What is the domestic worker minimum wage in East London?

The domestic worker minimum wage in East London is R30.23 per hour from 1 March 2026. South Africa sets a single national minimum wage, so this is the same figure that applies everywhere — there is no separate East London minimum. A worker who reports for work must be paid for at least 4 hours, so the daily minimum is R 120,92.

Is the minimum wage in East London different from the rest of South Africa?

No. The national minimum wage for domestic workers applies in East London exactly as it does in every other city and province. Market pay in East London may be higher, but the legal minimum is the national R30.23 per hour.

How much UIF for a domestic worker in East London?

UIF is 2% of gross — 1% deducted from the worker and 1% paid by the employer — on earnings up to a monthly ceiling of R17 712, so each side pays at most R177.12 per month. This is the same in East London as nationwide.

National minimum wage 2026

Domestic worker minimum wage in East London

The minimum you may legally pay a domestic worker in East London is R30.23 per hour from 1 March 2026. This is the national minimum wage — it applies in East London just like everywhere else in South Africa.

One national rate — not a city-specific minimum

South Africa has a single national minimum wage for domestic workers. There is no separate legal minimum for East London; the figure here is the national rate. Actual pay in East London may be higher depending on experience, hours and duties.

Minimum hourly

R30.23

National minimum wage, from 1 March 2026

Daily minimum (4-hour rule)

R 120,92

A worker who reports must be paid for at least 4 hours

UIF

2% of gross

1% worker + 1% employer, ceiling R17 712

Max UIF per party

R177.12

At the monthly ceiling

The minimum wage in East London, explained

South Africa sets one national minimum wage for domestic workers — R30.23 per hour from 1 March 2026 — under the National Minimum Wage Act. It applies regardless of how many hours a week the worker does, and regardless of where in the country they work, so the figure in East London is the same as in any other city.

On top of the wage, both you and the worker pay 1% UIF each on the gross, up to the monthly ceiling of R17 712. The worker's 1% comes off their pay; your 1% is paid by you and is not deducted.

Pay it correctly in East London

Dignita works out the exact figures for your worker's hours and generates the contract, payslips and UIF paperwork you legally need.

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Domestic worker minimum wage in East London — quick answers

What is the domestic worker minimum wage in East London?: The domestic worker minimum wage in East London is R30.23 per hour from 1 March 2026. South Africa sets a single national minimum wage, so this is the same figure that applies everywhere — there is no separate East London minimum. A worker who reports for work must be paid for at least 4 hours, so the daily minimum is R 120,92.
Is the minimum wage in East London different from the rest of South Africa?: No. The national minimum wage for domestic workers applies in East London exactly as it does in every other city and province. Market pay in East London may be higher, but the legal minimum is the national R30.23 per hour.
How much UIF for a domestic worker in East London?: UIF is 2% of gross — 1% deducted from the worker and 1% paid by the employer — on earnings up to a monthly ceiling of R17 712, so each side pays at most R177.12 per month. This is the same in East London as nationwide.

See full salary estimates for East London →

Minimum wage in other cities →

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.