On 19 December 2018, the Minister of Labour gazetted the process for companies to apply for an exemption from the National Minimum Wage.
It is important to note the following:
- The exemption, if granted, is only for 12 months.
- The applicant needs to show it cannot afford the minimum wage and must have consulted all applicable unions and bargaining councils.
- Even if granted, the company will still need to pay a minimum of 90% of the minimum wage (R18 per hour currently).