#PODCAST COSATU react to the decision to increase the national minimum wage by 8.5 percent #sabcnews

By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - Civil society organizations have reacted to government's decision to increase the national minimum wage by 8.5% to R27.58 an hour. The increase comes into effect on the 1st of next month. One such organization is labor Federation - COSATU who told Newsbreak while this increase would enhance the quality of life and dignity of the poorest of the poor, there are also potential negative consequences, especially in light of the country's high youth unemployment level. Parliamentary Coordinator Matthew Parks explains what this means for the over 8 million workers in South Africa...