Have your say: Can you afford the new minimum wage for your domestic and farm workers?
The minimum wage of domestic workers and farm workers has been increased by approximately 9,6%.
Statistics show that South Africa has approximately one million domestic workers.
According to Business Insider, the number of domestic workers in the country increased in the second quarter of 2022.
Even though thousands of men and women support their families with salaries earned from doing domestic and farm work, sadly, many of them are underpaid.
Over the past years, government has been trying to rectify this by setting a yearly National Minimum Wage (NMW).
READ: Govt gazettes increase in minimum wage
In its latest attempt, the Department of Labour has announced a 9,6% increase in the minimum wage. This will see full time domestic and farm workers taking home at least R4,000 a month.
"The minimum wage of R23,19 per hour will increase to R25,42 per hour (an increase of approximately 9,6%). The new minimum sets a new baseline across all sectors, with a few exceptions," reads a statement on Labour Wise's website.
READ: New average domestic worker salary increases to R3,700 per month
Employers in SD9: Wholesale and Retail Sector will have to increase their minimum rates (which depends on the job category, the lowest of which is in line with the national NMW at R25,42 per hour). Employers in the SD1: Contract Cleaning Sector will also have to increase their minimum rates to a R27,97 minimum in metropolitan areas and R25,50 in certain rural areas).
The new NMW will come into effect at the beginning of next month.
"The national minimum wage (NMW), as well as minimum wages in some other sectors, will increase with effect from 1 March 2023."
The department has warned against deducting money from wages in order to cover benefits like providing food and accommodation.
"Employers are reminded that the way that they structure a remuneration package is restricted. The NMW excludes allowances that are paid to enable employees to work (such as transport and equipment), or payment in kind (such as board or accommodation)," reads the statement.
READ: This is how much you must pay your domestic worker
The government has also stated that employers cannot pay employees less than the minimum wage as a result of providing bonuses and tips.
"One cannot argue that you pay an employee less than the minimum wage because you contribute to their uniform or provide them with meals," states the website.