Domestic workers are among the most vulnerable employees in South Africa, and the latest data shows their situation is only getting worse.
Jobs in the sector are shrinking, wages remain significantly below the national average, and many are struggling with debt.
Despite a slight quarter-on-quarter bump in employment, the long-term picture reveals a steady decline since COVID-19, leaving hundreds of thousands of women, many supporting entire households, under severe financial and emotional pressure.
Domestic worker jobs on the decline
According to BusinessTech, Stats SA’s latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey indicated that domestic worker jobs rose by 21 000 between April and June 2025, reaching 839 000 positions.
But year-on-year, the sector shrank by 4 000 jobs (0.5%).
The long-term trend is more alarming. Since COVID-19, around 160 000 domestic worker jobs have vanished, a 17% permanent decline.
SweepSouth CEO Lourandi Kriel puts the figure even higher, noting that the pre-pandemic 1.2 million jobs have dropped to just 800 000 to 850 000 today. That means over one in five domestic workers has lost all employment.
Pay far below survival levels
To make matters even worse, the National Minimum Wage for domestic workers is R28.79 per hour (about R5 600 a month full-time). But most earn far less:
- SweepSouth’s 2024 survey: average pay of R3 349/month.
- Stats SA: median salary of R2 350/month – less than half the national median of R5 417.
This income gap leaves many unable to meet basic needs, let alone escape debt.
Do you think the national minimum wage should increase for domestic workers?
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