South Africa’s domestic workers still struggling to make ends meet
South Africa’s domestic workers still struggling to make ends meet
[Cape Town, 08 September 2025] – South Africa’s domestic workers are at the centre of many households, yet too many are still struggling to survive on wages that do not cover the basics.
The latest Sweepsouth Annual Report on Domestic Worker Pay and Working Conditions, now in its 8th year, reveals that 39% of domestic workers earn less than the National Minimum Wage. Even those earning above the minimum are under pressure, with median monthly earnings of R3,635 falling far short of the estimated R4,500 needed to meet basic living costs.
At the same time, living costs are rising sharply. Housing costs have increased by 11% and food by 8% in the past year. The result is a workforce constantly on the back foot, making sacrifices no one should have to make just to put food on the table.
The invisible workday
Behind every clean home or cared-for child lies an invisible daily grind. Eighty five percent of domestic workers surveyed in the report rely on piecing together jobs across multiple homes, often in different suburbs and locations. This commute carries real risks. Thirteen percent of workers said they do not feel safe travelling to or from work, citing crime and unsafe public transport as major worries. For many, the workday begins long before they enter a home, and the stress of the journey itself is taking a toll on mental health and overall quality of life.
Breadwinners under pressure
Eighty two percent reported being the main breadwinners at home, supporting children, partners, and extended family on their wages.
Yet debt is a constant shadow. Many workers turn to loans or credit simply to cover basic necessities. This creates a cycle of survival rather than growth, leaving little room for savings, education, or investing in their futures.
Wasted skills in a broken economy
The report also highlights a skills mismatch crisis. While domestic work is often seen as unskilled, 43% of workers have completed high school and 18% have pursued higher education. These are qualified, capable people locked out of better-paying jobs due to the country’s unemployment crisis, which is especially harsh for women.
For some, domestic work is a temporary lifeline, but for many, it becomes their mainstay. Sweepsouth notes that with proper training and pathways, this workforce could play vital roles in emerging industries such as childcare, elder care, and digital literacy.
Domestic work and South Africa’s future
The report argues that the challenges faced by domestic workers are not isolated. They mirror South Africa’s wider economic struggles. Middle-class households are under strain, with 16% of workers losing their jobs because employers could no longer afford to pay them.
But there is also an opportunity. With South Africa rapidly moving towards an ageing population, the demand for elder care is projected to grow. Domestic workers could form the backbone of this care economy if provided with training, certification, and career development opportunities.
“This report is not just about wages, it is about recognising domestic workers as part of South Africa’s economic fabric. From transport safety to access to training, from debt relief to future-care jobs, we need employers, policymakers, and society at large to rethink how we value this essential workforce,” says Lourandi Kriel, CEO of Sweepsouth.
Sweepsouth believes there are simple but powerful steps that can make a difference in the lives of domestic workers. These include:
- Fair pay that reflects the real cost of living, not just the legal minimum.
- Safe and affordable transport so workers don’t risk their lives getting to and from work.
- Practical financial support to help workers manage debt and start saving for the future.
- Upskilling opportunities in areas like childcare, elder care, and digital literacy – creating new career paths and unlocking hidden potential.
A call to see the hidden workforce
Domestic workers are woven into the fabric of South African homes. They care for children, keep households running, and often carry the hopes of entire families. Yet their struggles are too often invisible.
‘’This report is a reminder that when domestic workers are supported, households thrive, families grow stronger, and communities benefit. Recognising their value is not just about fairness, it is about building a better, more balanced future for all South Africans,’’ concludes Kriel.
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