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The chairperson of the National Minimum Wage Commission, Prof Imraan Valodia, sent an invitation to interested parties to submit written representations concerning possible adjustments to the national minimum wage. This was published in the Government Gazette of 20 August.
The National Minimum Wage Commission will publish its annual report and recommendations concerning possible adjustments to the National Minimum Wage to the minister of Employment and Labour later in 2024, in accordance with Section 6(2) of the National Minimum Wage Act, 2018 (Act 9 of 2018).
Complete the form and forward it along with your written input. Any other attachments are welcome. These recommendations will be considered by the Commission before it publishes its annual report and recommendations on the annual review of the National Minimum Wage later in the year.
Learn how to ensure your seasonal farm workers are compliant here.
Such representations should reach the directorate: Employment Standards, Department of Employment and Labour, Private Bag X117, Pretoria, 0001 or be sent to nmwreview@labour.gov.za by 30 September 2024.
Please note that after the publication of the annual report, a further opportunity will be given to interested parties to submit written representations regarding recommendations included in the report. These written representations will be forwarded to the minister of Employment and Labour together with the Commission’s report. – Government Gazette
New minimum wage announced
Minister of employment and labour, Thulas Nxesi, recently announced the new minimum wage in the Government Gazette. Starting from 1 March 2024, farmworkers will also benefit from the increase of the national minimum wage to R27,58 per hour. That is an increase of 8,5% compared to the minimum wage of R25,42 per hour which is applicable until the end of February. The increase is 2,5 percentage points higher than the average inflation rate for 2023, which was 6%.
“Although AgriSA has always supported decent wages, this wage increase cuts both ways,” says AgriSA’s chief executive officer, Johann Kotzé. On the one hand, it has the potential to improve the spending power of households, but on the other hand, it could mean job losses, especially in smaller farming businesses.
Foreign workers: What does the law state?
Employers generally take business decisions that can boost the profitability of their businesses. Hiring employees with the necessary skills, can make a major contribution to the profitability and sustainability of the business.
The South African labour environment is a highly regulated one. Except for legislation such as the Employment Equity Act, 1998 (Act 55 of 1998) and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 1997 (Act 75 of 1997) which regulate the terms, conditions and benefits of employment, employers often forget that the appointment of foreign workers are also strictly regulated.
