On 9 September 2022, an invitation for written representations was published in the Government Gazette, calling for interested parties to make recommendations to the Commission, which it shall consider before publishing its report. Section 7 of the NMWA requires the Commission to consider the following factors, which should be borne in mind by any interested party making written submissions:

• inflation, the cost of living and the need to retain the value of the minimum wage;
• wage levels and collective bargaining outcomes;
• gross domestic product;
• productivity;
• ability of employers to carry on their businesses successfully;
• the operation of small, medium or micro-enterprises and new enterprises;
• the likely impact of the recommended adjustment on employment or the creation of employment; and
• any other relevant factor.

This invitation is inter alia a chance for South African businesses to provide input into a decision that has a far-reaching impact. It is widely known that the majority of South Africans are suffering from poor socio-economic conditions, a concern which shall certainly be prevalent in the Commission's recommendations. An increase in the national minimum wage, that is above the rate of inflation, will provide South Africans with more spending power which will be redirected into the economy. However, given the fact that salaries are usually the largest expenses on a business's books, a substantial increase will have a ripple effect that may create the need for restructuring and retrenchments. This is particularly important at a time when businesses are still feeling the effects of COVID-19 and have yet to enter into a recovery phase.

The above concerns highlight the importance of input by both employers and employees for the Commission's consideration, to enable it to arrive at a decision that balances all interests. The Chairperson of the Commission has called for written submissions to be made by 1 October 2022. These can be sent to either the directorate; Employment Standards, Department of Employment and Labour, Private Bag X117, or emailed to nmwreview@labour.gov.za.

Once the Commission's report has been published with its recommendations visible to the public, interested parties shall receive another opportunity to make further written representations, which willl be considered by the Minister of Employment and Labour together with the Commission's report.