The minimum wage for 2027 has not been set. Until the Minister of Employment and Labour gazettes a new rate, the domestic worker minimum is R30.23 an hour, set from 1 March 2026. The National Minimum Wage Commission invited comment on the 2027 rate in Government Gazette 55135 on 5 August 2026, with comment closing on 4 September 2026. Figures in the news, such as R31.56 an hour (a 4.4% inflation projection by BusinessTech) or R33 an hour (Fedusa's ask), are projections and proposals. The new rate has usually taken effect on 1 March.
Where the process stands
- Call for comment (done): Government Gazette 55135, 5 August 2026, closed 4 September 2026.
- The Commission's report to the Minister, later in 2026.
- A second round of comment on the Commission's recommendation.
- The Minister gazettes the new rate. The 2026 rate took effect on 1 March 2026.
The numbers in the news
| Figure | Where it comes from | Status |
|---|---|---|
| R30.23 an hour | The current national minimum, from 1 March 2026 | In force |
| R31.56 an hour | BusinessTech's projection at 4.4% inflation | A projection, not official |
| R33 an hour | Fedusa's submission, 23 September 2026 | A union proposal, not decided |
Some reports also gave the weekly minimum for a 45-hour week as R1,264.85. The correct figure at R30.23 an hour is R1,360.35 for 45 hours, or R1,209.20 for 40 hours.
How to plan for March 2027
- Budget for an increase from 1 March 2027. At R33 an hour, 40 hours a week would be R5,720 a month, R480.13 more than today's R5,239.87.
- If you already pay above the minimum, check she stays above the new rate once it is announced.
- Remember UIF moves with her pay: 1% from you and 1% from her, on the new wage.
We will update this page when the 2027 rate is gazetted. In the meantime, our wage calculator shows the current legal minimum for any pattern of hours.
Questions people ask
When will the 2027 minimum wage be announced?
After the National Minimum Wage Commission reports and a second round of comment. The Minister then gazettes the rate. Recent increases have taken effect on 1 March.
What is the domestic worker minimum wage right now?
R30.23 an hour from 1 March 2026. For 40 hours a week that is at least R5,239.87 a month, and for 45 hours at least R5,894.85.
Sources
- National Minimum Wage Commission, call for representations on the 2027 adjustment, GN R.7772, Government Gazette 55135, 5 August 2026
- BusinessTech, "Pay hike for domestic workers in South Africa is coming", 5 August 2026
- Fedusa, statement on the 2027 national minimum wage, 23 September 2026