The Department of Employment and Labour is calling on South Africans to submit their views on the 2027 National Minimum Wage, with the public consultation process set to close on 4 September 2026.
The call comes amid renewed debate over whether the current minimum wage is sufficient to meet the basic needs of workers and their families.
The Living Wage South Africa Network says the national minimum wage may help workers survive, but remains far below what is needed for a decent standard of living.
The organisation estimates that a living wage should amount to a net salary of around R20,000 a month.
Its representative, Ines Meyer, says this is significantly higher than South Africa's current national minimum wage of R30.23 per ordinary hour worked.
Meyer says the minimum wage needs to take into account the financial realities faced by workers, while also considering what businesses can realistically afford.
“I don't think that the national minimum wage should be this amount because not every employer can afford it,” Meyer said.
She added that the current wage remains well below what is required to lift workers out of poverty, although the final figure is determined through negotiations involving different stakeholders.
Meyer says workers earning the minimum wage are particularly vulnerable when unexpected expenses arise, such as medical emergencies or other household costs.
She also argues that increasing wages does not necessarily result in job losses, suggesting that higher labour costs could ultimately contribute to improved productivity and profitability for businesses.
The challenge, she says, is finding a balance between protecting employment and ensuring workers earn enough to support themselves and their families.
The Department of Employment and Labour's consultation process provides members of the public and other stakeholders with an opportunity to make submissions on the proposed 2027 National Minimum Wage.
The deadline for public comments is 4 September 2026.