SA minimum wage far from a decent life, says NPO
Updated Aug. 12, 2026, 12:25 p.m. | By Lauren Hendricks The Department of Employment and Labour is calling for public input on the 2027 National Minimum…
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Updated Aug. 12, 2026, 12:25 p.m. | By Lauren Hendricks
The Department of Employment and Labour is calling for public input on the 2027 National Minimum Wage, with the consultation process closing on 4 September 2026.
South Africa’s minimum wage is enough to survive on, but nowhere near enough to live a decent life.
That is according to non-profit organisation, the Living Wage South Africa Network.
Deadline looming for public submissions
The Department of Employment and Labour has called for public input on the 2027 National Minimum Wage.
The public consultation process will close on 4 September 2026.
The Living Wage South Africa Network's benchmark of a living wage is a net salary of around R20 000.
The organisation's Ines Meyer says this is far above the current national minimum wage, which is currently R30.23 per ordinary hour worked.
"I don't think that the national minimum wage should be this amount because not every employer can afford it.
"So, what it shows is that the national minimum wage is way lower than what is needed to bring people out of poverty. But of course, it is a negotiated amount that considers various perspectives, and that is also that of businesses and it needs to be affordable."
Minimum wage leaves workers vulnerable to emergencies
Meyer says the current minimum wage leaves workers vulnerable when unexpected costs arise, such as dealing with emergencies.
She argues that higher labour costs do not necessarily destroy jobs and can, in the long term, improve profitability for businesses.
She says the challenge is finding a balance that protects jobs while ensuring workers earn enough to support themselves and their families.
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