The data is for April 2023
For South Africa based on different regions, the estimated lowest living wage in South African rand
| Province | Living Wage per Month | Living Wage Per Hour |
| Free State | 8,166.00 | 41.91 |
| Gauteng | 8,594.00 | 44.11 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 8,981.00 | 46.09 |
| Mpumalanga | 8,935.00 | 45.86 |
| North West | 8,166.00 | 41.91 |
| Northern Cape | 8,166.00 | 41.91 |
| Limpopo | 8,166.00 | 41.91 |
| Western Cape | 8,922.00 | 45.79 |
WHAT IS A LIVING WAGE?
WHAT IS A LIVING WAGE?
A Living Wage should allow you to lead a decent life. The Living Wage calculation is based on the cost of living. The components in the calculation of the Living Wage include:
- Food
- Water
- Housing
- Energy
- Transport
- Education for the children
- Healthcare
- Clothes
- Phone (calls and data)
- 5% extra for unforeseen expenses
- Taxes and social security
THE LIVING WAGE AND YOUR FAMILY
The Living Wage presented above is meant for a 'Typical Family'. In this family at least one person is working full time. In South Africa that means 45 hours per week. The 'Typical Family' takes into account the average number of children per family. The second adult in this 'Typical Family' typically works between 3-4 days a week. Both wages combined should make a decent living possible. The WageIndicator Living Wage is presented as the gross wage of the adult who is working full time. Overtime, bonuses and allowances are not included in this calculation.
The Living Wage presented here is the basic Living Wage for a full-time worker, regardless of their family situation; with or without children, single, or with or without a partner.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE WITH THE MINIMUM WAGE?
An employer may pay a Living Wage, but is not obliged to do so. Unlike the Statutory Minimum Wage, a Living Wage is not legally binding. Employees and trade unions can use the Living Wage benchmark to negotiate for a higher wage. Any employee is free to advocate the payment of a Living Wage. Want to know more or get support in implementation of Living Wages in your workplace? Get in touch about implementation.
I AM SELF-EMPLOYED, NOW WHAT?
If you run a business, shop or farm, you are not paid a wage, but earn an income. In those cases, a Living Income probably firts your situation better.
If you are paid by hour or by job ("gig"), then a Living Tariff might fit you situation better.
LIVING WAGES FOR OTHER REGIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA
- Eastern Cape
- Free State
- Gauteng
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Mpumalanga
- North West
- Northern Cape
- Limpopo
- Western Cape
RELATED ITEMS
- Statutory Minimum Wages in South Africa
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Living Wages
- Reach out for data in other countries, global overviews, or assistence in implementation. Get in touch here.