The ANCWL statement on National Minimum Wage

22 November 2016

The African National Congress Women's League (ANCWL) has noted the reports on the proposed national minimum wage. The implementation of national minimum wage will contribute in reducing inequality and poverty. 

The principle of national minimum wage is welcomed by the ANCWL as this will benefit the vast majority of workers who are subjected to slave wages and languishing in poverty. The aim of the national minimum wage is to assist in increasing the income of the low paid workers who in majority are black people and in our view women.

Whilst the national minimum wage is not a living wage, consideration of the amount should be made looking at the current costs of living. With the high costs of basic needs in SA, the proposed R3500 is inadequate. The ANCWL calls all parties participating at NEDLAC to renegotiate in good faith and consider increasing the proposed amount. 

The ANCWL will appreciate if the renegotiation  processes can be concluded speedily and the national minimum wage be introduced in the 1st quarter of 2017. 

Issued by Meokgo Matuba, Secretary General, ANCWL, 22 November 2016