Wander Thoughts

The Minister of Employment and Labour has officially stated that the National Minimum Wage (NMW) will increase to R28.79 for the year 2025, a rise from the previous rate of R27.58 per standard hour worked.

The Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth, has announced an increase in the National Minimum Wage for 2025, raising it from 27.58 rand to 28.79 rand per hour worked. This adjustment represents a 4.2 percent increase and seeks to improve the economic stability of workers in South Africa.

'The implementation of the National Minimum Wage Act, which came into effect in 2019, has been a crucial aspect of South Africa's labor market reforms. This law requires employers to compensate employees at a minimum threshold, ensuring that no worker is paid less than the rate set by law. As part of the government's commitment to social protection programs, the NMW will undergo annual reviews, with the next adjustment enforceable from 1 March 2025," Meth stated.

The introduction and implementation of the National Minimum Wage is of great importance to us, as it guarantees that employees receive their fair compensation for their work.

She mentioned that the upcoming adjustment acknowledges the economic challenges faced by many workers. “Affecting all employees, the National Minimum Wage also includes vulnerable groups, such as farm and domestic workers, who have been linked to the NMW rates since 2022.”

While strict adherence to the National Minimum Wage (NMW) is required, exceptions do exist. Workers employed under the Expanded Public Works Programme will see an increase from $1.03 to $1.08 per hour. Those engaged in learnership agreements, as outlined in the Skills Development Act per hour, will receive allowances as determined by the latest government issue. Additionally, the National Minimum Wage Act does not apply to volunteers or specific government agencies such as the South African National Defence Force and the National Intelligence Agency.

"This digital resource aims to keep employers and employees informed about their rights and responsibilities related to the National Minimum Wage," Meth said.

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• BuuPass has formed a partnership with Stanbic Bank Kenya to award its customers with cashback for each vehicle trip they make.
• Cardholders with the bank will receive a cashback of KES 500 for every KES 5,000 spent on travel through BuuPass.
• BuuPass CEO and co-founder Sonia Kabra stated that the agreement will make travel more accessible, convenient, and secure for customers.

BuuPass and Stanbic Bank Kenya have partnered to improve the travel experience.

The top East Africa travel solutions platform announced a partnership that will provide exclusive cashback benefits for Stanbic Bank card holders.

This special promotion offers travellers a chance to save a substantial amount on their travel arrangements.

What is the amount of the BuuPass cash reward?

The company states that Stanbic Bank cardholders can obtain rebates in cash by planning their travel through either BuuPass's website or mobile application.

The rewards program provides KSh 500 cashback for bus travel expenses of KSh 5,000 and KSh 1,000 cashback for flight bookings that are KSh 10,000 or more.

Rewards are automatically added to customers' cards each and every week.

All transactions are processed through Paystack's secure payment system, providing a safe and uninterrupted experience for all customers.

BuuPass CEO and co-founder Sonia Kabba stated that the deal will make travel more accessible, convenient, and secure for customers

Our partnership with Stanbic Bank Kenya is designed to make travel more accessible, more rewarding, and more secure for our customers.

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The travel booking platform encouraged its customers to benefit from the cashback offer by visiting the BuuPass website or downloading the BuuPass mobile application.

Upon finishing a booking that meets the minimum spend criteria, customers who use a Stanbic Bank card to make the payment will automatically become eligible to receive the cashback reward.

Stanbic, Kenya's sixth largest bank, teams up with BuuPass, demonstrating BuuPass' dedication to revolutionizing Africa's transportation sector and improving customer satisfaction as a result.

What other travel rewards does BuuPass offer?

In January 2025, a top digital mobility platform serving East Africa unveiled a promotional campaign designed to share holiday spirit with its customers.

BuuPass said it will reward travelers and make their journeys more accessible by providing free mobile data.

The company's CEO, Kabra, announced that they will be giving data rewards to customers who make bookings through their platform.

Kabra stated that the free data allowance is indeed an expression of the company's gratitude towards its customers for their devotion to travel and their experiences.

