What can I do if my employer isn't paying me properly?
Short answer
If your employer pays you less than the minimum (R30.23 an hour from 1 March 2026), pays late, makes deductions you didn't agree to, or stops paying, you can act. Start by raising it in writing and keeping a record of hours worked and money owed. If it isn't fixed, you can report your employer to the Department of Employment and Labour, whose inspectors can investigate unpaid wages and minimum-wage breaches for free, and you can refer a dispute to the CCMA — both at no cost to you. You are protected whether or not you have a written contract, and reporting cannot lawfully be used as a reason to dismiss you.
Step by step
1Work out what you're owed: hours worked × at least R30.23, minus only agreed deductions and your 1% UIF.
2Keep a written record of your hours, pay received and any unauthorised deductions.
3Raise the shortfall with your employer in writing and keep a copy.
4If unresolved, report your employer to the Department of Employment and Labour or a labour centre (free).
5Refer a dispute about unpaid wages to the CCMA (free), with your records as evidence.
6If you're dismissed for asserting your rights, treat it as a possible unfair dismissal and refer it too.
Know what you're owed
You must be paid at least R30.23 for every ordinary hour worked from 1 March 2026, and at least 4 hours' pay (R120.92) for any day you report for work. Your employer can only deduct your 1% UIF and anything you agreed to in writing — they can't dock your pay for breakages or 'mistakes' without your written agreement, and never below what's owed for hours worked. Write down your hours and what you were actually paid; that record is your evidence.
Raise it first, in writing
Often the quickest fix is to raise the shortfall directly. Tell your employer clearly what you're owed and why, ideally in a message so there's a record. Sometimes it's a genuine misunderstanding about hours or the minimum wage. Keep copies of what you send and any reply — if the matter goes further, this shows you tried to resolve it first.
Report to the Department of Employment and Labour
If it isn't sorted out, you can report your employer to the Department of Employment and Labour. Labour inspectors enforce the minimum wage and the BCEA and can investigate unpaid or underpaid wages — this is free, and you can approach a labour centre for help. Bring your record of hours, any payslips or messages, and details of your employer. Inspectors can order an employer to pay what's owed.
Take it to the CCMA
You can also refer a dispute about unpaid wages or unfair treatment to the CCMA, free of charge. The CCMA will try to resolve it and can make a binding ruling. Importantly, your rights don't depend on having a written contract — minimum wage and pay for hours worked apply regardless — and your employer cannot lawfully fire you for asserting your rights or reporting them. If they do, that itself may be an unfair dismissal you can challenge. Compliance tool, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What if my employer pays me less than minimum wage?
You're owed at least R30.23 per hour from 1 March 2026. Keep a record of your hours, raise the shortfall in writing, and if it isn't fixed report your employer to the Department of Employment and Labour or the CCMA — both free.
Can my employer deduct money for breakages?
Not without your written agreement, and never to take your pay below what you've earned for hours worked. Your employer can deduct your 1% UIF and anything you genuinely agreed to in writing.
Do I have rights if I never signed a contract?
Yes. Minimum wage and pay for hours worked apply whether or not you signed a contract. The lack of a written contract is the employer's failure, not yours.
Can I be fired for complaining about pay?
No. Dismissing you for asserting your rights or reporting unpaid wages is itself likely an unfair dismissal, which you can refer to the CCMA.
Dignita is a compliance tool, not legal advice. Figures are based on current South African legislation; confirm with a labour-law professional for your situation.