The minimum wages for workers in the farming and forestry sectors will increase with effect from March 1, the Department of Labour said on Monday.

“Wage adjustments are morally right so as to ensure that workers’ earnings keep pace with the rising cost of living while boosting the purchasing power which benefits the economy,” acting spokesperson Mokgadi Pela said in a statement.

The minimum salary increased to R2 778.83 from R2 606.78 and the hourly rate increased to R14.25 from R13.37.

The weekly wage increased to R641.32 from R601.61. A daily wage for a farm worker is R128.26 for a nine-hour day.

The previous daily wage was R120.32.

Pela said the department was aware of the problems facing the agricultural sector, including the drought which left farmers with tough choices on whether or not to retain labour.

“We encourage farmers in areas that are affected by the drought to apply for ministerial variations in terms of section 50 of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act. Section 50 makes provision for the Minister to replace or exclude any basic condition of employment provided for in the Act.”

ANA