As South Africans continue to grapple with a high cost of living, the Department of Employment and Labour recently announced a 5% increase to the National Minimum Wage, raising it to R30.23 per hour effective 1 March 2026. While the government frames this as a necessary shield for vulnerable workers, critics argue that these figures still fall dangerously short of what is actually required to lead a dignified life in today's economy. Is this an effective step toward social justice, or are we simply formalising a 'poverty wage' that fails to cover basic essentials like food, transport, and electricity? To unpack the numbers and look at the human reality behind them, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Dr Dick Forslund, Senior Economist at the Alternative Information and Development Centre (AIDC) 

 

 

As South Africans continue to grapple with a high cost of living, the Department of Employment and Labour recently announced a 5% increase to the National Minimum Wage, raising it to R30.23 per hour effective 1 March 2026. While the government frames this as a necessary shield for vulnerable workers, critics argue that these figures still fall dangerously short of what is actually required to lead a dignified life in today's economy. Is this an effective step toward social justice, or are we simply formalising a 'poverty wage' that fails to cover basic essentials like food, transport, and electricity? To unpack the numbers and look at the human reality behind them, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Dr Dick Forslund, Senior Economist at the Alternative Information and Development Centre (AIDC)&nbsp;
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Current Affairs programme which provides listeners with the latest local and International news hosted by Elvis Preslin. Tune in 104-107 every Saturday and Sunday morning from 6 to 7 am

Current Affairs programme which provides listeners with the latest local and International news hosted by Elvis Preslin.

The Weekend View

This programme provides listeners with local and international news on Saturday and Sunday, hosted by Sebenzile Nkambule and Bongiwe Zwane. Listen to SAfm 104-107 Saturdays and Sundays from 6 to 7 a.m.

This programme provides listeners with local and international news on Saturday and Sunday, hosted by Sebenzile Nkambule and Bongiwe Zwane. Listen to SAfm 104-107 Saturdays and Sundays from 6 to 7 a.m.