South Africa sets out planned minimum wage level Monday Nov 21,2016

South Africa's government has proposed a national minimum wage of 3,500 rand ($242; £199) a month.

About 47% of working South Africans earn less than the wage, which is being introduced to combat income poverty and inequality.

But critics say it could put more people out of work as employers might not be able to afford the higher wages.

The government says it will consult on the issue, but hopes to introduce a minimum wage within two years.

Announcing the rate, which was proposed by a panel of advisers, the country's deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa said: "We are now a step closer to finalising discussions on the national minimum wage. All social partners will now decide what their take is."

He said the panel was not endorsing the proposed figure as a living wage, but wanted to set a minimum payment for workers.