Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant has upwardly adjusted domestic workers’ annual wages in line with the new minimum wage.

The new sectoral determination of domestic workers starting from 1 December 2014 to 30 November 2015 prescribes the minimum wages for domestic workers who work more than 27 ordinary hours per week.

• In major metropolitan areas, domestic workers have an hourly rate of R10.95, the weekly rate is R476.68 and the monthly rate is R2 065.47.
• Domestic workers who do not work in major metros have an hourly rate of R9.30, weekly R418.32, and monthly R1 812.57.

Minimum wages for domestic workers from December 1, 2014 to November 30, 2015, working 27 ordinary hours per week or less were also adjusted.

• For those in major metropolitan areas the hourly rate is R12.40, weekly R334.74 and monthly R1 450.33.
• Those not working in major metros would receive an hourly rate of R10.98, weekly R296.35, and monthly R1 284.09.

A new debate has emerged on the possibility of introducing a national minimum wage in South Africa, especially for the vulnerable. However, some are arguing that the introduction of a national minimum wage could lead to job losses.