For the first time in South Africa’s history, the national minimum wage has breached the R30 mark. From March 1, 2026, the floor will be set at R30.23 per hour, a R1.44 increase from the current R28.79. While celebrated by unions as a milestone for worker dignity, employers are sounding the alarm, warning that this well-intentioned hike could deepen the country’s profound unemployment crisis.

<p>For the first time in South Africa&rsquo;s history, the national minimum wage has breached the R30 mark. From March 1, 2026, the floor will be set at R30.23 per hour, a R1.44 increase from the current R28.79. While celebrated by unions as a milestone for worker dignity, employers are sounding the alarm, warning that this well-intentioned hike could deepen the country&rsquo;s profound unemployment crisis.</p>

POWER Perspective is a talkback show hosted by Tessa Dooms. It typically features no-holds-barred discussions ranging from politics and socioeconomic matters to religion and lifestyle topics. POWER Perspective brings you hard-hitting interviews and debates featuring all the big names in politics. This show has a dedicated fanbase of “Perspectivians” and is a must-listen to, to understand what is happening politically in today's South Africa.

<p>POWER Perspective is a talkback show hosted by Tessa Dooms. It typically features no-holds-barred discussions ranging from politics and socioeconomic matters to religion and lifestyle topics. POWER Perspective brings you hard-hitting interviews and debates featuring all the big names in politics. This show has a dedicated fanbase of &ldquo;Perspectivians&rdquo; and is a must-listen to, to understand what is happening politically in today's South Africa.</p>