Labour Minister, Mildred Oliphant has announced minimum wage increases for the farming and forestry sectors, following extensive consultations and consideration of submissions received from employers and employees in both sectors.
The Department of Labour says it has decided to increase the minimum wages to ensure that workers’ earnings keep pace with the rising cost of living, while boosting their purchasing power which benefits the economy.
As of 1 March, the minimum hourly rate increases to R14.25.
The weekly rate increases to R641.32 and the monthly rate to R2 778.83.
The daily wage for a farm worker, who works nine hours per day, will be R128.26.
The Department says it is aware of the challenges facing the agricultural sector with regard to certain areas affected by drought and how farmers are toiling with some tough decisions on whether or not to retain labour.