Minimum wage stretching farmers’ pockets
Some communal farmers say they are struggling to pay the national minimum wage because their farms do not generate enough income. Their concerns come after justice and labour relations minister Wise Immanuel visited farms in the Omaheke region over the weekend. Immanuel found that some farmers were not complying with labour requirements. The agricultural minimum […] The post Minimum wage stretching farmers’ pockets appeared first on The Namibian .
Some communal farmers say they are struggling to pay the national minimum wage because their farms do not generate enough income.
Their concerns come after justice and labour relations minister Wise Immanuel visited farms in the Omaheke region over the weekend.
Immanuel found that some farmers were not complying with labour requirements.
The agricultural minimum wage, which came into effect in January, is currently N$14 per hour and is expected to increase to N$18 per hour in January 2027.
During his visit, Immanuel assessed whether farmers were paying the minimum wage and whether the sector was ready for the N$18 rate.
He also looked at workers’ accommodation, food rations, employment contracts, payslips, Social Security Commission registration, and access to benefits such as pension and medical aid. The ministry found that while some farmers comply with the minimum wage and provide accommodation and food rations, others do not.
