Kwanalu National Minimum Wage (NMW) and Expropriation Bill, 2020 Updates

Content:

1. National Minimum Wage (NMW) – update
2. Expropriation Bill, 2020 – reminder

1.National Minimum Wage (NMW) update

With reference to our email sent to you on 25/11/20.

Kwanalu and its members provided inputs relating to the proposed increase to the NMW.  It is noticeable that labour unions and others are calling for the immediate equalisation of farmworker wages and an increase.

As at today, we have been advised by the Department that the Commission has commenced its deliberations on the inputs received and will forward a report to the Minister. The Minister will then advise on the date for issuing the official report and notice to the public.

We understand that the Minister probably has the following two options:

• To move the implementation date for the increase to the 1^st of March 2021; or
• Backdate the implementation and payment, which we have the option to oppose.

In the current economic climate and with the ongoing impact of COVID-19, an equalisation and increase of the NMW may hold significant implications for the sector.

We will advise members on further developments as they become available.

2.Expropriation Bill, 2020

Following the email information sent in early December, we remind members that the Expropriation Bill, B23-2020 is currently open for commentary.  The Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure has made the Expropriation Bill available for commentary, which closes on 10 February 2021.

Click here for the Bill: https://www.kwanalu.co.za/expropriation-bill-b23-2020/

Kwanalu deems the lobby, legal, and all related actions regarding the protection of property rights of its members a priority. Kwanalu takes a proactive approach and leads on this critical matter, engaging with relevant experts i.e. legal, economic, international experiences, and others.  At the same time, we value the inputs from our members and kindly request that members submit your inputs on the Bill by no later than 30 January 2021 to info@kwanalu.co.za