The daily rate for workers increases from around R120 to just over R128 per day, with the new monthly salary at around R2780.

The department is encouraging employers to comply but says it is aware that the impact of the drought means not everyone can afford the new wage. Spokesperson Mokgadi Pela says provisions have been made.

“Employers who cannot afford this increase should apply for what we call variation, meaning they would need to explain financial reasons why they cannot afford this increase.”

According to a statement available online at the Department of Labour website, farmers in drought hit regions can apply for ministerial variations in terms of section 50 of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act.

Meanwhile, the Transvaal Agricultural Union of SA (TAU SA) has called for a review of the increase.

General Manager, Bennie van Zyl, said in a statement the farmworker wage increase amounts to 9%. He claims the increase for local government sector employees will not be more than 7%.

“The question can be asked why the government is willing to give only a maximum increase of 7% in its own sectors while the agricultural sector, in this time of crisis, is forced to apply a 9% increase?"

Van Zyl says they are calling for the Minister to review the increase and align it with other sectors. The union is urging that future increases should be calculated on the Consumer Price Index plus 1%.

OFM News and East Coast Radio