Pretoria: The National Minimum Wage (NMW) Commission is inviting all interested parties or stakeholders to submit written suggestions for possible adjustments to the NMW for 2026. This process is part of the annual review mandated by the NMW Act, No. 9 of 2018. The Commission aims to publish its annual report and recommendations on any potential adjustments to the National Minimum Wage for the Minister of Employment and Labour later in 2025.

According to South African Government News Agency, NMW Chairperson Imraan Valodia has encouraged stakeholders to participate actively in the discussion on potential wage adjustments. The National Minimum Wage represents the lowest legal remuneration rate employers are required to pay their employees for each ordinary hour worked. Introduced in 2019, the NMW ensures that employers cannot pay below this threshold.

The current minimum wage is set at R28.79 per hour, a rate announced in February 2025 by the Minister of the Department of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth. The Commission is tasked with reviewing and recommending annual adjustments to the wage, as well as reporting on the NMW’s economic impact, collective bargaining, and income differentials. This information is made available to the public.

Submissions should be sent to the directorate: Employment Standards, Department of Employment and Labour, Private Bag X117, Pretoria, 0001, or emailed to [email protected] by 18 September 2025. Additionally, the Commission encourages stakeholders to complete a survey available via a link on the Department’s website and social media platforms: https://forms.office.com/r/jXFtcZag90?origin=1prLink.