Johannesburg - The new minimum wage for farmworkers has to be implemented from Friday, the labour department said.
Farmers had until then to apply to be exempted from increasing their workers' wages, department spokesperson Page Boikanyo said on Tuesday.
Farmers that wanted exemption had to submit a number of documents, including written proof that the affected workers consented to the move.
"In addition, the concerned establishment will have to provide reasons for not being able to comply with prescribed conditions, furnish a list of employees with their current wages... and a project plan, amongst others."
After a series of violent protests by Western Cape farmworkers, Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant conducted national public hearings and decided to increase wages of farmworkers.
On February 4 Oliphant announced the new minimum wage would be R105 a day, up from R69. Wages had to be increased by inflation plus 1.5% in subsequent years.
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