Proposed new minimum wage 'a stepping stone'
President Cyril Ramaphosa says government's proposed new minimum wage isn't meant to be a living wage but a stepping stone to one.
He's made the comments at Freedom Day Celebrations in Bloemfontein.
Thousands of workers marched in cities across the country this week - calling for better pay and working conditions.
The president says he's heard their call to increase the minimum rate of R20 an hour.
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"It was never seen as a living wage. Some argue that the national minimum wage will not end income inequality. Yes, they are correct - it will not.
"But what the national minimum wage does provide is a firm and unassailable foundation. What we have done is to provide a foundation. Let us use this foundation to fight for a better wage," he said.