Trade unions have been split over whether to support the minimum wage, which has been set at 20 rand (1.39 dollars) an hour. TIRELESS STRUGGLE"Millions of South African workers will benefit," Mr Ramaphosa said in his New Year message. CRITICISMThe minimum wage bill faced fierce criticism from the political opposition and some labour unions. The leftist Economic Freedom Fighters, led by the firebrand Julius Malema, also rejected the bill saying the minimum of 3,500 rand ($243) per month was too low. The second largest labour federation, the South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu), has labelled it a "slave wage".

Source: Daily Nation January 01, 2019 12:22 UTC