DRIVERS AND ASSISTANTS

As per the Department of Employment and Labour, the national minimum wage for light vehicle drivers is R30.33 per hour effective 1 March 2026. This covers up to 45 ordinary hours per week, equating to R5,914 per month for full-time work. Overtime is paid at 1.5 times the rate for hours beyond 45 per week.

Foreigners need a General Work Visa from the Department of Home Affairs, with an application fee of R425 and issuance fee of R1,520, processing in 8-10 weeks. A valid job offer from a South African employer is required, and the job must be advertised for 30 days on the Employment Services of South Africa portal. Driver occupations do not qualify for the Critical Skills Work Visa.

A Code 14 driver's licence is required for heavy vehicles over 16 tonnes, plus at least 12 months driving experience on Code 10 vehicles. No specific education beyond Grade 10 is mandated, but a clean criminal record and medical fitness certificate are compulsory. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

Submit a certified ID copy, valid driver's licence, eye test and medical fitness certificate, two ID photos, and proof of address to the provincial Driving Licence Testing Centre, with a fee of R260. The PrDP is valid for 5 years and required for remunerated driving of goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes or passenger vehicles over 12 persons. Processing takes 10 working days.