Rates & rules, with sources
Every figure we use - and where it comes from
The tools on this site use exactly these figures. Checked 19 October 2026.
| What | Figure | Effective | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| National minimum wage (domestic workers) | R30.23 per ordinary hour | 1 March 2026 | National Minimum Wage Act 9 of 2018; annual review published in Government Gazette No. 54075, GN R.7083 (3 February 2026) |
| Full-time monthly equivalent (45 h/week) | R5,894.85 per month | 1 March 2026 | Our calculation: R30.23 x 45 h x 52 / 12 |
| Previous minimum wage | R28.79 per hour | 1 March 2025 - 28 February 2026 | National Minimum Wage Act 9 of 2018 (2025 review) |
| UIF contribution | 1% from the worker + 1% from the employer | In force since 1 April 2003 for domestic workers | Unemployment Insurance Contributions Act 4 of 2002, s6 (1% + 1%); earnings ceiling set by the Minister of Finance with effect from 1 June 2021 |
| UIF earnings ceiling | R17,712.00 per month (max R177.12 each side) | 1 June 2021 | Unemployment Insurance Contributions Act 4 of 2002, s6 (1% + 1%); earnings ceiling set by the Minister of Finance with effect from 1 June 2021 |
| UIF applies when | the worker works more than 24 hours a month for you | In force since 1 April 2003 for domestic workers | Unemployment Insurance Act 63 of 2001, s3 |
| Maximum ordinary hours | 45 hours a week; 9 h/day (5-day week) or 8 h/day (6-day week) | 1 November 2002 | Sectoral Determination 7: Domestic Worker Sector (GN R1068, 15 August 2002, as amended); BCEA s9 |
| Overtime | 1.5 x the hourly wage; max 15 h/week | 1 November 2002 | Sectoral Determination 7: Domestic Worker Sector (GN R1068, 15 August 2002, as amended); BCEA s10 |
| Sunday and public holiday work | Double pay (Sunday 1.5x if the worker ordinarily works Sundays) | 1 November 2002 | Sectoral Determination 7: Domestic Worker Sector (GN R1068, 15 August 2002, as amended); BCEA s16, s18 |
| Annual leave | 21 consecutive days per 12 months (3 working weeks), or by agreement 1 day per 17 days worked / 1 hour per 17 hours worked | 1 November 2002 | Sectoral Determination 7: Domestic Worker Sector (GN R1068, 15 August 2002, as amended); BCEA s20 |
| Sick leave | Days normally worked in 6 weeks per 36-month cycle; 1 day per 26 days worked in the first 6 months | 1 November 2002 | Sectoral Determination 7: Domestic Worker Sector (GN R1068, 15 August 2002, as amended); BCEA s22 |
| Family responsibility leave | 3 days per year, once employed > 4 months and working at least 4 days a week | 1 November 2002 | Sectoral Determination 7: Domestic Worker Sector (GN R1068, 15 August 2002, as amended); BCEA s27 |
| Notice period | 1 week in the first 6 months of employment; 4 weeks after that | 1 November 2002 | Sectoral Determination 7: Domestic Worker Sector (GN R1068, 15 August 2002, as amended); BCEA s37 |
| Accommodation deduction | Max 10% of the wage, and only for a room of the standard SD7 describes | 1 November 2002 | Sectoral Determination 7: Domestic Worker Sector (GN R1068, 15 August 2002, as amended) |
Figures are taken from the Acts and the Government Gazette as summarised by the Department of Employment and Labour. The 2026 minimum wage was confirmed against secondary sources quoting the gazette; check the gazette itself before a dispute.
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