Tig Welder

As per the Department of Employment and Labour, the national minimum wage is R30.64 per hour effective 1 March 2026 for all ordinary hours of work. For welders working a standard 45-hour week over 4.33 weeks, this equates to R5,975 per month before deductions. Sectoral determinations like those from the MEIBC set higher rates for covered welders.

Foreign welders require a General Work Visa as welding is not on the Critical Skills List effective 2026. The employer must apply via VFS Global with a job offer, company registration, and proof of advertising the job locally for 30 days, with visas valid up to 5 years. Processing takes 8-20 weeks and costs R1,520 application fee.

Certified welders need a National N3 Certificate in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent NQF Level 4, plus 36 months workplace experience, followed by passing a trade test at an accredited test centre. The QCTO issues the Welding Artisan certificate upon success. Entry-level helpers require only Grade 10 with no experience.

Register on the eServices SA (ESSA) portal with certified copies of your ID or passport, matric certificate, trade test certificate, CV, and bank statement. Unemployed South Africans get free priority matching to welder vacancies. Walk-in registration at 126 Labour Centres requires the same documents.