EFF plans to increase monthly minimum wage to R7.5k should it assume power

JOHANNESBURG - The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) say they will increase the national minimum wage to R7,500 a month, should it be elected into government.

The party noted that the current minimum wage is too meagre for anyone to live on. 

Effective 1 March 2024, the minimum wage increased to R27.58 per hour - which works out to just over R4,400 per month at eight hours per day.
 
On Wednesday, the red berets commemorated Workers’ Day at Temba Stadium in Hammanskraal. 

READ: EFF implores Hammanskraal community to 'reject the ANC'

In its economic plan, the Democratic Alliance said it would scrap the national minimum wage to fuel job creation. 
 
In contrast, the EFF said it would increase it to ensure people who have jobs don't struggle to survive.

EFF leader Julius Malema said cleaners and security guards should not spend most of their money on transport. 
 
“We are saying to them, 29 May, all workers come out in your numbers and vote for a party that will pay a minimum wage that is reasonable, and will ensure the workers’ rights are protected and we create jobs for the unemployed.”
 
A 2022 Harvard University study found that low-earning workers in South Africa spent about 58% of their salaries on transportation.