The company offered 150 megabytes of free mobile data to new subscribers on their first booking, and also provided an extra 100 megabytes of free data for return trips.

The promotion was running throughout the holiday season and is available throughout BuuPass's entire network in Kenya and East Africa.

Water is the lifeblood of successful farming; getting it right can make all the difference. For farmers using irrigation, especially efficient drip systems, the question isn't just about getting water—it's about knowing the cost. Understanding the cost per acre of drip irrigation is the first step to cultivating success and maximizing yields.

Irrigation is a vital component of contemporary agriculture, particularly in areas characterized by unreliable or inadequate rainfall. Among the various methods, drip irrigation is recognized for its efficiency and efficacy.

However, setting up and managing a drip irrigation system necessitates a clear comprehension of its expenses. Preparing ahead and being familiar with costs per acre will enable farmers to plan their budgets judiciously, prevent wastage, and guarantee optimal returns on their investment.

What is drip irrigation?

Fertigation, also known as trickle irrigation or minute irrigation, is an advanced agricultural technique that conveys water directly to the plant's root system through a network of valves, pipes, tubing, and outlets. This method allows water to release slowly onto the soil's surface or into the root area, significantly reducing water waste and enhancing plant nutrient absorption.

There are several varieties of drip irrigation systems, each engineered to cater to distinct agricultural requirements and environmental conditions. The most prevalent types comprise surface drip systems, where tubing is laid directly on the soil; subsurface drip systems, which involve submerging tubing beneath the soil; and portable drip systems that can be relocated as desired.

Each system has emitters or drippers that regulate water flow rates, usually spanning from 2 to 20 litres per hour. Furthermore, drip irrigation can be combined with fertigation, enabling fertilizers to be applied simultaneously with water, thereby maximizing nutrient delivery to crops.

What is the cost of drip irrigation per acre?

What is the typical cost to install drip irrigation on a per-acre basis? The estimated average installation cost for 2025 is between $1,800 and $3,300 per acre. These costs can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as the type of crop, the soil's properties, the local climate, and the system's specific design needs.

Farmers cultivating high-value crops, like fruits and vegetables, may need more sophisticated systems, which could result in higher overall installation costs.

Understanding drip irrigation costs

Farmers planning to install a drip irrigation system need to consider the cost of a basic drip irrigation kit, the initial setup, and the ongoing operational costs. The initial costs include buying the necessary components such as pipes, emitters, filters, pumps, and controllers. The expense of the system is largely influenced by its complexity, with more sophisticated systems that include automation requiring a greater financial commitment.

Rural producers must also account for extra operational expenses that go beyond the initial setup costs, such as undertaking system upkeep by way of maintenance and replacing components, like emitters and tubing. Additionally, they must consider labour costs for supervising and inspecting drip irrigation systems.

Additionally, tap water costs may be involved with acquiring water from municipal sources or other suppliers. Following installation, yearly upkeep and operational expenses are estimated to range between $100 and $200 per acre.

What are the reasons for the increasing popularity of drip irrigation? Or, More and more people are choosing drip irrigation because of its numerous advantages.

"Widespread Adoption of Drip Irrigation Worldwide Among Farmers and Homeowners is Due to its Succesful Water Management Strategies as Effective Solutions to Water Shortages Globally Increase in Importance.

Water conservation

One of the most compelling reasons for drip irrigation's popularity is its exceptional water-conserving capabilities. Unlike traditional irrigation methods, which can lead to significant water runoff and evaporation, drip irrigation delivers water directly to the plant roots.

Higher crop yields and better crop quality.

Drip irrigation supplies plants with a consistent flow of water directly to their roots, thereby facilitating the absorption of nutrients and promoting healthy development. This method empowers farmers to cultivate high-value crops, including vegetables, at any time of the year, regardless of whether the climate is dry, which would otherwise make conventional farming unfeasible.

Labour efficiency

Traditional agricultural irrigation methods can be labor-intensive and inefficient. Drip irrigation systems, on the other hand, can be automated, allowing farmers to set up watering schedules without needing continuous supervision. This automation enables farmers to devote their time to other vital tasks.

