47% workforce benefit from National Minimum Wage

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This is according to the Deputy Minister of Labour, iNkosi Phathekile Holomisa, who said workers in the farming, domestic, petrol, cleaning, retail, hairdressing, hospitality and restaurant sectors are among those who will see the most difference.

Holomisa said while the National Minimum Wage received criticism from many quarters as being too low, what critics have failed to recognise is how it will help millions of the most vulnerable workers receive better wages.

“It is my view that the National Minimum Wage will enable workers to have disposable income that can be spent on businesses,” said Holomisa.

The Deputy Minister was addressing an employer session held in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday on the amendments of labour laws and the introduction of the National Minimum Wage.

Meanwhile, Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant has congratulated the parties to the Sibanye labour dispute for reaching an amicable resolution that will end the four-month-long strike.

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The Minister had intervened through the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) and the high-level engagements with the leadership of the unions, who acted as the building blocks to the outcome that was announced on Wednesday.

"This is a victory for all involved - the sector, the economy and the country as a whole. No doubt these four months have been the most difficult period for all parties involved," Oliphant said.