The National Minimum Wage Commission has proposed a significant adjustment for South Africa’s domestic workers, recommending an increase of CPI (Consumer Price Index) plus 1.5% for 2026. This recommendation, now before the Department of Employment and Labour for final approval, highlights the ongoing effort to formalize and improve conditions in a historically vulnerable sector. 
### Understanding the Proposed 2026 Figures
If accepted, this formula is projected to raise the national minimum hourly rate by approximately 5%. Here’s a breakdown of what that means in practical terms:
* **Current (2025) Minimum:** R28.79 per hour.
* **Projected 2026 Minimum:** R30.23 per hour (based on a forecast 3.5% CPI plus the 1.5% uplift).
**It is crucial to note:** The final adjustment will be calculated using the actual CPI reading in the six weeks preceding the effective date of **1 March 2026**. While economic forecasts suggest the increase will be around 5%, this remains a projection until the official announcement.
### Translating Hourly Rates into Practical Budgets
For employers, planning requires translating that hourly figure into weekly and monthly budgets. The law mandates a minimum of four hours’ pay for any day worked, setting a **daily minimum of approximately R121 in 2026**, up from R115.
For standard work schedules:
* **38-hour week:** ~R1,149 per week.
* **45-hour week:** ~R1,360 per week.
* **160-hour month (typical):** ~R4,840 per month, an increase of R240 from the 2025 minimum of R4,600.
South African households must proactively adjust their budgets to ensure compliance with these legally mandated changes.
Domestic worker pay under pressure
### The Stark Reality: Minimum Wage vs. Actual Pay
While domestic workers have been formally covered under the National Minimum Wage Act since 2022, a troubling gap persists between the law and reality. Multiple data sources reveal widespread non-compliance and the precarious nature of this work.
* **Stats SA’s Median:** The government’s own data shows the mid-point of domestic worker salaries at just **R2,350 per month**—or R14.69 per hour for a 160-hour month. This is almost half the current legal minimum, indicating that a significant portion of the workforce is severely underpaid.
* **The Experience Spectrum:** Data from MyWage.co.za illustrates a wide range, from starters earning just under R2,600 monthly to experienced cleaners in high-paying households earning over R7,300. This variance underscores how informal agreements and a lack of standardization lead to vast pay disparities.
### The Platform Effect: Insights from SweepSouth
One of the most comprehensive annual surveys comes from SweepSouth, which provides a clearer picture of the formal-informal divide.
Their 2025 report revealed:
1. **National Median:** Domestic workers across South Africa earn a median of **R3,932 per month**, still below the 2025 legal minimum of R4,600.
2. **Platform Median:** Workers on the SweepSouth platform itself earn a median of **R5,545 per month**, exceeding the minimum. This suggests that formalized platforms can drive better compliance.
3. **The Hourly Paradox:** On an hourly basis, the average pay reported was **R33.71**, above the minimum wage. However, this rate was lower than in 2024, and the monthly totals fall short, highlighting the “gig” nature of the work—workers may earn a good hourly rate but not secure consistent, full-time hours.
### Beyond Compliance: The Case for Ethical Employment
Merely meeting the minimum wage is often not enough. Ethical employers should consider:
* **Consistent Hours:** Guaranteeing stable monthly income is more valuable than higher sporadic hourly rates.
* **UIF and Benefits:** Legally registering your employee for UIF is mandatory and provides critical social security.
* **Written Contracts:** A simple agreement outlining hours, duties, pay, and leave prevents misunderstandings and formalizes the relationship.
* **Paying Above Minimum:** Considering a living wage, which accounts for actual household costs, can significantly improve your employee’s quality of life and job stability.
| Data source | Rate (p/h) | vs NMW |
|---|---|---|
| National Minimum Wage 2025 | R28.79 | – |
| National Minimum Wage 2026 (est) | R30.23 | +5.0% |
| SweepSouth 2025 (national) | R33.71 | +17.1% |
| Stats SA (median) | R14.69 | -49% |
| MyWage (self-reported) | R16.03 to R45.85 | -44% to +59% |
The data is clear: the National Minimum Wage is not yet having its intended real-world impact for many domestic workers. The projected 2026 increase is a necessary step, but its success hinges on widespread employer compliance and a shift towards more formal, respectful, and secure employment practices. For the responsible employer, understanding this gap is the first step toward being part of the solution.
| Data source | Rate (160h month) | vs NMW |
|---|---|---|
| National Minimum Wage 2025 | R4,606 | – |
| National Minimum Wage 2026 (est) | R4,840 | +5.0 |
| Non-SweepSouth 2025 | R3,404 | -26.1% |
| SweepSouth 2025 | R5,545 | +20.4% |
| Stats SA (median) | R2,350 | -49.9% |
| MyWage (self-reported) | R2,565 to R7,336 | -44% to +59% |