The minimum wage in Germany and South Africa - a comparative assessment of the extent to which a national minimum wage may contribute to social justice and economic growth in South Africa.

This dissertation examines whether the introduction of a national minimum wage may contribute to social justice and economic growth in South Africa. After highlighting the socio-economic environment of both countries, the dissertation analyses the minimum wage from an international law perspective. Emphasis is put on the essential elements that minimum wage frameworks must address, namely: universal coverage of the minimum wage; the periodic adjustment of the minimum wage; interaction with collective bargaining; and compliance. These elements are also considered while reviewing and setting into context the current German minimum wage legislation. Subsequently, the National Minimum Wage Bill for South Africa is illustrated and comparatively assessed. It is discussed whether the essential elements and socio economic conditions are considered adequately in the Bill. Moreover, problematic provisions are identified and the need for certain amendments is argued. Conclusively, the dissertation takes an overall positive view on the Bill and promotes a simple minimum wage legislation embedded in a collective bargaining system and supported by multiple policies.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Institute of Development and Labour Law

Year dc:date.issued

2018

Author dc:creator

• Turkis, Jonas Christopher

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Collier, Debbie

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/29717

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/29717