The Government Gazette for the Contract Cleaning Sector wages has officially been promulgated, confirming a 4.4% increase in cleaning sector wages. These new rates take effect from 1 March 2025 and must be implemented by all employers in the industry.
Updated Minimum Wage Rates per Region
Area A (Urban Centres) – R31.69 per hour
(City of Cape Town, Greater Johannesburg, Tshwane, Nelson Mandela Bay, Emfuleni, Merafong, Mogale City, Metsimaholo, Randfontein, Stellenbosch, and Western Area)
Area C (Rural & Other Regions) – R28.89 per hour
(Rest of South Africa outside of Area A & B)
Area B (KwaZulu-Natal – KZN Bargaining Council Agreement)
- From March 1, 2023: R27.50 per hour
- From March 1, 2024: R29.12 per hour
- From March 1, 2025: R30.86 per hour
Why This Matters?
- Legal Compliance – Ensure your cleaning business meets the minimum wage requirements.
- Fair Pay for Workers – Supporting better wages for contract cleaners.
- Risk Avoidance – Non-compliance can result in penalties and reputational damage.
Important Legislative Updates
Liability Under Section 200B of the Labour Relations Act
New Explanatory Note in the 2025 Gazette (Page 5)
End-users (clients) of contract cleaning services may be held liable if they contract a cleaning company at rates that make it impossible to meet National Minimum Wage (NMW) or Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) obligations.
What does this mean?
- If a business hires a cleaning company at unsustainable rates, it can be held responsible for non-compliance with wage laws.
- Clients should verify that cleaning service providers are compliant to avoid legal risk.
Minimum Working Hours for Contract Cleaners
- A contract cleaner must be paid for a minimum of 6 hours per working day (Government Gazette 35825).
- Maximum ordinary working hours remain 45 hours per week.
Annual Bonus for Cleaning Staff
- All contract cleaning staff must receive an annual bonus equal to one month’s wages.
- Employees who have worked less than a full year must receive a pro-rata bonus.
- This must be paid in December every year (Gazette No. 36884 of 13 September 2013).
Ensuring Compliance with the New Wage Rates
Cleaning Businesses & Employers:
Adjust payroll and employee contracts before 1 March 2025.
- Communicate wage increases to employees and clients.
- Ensure budget adjustments align with the new rates.
- Maintain proper records of payments and employment conditions.
Cleaning Staff:
- Verify your hourly pay matches the new minimum wage.
- Report any underpayment or non-compliance to relevant authorities.
- Know your rights – including working hours, bonuses, and contract terms.
Stay Informed & Compliant!
The NCCA is committed to guiding the cleaning industry through compliance with the latest wage regulations and legislative changes.
Read the full Government Gazette, compliance guidelines, and industry updates.
Have questions? Contact the NCCA at national@ncca.co.za or call 0861 105 881.