FAQs on drip irrigation

1. Is drip irrigation pricy? No, drip irrigation is not pricy. The upfront cost for installation can range from $1,500 to $3,000 per acre.
2. What are the benefits of drip irrigation? Drip irrigation provides advantages such as water conservation, elevated crop yields, and enhanced crop quality, reduced labor expenses, and lowered disease risks.
3. How much does it cost to maintain a drip irrigation system? Annual maintenance costs for a drip irrigation system generally vary from $100 to $200 per acre.
4. What kinds of crops can most benefit from drip irrigation? Drip irrigation is most suitable for high-value crops like fruits, vegetables, and flowers that require very precise water management in order to flourish.
5. What makes drip irrigation effective? Drip irrigation supplies water directly to the root system of the plant through a network of tubes, fittings, pipes, and regulators, allowing for efficient use of water with very little waste.
6. How deep should drip irrigation lines be buried? Surface drip lines can remain on top of the soil, while subsurface systems should be laid beneath the soil at a depth of 15 to 30 centimeters.
7. The cost of subsurface drip irrigation systems, including installation, ranges from approximately $1,000 to $4,000 per acre.
8. It's essential to install filters at the water source and inspect emitters regularly to prevent clogging in your drip irrigation system.

Final word

Knowing the cost per acre for drip irrigation is essential for farmers looking to optimize output and efficiency in 2025. With optimal planning and upkeep, drip irrigation is a practical and environmentally friendly solution for modern farming, particularly in regions facing water shortages.

In Kenya, Wander Thoughts.co.ke published an article that detailed how much maize a farmer can harvest per acre, considering factors that may impact yields. The article also offered crop yield estimates for different areas in the country, enabling farmers to make more informed decisions about their harvest expectations.

Read on to learn about the expected crop yields for different areas and how farming practices and inputs can have a significant impact on the success of your harvest.

Here is the paraphrased text: From David Copperfield to David Blaine and from Lance Burton to Penn & Teller, we present 7 of the wealthiest magicians and illusionists who astound the world

They captivate audiences with their amazing tricks, creating alternate realities that few people will ever deconstruct. Magicians and illusionists continually push the boundaries: whether it's David Blaine taking risks with increasingly daring stunts, or the legendary Penn & Teller continuing to confound audiences for over four decades after their premiere, these performers have turned their skill into profitable careers.

For any parent who worries that their child's nerdy hobby is a waste of time, read on to learn more about how wealthy some of the world's most famous magicians have become as of now. One of them is even a billionaire ...

7. Hans Klok

Estimated net worth: $25 million

As his assistant and upon receiving the highly acclaimed Silver Clown Award in 2014.

Our new platform featuring curated content, including explainers, FAQs, analyses, and infographics, is provided by our renowned team.

6. David Blaine

Net worth, approximately forty million US dollars.

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5. Criss Angel

Approximate net asset value: $50 million

In addition to his growing media presence, Angel has also expanded his brand through various channels including books, merchandise, television shows, and podcasts. Furthermore, his friendships with notable celebrities like Donny Osmond and Debbie Gibson have contributed to his reputation, making him a must-see performer in Las Vegas, who can often persuade them to join his acts.

4. Lance Burton

Net Worth: approximately One Hundred Million Dollars.

Lance Burton, a magician, was the first American and youngest magician to be awarded the Grand Prix from the Federation Internationale des Societes Magiques in 1982. In his 30-year career, it is estimated that he performed over 15,000 shows, the majority of which took place in Las Vegas and Monte Carlo. Although he has largely retired, he still continues to guide and mentor aspiring young magicians.

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Combined net worth: approximately four hundred million dollars.

Their Las Vegas show at The Rio, which began in 2001, has marked theirs as the longest-running residency in Sin City.

1. David Copperfield

Estimated net worth: one billion US dollars.

, which has been broadcasting since 2003, airs 15 times a week. The star also owns an archipelago of 11 islands in the Bahamas that can be rented privately; but it is likely only the wealthy, like Copperfield, can afford to stay there.

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