South Africa has approved a 5% increase in its national minimum wage, slightly beating expectations as the government tries to shield workers from rising living costs. The adjustment, guided by inflation data and labor commission recommendations, lifts hourly pay by $0.09 while boosting public works wages by nearly 10%. Officials say the move aims to improve livelihoods, particularly for vulnerable workers in farming and domestic jobs. However, the relief comes against a tough economic backdrop marked by high unemployment, slow growth, persistent inflation, and soaring electricity costs. With more than a third of the workforce jobless and household expenses climbing, the wage hike offers modest breathing room but underscores the deeper structural pressures still gripping Africa’s largest economy.
Business Insider Africa
