The Minister of Labour, Mildred Oliphant recently announced that: “Wages for the vulnerable workers in the Domestic Worker Sector will be adjusted with effect from 1 December 2015”.

While the role of domestic workers is pivotal to the successful functioning of many South African households, their real value is often not appreciated.

In eThekwini Municipality and other built up areas and suburbs, domestic workers who work 27 ordinary hours a week or more should be paid a minimum hourly rate of R11.44, the weekly rate is R514.82 and the monthly rate is R2 230.70. Those who work less than 27 ordinary hours a week should be paid a minimum hourly rate of R13.39, the weekly rate is R361.50 and the monthly rate is R1 566.35.

Any evaluation of these rates reveal that at the minimum wage is totally inadequate when basic household expenses such as rent, groceries, transport, medical bills, education and clothing are calculated. Previous research showed that as many as 45% of workers are paid below the established minimum wage.  This ensures that these workers and the families that they support are not able to escape poverty as the wage only covers 44% or even less of their basic living needs.

The challenge is to assess how each household can spend differently to ensure that domestic workers are fairly compensated. 

Please send your opinions or comments on current issues to gayle@topbusiness.co.za