Statutory and legislative payroll changes in South Africa, each linked to the page it was checked against. For information only, not legal or tax advice: confirm details with the source before acting. See the terms.
National Minimum Wage rises to R30.23 per hour
Effective 1 March 2026
Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth raised the National Minimum Wage from R28.79 to R30.23 for each ordinary hour worked, binding from 1 March 2026.
For the employer
- Pay at least R30.23 per ordinary hour from 1 March 2026.
- EPWP workers: minimum rises from R15.16 to R16.62 per hour.
For the employee
- Hourly minimum increases by R1.44.
In practice: 8 ordinary hours x R30.23 = R241.84 per day.
Source: SAnews (GCIS) - National Minimum Wage to rise to R30.23 per hour from March · Last verified 1 October 2026
PAYE brackets and rebates adjusted for 2027 tax year
Effective 1 March 2026
SARS rates for the 2027 tax year (1 March 2026 - 28 February 2027) start at 18% on taxable income up to R245 100 and reach 45% above R1 878 600.
For the employer
- Apply updated withholding tables from 1 March 2026.
For the employee
- Primary rebate R17 820; secondary (65+) R9 765; tertiary (75+) R3 249.
- Tax threshold under 65: R99 000.
Source: SARS - Rates of Tax for Individuals · Last verified 1 October 2026