Domestic workers still underpaid

Despite some improvements, domestic workers struggle to keep up with the rising cost of living

- Aarti Bhana

Domestic workers still earn below the national minimum wage and, as the cost of living rises, many struggle to make ends meet.

The minimum wage was adjusted slightly higher to R28.79 an hour in March, from R27.58. But a survey by cleaning services company Sweepsouth from 30 June to 14 July found that 39% of the 5 000 workers interviewed earned below the minimum wage.

The median monthly earning for domestic workers is R3 635, R900 short of the R4 500 required for basic living costs, according to Sweepsouth’s annual report on domestic worker pay and working conditions published this week.

“Expenses have risen across all categories, with housing and food being the largest expenditure items and increasing by 11% and 8% since last year, respectively,” it noted.

“Financial insecurity is widespread, with 72% unable to save money each month and 33% taking on debt. Of those in debt, 35% describe their repayment situation as ‘hopeless’.”

The survey also showed that 82% of domestic workers are the main breadwinners of their households, which average four people per family. Some 64% are leading their households single-handedly.