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South Africa
The minimum wage in South Africa in 2024 is ZAR 25.42 per hour
No. South Africa’s National Minimum Wage Act, which came into effect in January 2019, sets a single minimum wage rate for all employees across the country regardless of industry or sector. The national minimum wage rate is reviewed annually by the National Minimum Wage Commission.
The national minimum wage in South Africa was set at ZAR 20 per hour in 2017. Each year since then, there has been increases as outlined in the table below.
Note, prior to 2019, the minimum wage in South Africa varied depending on the sector and industry. For example, the minimum wage for domestic workers was set at R12.42 per hour in urban areas and R11.31 per hour in rural areas.
| Date | Min. wage, hourly rate (ÅR) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 23.67 |
| 2022 | 23.19 |
| 2021 | 21.69 |
| 2020 | 20.76 |
| 2019 | 20.00 |
| 2018 | Differed by industry and location |
| 2017 | Differed by industry and location |
| 2016 | Differed by industry and location |
South Africa is surrounded by countries like Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. For reference, South African minimum wage is roughly USD 1.31 per hour.
Namibia: No minimum wage, estimated that low wage is roughly USD 0.62 per hour.
Botswana: Roughly USD 0.47 per hour.
Zimbabwe: Roughly USD 0.53 per hour.
No. Minimum wage for foreigners in South Africa is the same as the national minimum wage.
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Median salary employees in South Africa typically earn ZAR 162.70 per hour. Considering national minimum wage is ZAR 23.67 per hour, this makes for a difference of ZAR 139.03 per hour.
No. In South Africa it can be difficult to hire skilled employees close to the minimum wage. Most skilled employees will come to expect wages close to the median wage.
South Africa – Minimum Wage Over the Years
