South Africans are angry as government sets minimum wage at $278 per month almost 6 times higher than Nigeria

South Africans are angry and a trade union has accused the government of “legitimising poverty” after the country set its first-ever minimum wage  at $278 per month.

South Africa Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) said it is outraged and disgusted but not surprised by the passing of the minimum wage bill, which was overwhelmingly endorsed by parliament on Tuesday. The bill sets the wage at a minimum of 20 rand ($1.59; £1.20) an hour, which, for a 40-hour week, sets the wage at about $278 per month.

Nigeria’s minimum wage – currently set at 18,000 naira ($50; £37) a month has not been increased since 2011.

The union said parliament missed an opportunity to free workers from the oppressive wage gap.

In 2016, a commission led by President Cyril Ramaphosa who was deputy president at the time found almost 50% of employed South Africans earned less than the proposed national minimum wage.

See more social media reactions to the new South African minimum wage below…

South Africa's minimum wage bill passed 'legitimises poverty'. Bill sets the wage at a minimum of 20 rand ($1.59; £1.20) an hour. How does this help alleviate poverty or bridge the disparity of wealth? #EconomicEquality #EqualOpportunity . https://t.co/bVLn4Im9Al

— Lee-Ann Mudaly (@LeeAnnMudaly) May 30, 2018

South Africa's minimum wage bill passed 'legitimises poverty'. Bill sets the wage at a minimum of 20 rand ($1.59; £1.20) an hour. How does this help alleviate poverty or bridge the disparity of wealth? #EconomicEquality #EqualOpportunity . https://t.co/bVLn4Im9Al

— Lee-Ann Mudaly (@LeeAnnMudaly) May 30, 2018

https://twitter.com/Sowellnomics/status/1001749357530697729

It is important to make the distinction between a #minimumwage as opposed to a living wage. They are different,
but necessary concepts.
A minimum wage is the level below which no one should be paid by law. A living wage is what trade unions should push for workers to get it!

— Lehlohonolo Lehana (@Grooves_SA) May 30, 2018