BusinessTech reports that the Pietermaritzburg Agency for Community Social Action (Pacsa) says that the monthly minimum wage should be set at R8,000 to provide a basic level of dignity for all South Africans.  

The group’s proposal is based on an analysis of household composition, in relation to the country’s demographics – keeping in mind that a large portion of the population is unemployed.  “In determining the value of wages – in addition to productivity, we should be looking at how families are being supported: number of wage earners, income levels, family sizes and the costs of goods and services,” Pacsa said.  The wages of the employed 11.6 million Black South Africans supported the rest (including those younger than 15 and older than 65) – meaning one black South African wage supports 3.8 (4) people.  This compared to one white South African wage which supports 2.3 (2) people.

• Read this report in full at BusinessTech

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page