What is the national minimum wage in South Africa in 2026? Hourly and monthly rates for all sectors.

Quick answer: The national minimum wage in South Africa for 2026 is approximately R28.79 per hour, which works out to about R4,986/month for a 40-hour week.

The National Minimum Wage

The national minimum wage is set per hour and reviewed annually. For 2026 it is approximately R28.79/hour, applying to most workers including farm and domestic workers.

Monthly Equivalent

At R28.79/hour, a 40-hour week equals about R4,986/month, and a 45-hour week about R5,610/month. Actual pay depends on hours worked.

Tax on Minimum Wage

Workers earning the minimum wage fall below the R99,000/year tax threshold, so they pay no income tax. However, UIF of 1% still applies.

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