may apply.
• Update employment contracts or pay schedules if needed.
• If you genuinely cannot afford to meet the NMW, you can apply for an exemption via the Department of Employment and Labour’s online portal at nmw.labour.gov.za.
• Keep records — in the event of a dispute or Department of Labour inspection, you’ll need to show compliance.

Download the full Government notice here NMW Act Feb 2026.

The information on this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is not a substitute for professional legal counsel, and you should consult with a qualified legal professional for advice tailored to your specific situation.