In the wake of South Africa’s recent minimum wage increase, the conversation around the country’s economic future is gaining momentum. With the national minimum wage rising by 8.5% in 2024—marking the biggest increase since its introduction in 2019—the country stands at a critical crossroads in addressing both poverty wages and a high unemployment rate. In this context, a 24-hour economy has emerged as a potentially transformative strategy for reducing joblessness and stimulating economic growth. Lerato Mbele spoke to Prof. Patrick Bond, political economist and Zwelinzima Vavi, General Secretary of the SA Federation of Trade Unions.