Life as a domestic worker in South Africa is tough, and it’s not just about the hard work. Beyond the daily grind of cleaning, cooking, and caring for families, there’s a quiet crisis happening behind closed doors. A mental health struggle that often goes unnoticed by the very people they work for. The latest 2025 Sweepsouth Report on Domestic Worker Pay and Working Conditions reveals a shocking truth: employers, without even realising it, are adding to this emotional burden.
Imagine being the main breadwinner for your family, supporting an average of four people on a salary that barely covers your own basic needs. This is the reality for 82% of domestic workers. The median earnings from domestic work are R3,635 per month, a figure that falls short of the basic monthly costs of R4,500. It’s a constant battle to make ends meet, and it’s a battle that takes a heavy toll on mental health.
Employers, who may think they are paying a fair wage, might not realise the immense pressure their domestic worker is under. An alarming 39% of workers earn below the National Minimum Wage, and this financial stress is a top reason for their mental health decline. When a domestic worker loses their job, it’s often because their employer can no longer afford them. This is a harsh reality that affects their well-being, with 16% of former domestic workers losing their jobs for this very reason last year.
Domestic work is a job that can be incredibly isolating. You’re in someone else’s home, often with your own family far away. While many domestic workers form close bonds with the families they work for, the professional boundaries can be a source of stress. The report found that a staggering one in five (20%) domestic workers have experienced some form of abuse in the workplace.
Verbal abuse is particularly prevalent, with 18% of women reporting they have been shouted at or told they are not good enough. One domestic worker shared, “There was a time that I doubted my ability to do work, because I was constantly told or shouted at saying that I make childish mistakes and that I don’t deserve the job”. This kind of treatment leaves lasting emotional scars.
Even subtle actions can have a negative impact. When a domestic worker feels unheard or unappreciated, it erodes their self-worth. It’s the small things such as a lack of a simple thank you, not being included in household conversations, or feeling like you are an invisible part of the family – all of which can accumulate and cause emotional distress. For some, it is the grinding reality of working more than nine hours a day, or even seven days a week, a reality for 7% of workers.
The Sweepsouth report isn’t just about the problems; it’s about the solutions. The good news is that as an employer, you have the power to make a positive difference.
-
Pay fairly and consistently: Go beyond the minimum wage. Use tools like the Living Wage Calculator (living-wage.co.za) to ensure your domestic worker can truly afford to live, not just survive.
-
Communicate with kindness: Simple things like a respectful tone and clear instructions can make a world of difference. Treat your helper with the same dignity and respect you would want for yourself.
-
Share and support: If you’re buying groceries in bulk, offer to share some with your domestic worker to help ease the burden of rising food costs.
-
Be a champion: Use your voice to advocate for the rights of domestic workers within your community and on social media.
By being mindful of the silent struggles and taking intentional steps to create a supportive and respectful work environment, we can help domestic workers not only build a better future but also find peace of mind. After all, a healthy and happy helper makes for a healthy and happy home.
Also see: Anele Mdoda promotes domestic worker to personal and wardrobe assistant
