Picture: NMW Chairperson Imraan Valodia
By AGISANANG SCUFF
15 September 2025- The Department of Employment and Labour said the deadline for written submissions to possible adjustments to the NMW for 2026 is fast approaching – this follows the National Minimum Wage (NMW) Commission’s invitation to all interested parties or stakeholders to make written submissions.
The department said NMW Commission had invited written inputs on 19 August 2025 and said it will publish its annual report and recommendations concerning possible adjustments to the National Minimum Wage to the Minister of Employment and Labour later in 2025, in accordance with Section 6(2) of the NMW Act, No. 9 of 2018.
NMW Chairperson Imraan Valodia encourages interested parties to have their say in the possible adjustment. Valodia said the National Minimum Wage is the lowest remuneration rate that employers are obligated and legally permitted to pay their employees for each ordinary hour worked.
“It is illegal for employers to pay their employees less than the minimum threshold. The NMW was first introduced for implementation in South Africa in 2019. The minimum wage is currently fixed at R28,79 for each ordinary hour worked.
“The current rate was announced in February 2025 by the Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth. The Commission is responsible for annually reviewing and recommending adjustments to the national minimum wage,” he said.
Valodia further said it also investigates and reports annually to the Minister on the impact of the national minimum wage on the economy, collective bargaining and income differentials, making this information available to the public. He added that 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 18 September 2025.
“In addition to making representations on NMW, the Commission is appealing to interested parties to complete a survey questionnaire on the link: https://forms.office.com/r/jXFtcZag90?origin=1prLink, and the link can also be accessed on the Department of Employment and Labour’s website and social media pages,” said Valodia.
The Guardian 