Domestic workers endure harsh realities as South Africa's economy stagnates: Sweepsouth

The recently released 8th annual SweepSouth Report on Domestic Worker Pay and Working Conditions paints a troubling picture of the lives of domestic workers in South Africa.

The report, based on over 5 000 responses collected nationwide, reveals that the dramatic stall in the country’s economic growth is having a profound ripple effect on this critical workforce, predominantly made up of women aged 26 to 41.

According to CEO Lourandi Kriel, South Africa’s economy has only managed a growth of 0.7% over the last decade, a stagnation that has forced consumers to reconsider their spending power. 

“The economic conditions have a ripple effect on domestic workers in that when an economy doesn't grow, you know consumers have either the same or less share of wallet and they need to decide how they're going to use their disposable income,” she said.

Sweepsouth is a South African on-demand online platform for domestic cleaning services, garden maintenance, business cleaning and other home services.

Kriel said the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues, resulting in a significant decline in employment opportunities within the domestic sector.

Pre-COVID, there were approximately 1.2 million job opportunities; this figure has now plummeted to just over 800 000.

Kriel indicated that many employers are struggling financially and have resorted to cutting hours or pay, significantly impacting workers’ job security.

“Domestic workers experience some form of unemployment, whether it's partial or total. That thing causes financial stress which affects their mental health. A third of them will go into debt and then they get trapped in that debt cycle and then obviously that also contributes to other family-related problems or pressures,” she said.

The report highlights the challenges domestic workers face regarding the National Minimum Wage, with many still not receiving adequate pay since the inclusion of domestic workers in the minimum wage framework in March 2022.

While the wage was gradually set to increase by 8% and then 4.4% over the last two years, Kriel emphasised that enforcement remains an uphill battle in the current economic climate.

“We've lobbied for this for the last eight years for a long time before they've been included. South Africa needs to work on enforcing it stricter so that domestic workers do get the stipulated minimum wage,” she said.

Domestic workers are not only vital contributors to their households, with 82% serving as primary breadwinners for an average of four dependents, but also aspire for better futures.

While 43% of the workforce has completed high school and an additional 18% have pursued further education, a noteworthy 86% expressed a clear desire for more educational opportunities if resources permitted.

The report also documents the harsh realities faced by these workers, with alarming statistics stating that 39% earn below the National Minimum Wage.

With the cost of living rising sharply—housing costs increasing by 11% last year, and food prices by 8%—72% of workers reported being unable to save money monthly, while 33% are taking on debt. Of those in debt, 35% find their repayment situations to be hopeless.

“The mental health of domestic workers is significantly impacted, with 16% reporting a decline in the past year, primarily due to unemployment, financial stress, and family problems.

Access to professional mental health treatment remains limited, leaving many to cope without adequate support.”

The report made a number of recommendations to improve conditions for domestic workers:

• Enforcing existing minimum wage and labour laws more rigorously while adapting legal protections to reflect diverse work arrangements.
• Enhancing access to continued education and training for domestic workers through collaboration between the government, employers, and the private sector.
• Investing in mental health support, ensuring services are accessible and high-quality with training for community leaders.
• Increasing support for workers facing abuse via public awareness campaigns and safe reporting mechanisms.
• Promoting collaboration among governmental bodies, the private sector, and civil society to advocate for the rights of domestic workers.

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