The Department of Employment and Labour is currently inundated with requests for comment on the proposed higher minimum wage for South Africa 2022 and wishes to respond as follows.
The Department of Employment and Labour can confirm that the National Minimum Wage Commission issued a request for written representations on the new proposed minimum wage for South Africa for 2022. The closing date for submissions is 14 January 2022. This comes after new annual assessments and reviews of the minimum wage were done under the National Minimum Wage (NMW) Act.
During March 2021 Minister Nxesi introduced the current minimum wage adjustment for South Africa, taking the total to R21.69 for each ordinary hour worked.
It should be noted that the national minimum wage is deemed to be an instrument that can be used to lift more South Africans out of poverty. As in previous years, the 2021 adjustment provides exceptions for several worker groups, including domestic workers who are entitled to a minimum wage of R19.09 per hour; farmworkers who are entitled to a minimum wage of R21.69 per hour; and workers employed in an expanded public works programme are entitled to a minimum wage of R11.93 per hour.
The Department notes concerns about the impact of the annual national minimum wage adjustments on employment in the Country. The National Minimum Wage (NMW) Act stipulates that the National Minimum Wage Commission should annually assess and review the minimum wage. The Minister of Employment and Labour determines the adjustment based on these recommendations. As it stands currently, the proposed National Minimum Wage for 2022 has not been officially gazetted.
The Department will provide the outcome following the closing date for and consideration of comments and recommendations on a new minimum wage target for South Africa in 2022 once it has been gazetted.
For enquiries, kindly contact:
Ms Petunia Lessing: Director Communication (Media)
066 301 4645/ Petunia.Lessing@LABOUR.gov.za
Issued by the Department of Employment and Labour
© 2019 - The South African Department of Employment & Labour
