National Minimum Wage Increase: Formal Update for Employers

National Minimum Wage Increase: Formal Update for Employers

On 4 February 2026, the Minister of Employment and Labour, Hon. Nomakhosazana Meth, announced an upward adjustment of South Africa’s National Minimum Wage (NMW). Effective from 1 March 2026, the statutory minimum hourly rate will increase from R28.79 to R30.23 per hour. This adjustment represents a measured response to economic and social considerations, as mandated…

Work Visa Extensions in South Africa (2025): Key Information for Employers

Work Visa Extensions in South Africa (2025): Key Information for Employers

If your organisation employs foreign nationals, you are likely familiar with the pressures created by visa expiry dates, renewal processes, and the ongoing administrative delays at the Department of Home Affairs. Fortunately, several important visa concessions have now been extended, providing employers and employees with additional certainty. However, these extensions do not remove your compliance…

New Parental Leave Rules: What Employers Need to Know

New Parental Leave Rules: What Employers Need to Know

South Africa’s Constitutional Court has rewritten the rules on parental leave — and employers must take note. In its landmark judgment in Van Wyk and Others v Minister of Employment and Labour, the Court confirmed that the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) and Unemployment Insurance Act (UIA) unfairly discriminated between mothers, fathers, adoptive and…

COSATU protest

COSATU protest

COSATU has formally notified NEDLAC of its intention to embark on nationwide protest action on Tuesday, 7 October 2025. This is in line with Section 77 of the Labour Relations Act (LRA), which governs socio-economic protest action. So, what does this mean for employers — and how should you prepare? Background The reasons behind this…

After the Fight: Understanding Your Role in South Africa’s New EE Targets

After the Fight: Understanding Your Role in South Africa’s New EE Targets

Late in August 2025, a Pretoria High Court ruling affirmed the implementation of sectoral numerical targets under South Africa’s revised Employment Equity Act (EEA). Business groups like Sakeliga had sought an urgent interdict to pause the regulation effective from 1 September, but their legal bid was dismissed.  Despite this, the legal battle isn’t over. The matter…

The Fair Pay Bill: What Employers and Employees Can Expect

The Fair Pay Bill: What Employers and Employees Can Expect

Imagine applying for your dream job, only to be judged by your past payslip. For many South Africans, that’s been a reality — one that often keeps people stuck in the same pay brackets, no matter how much they’ve grown in skills or experience. The Fair Pay Bill, introduced in June 2025 by Build One…

How to Develop & Submit an Employment Equity Plan in South Africa

How to Develop & Submit an Employment Equity Plan in South Africa

If you’re an employer in South Africa with more than 50 employees, the Employment Equity Act 2025 makes it clear—you are a designated employer and must prepare and submit an Employment Equity (EE) Plan. Beyond being a legal requirement, an EE Plan is vital for your B-BBEE scorecard and your ability to do business with…

Overtime Pay in South Africa: What Employees Can Expect & What Employers Must Do

Overtime Pay in South Africa: What Employees Can Expect & What Employers Must Do

In South Africa, overtime isn’t just extra hours—it’s a balance between fair employee compensation and responsible employer practice. With the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) setting clear boundaries, both sides need to understand their rights and obligations when work goes beyond the ordinary. Understanding When Overtime Applies Legally, standard working hours in South Africa…

What to Do When an Employee Takes You to the CCMA

What to Do When an Employee Takes You to the CCMA

Navigating a CCMA referral is rarely fun, but with the right mindset and preparation, you can handle it professionally and confidently. Here’s a warm, human guide to walk you through each step and what’s most important for you as an employer.  1. The Referral Arrives Your CCMA journey begins when the employee (or ex-employee) refers…

Labour Law Amendments: What These Changes Really Mean for Employers (Part III)

Labour Law Amendments: What These Changes Really Mean for Employers (Part III)

Over the past two articles, we’ve unpacked the 47 proposed amendments to South Africa’s Labour Relations Act, 13 changes to the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, updates to the National Minimum Wage Act, and refinements to the Employment Equity Act. But what does it all really mean for you as an employer? In Part III,…