Johannesburg, South Africa – The domestic work sector in South Africa is experiencing a considerable downturn, with a significant decrease in employment opportunities, according to recent data.The decline reflects a complex interplay of economic hardship and shifting demographics.
Dramatic Decline in Domestic employment
Table of Contents
- 1. Dramatic Decline in Domestic employment
- 2. Economic Pressures and Shifting Priorities
- 3. The Impact of Wage Increases
- 4. A Growing Exodus of Workers
- 5. adapting to a Changing Landscape
- 6. The Path Forward
- 7. Frequently Asked Questions about the Domestic Worker sector
- 8. What legal avenues are available to domestic workers who experience wage stagnation or reduction in working hours due to economic pressures?
- 9. Crisis for Domestic Workers in South Africa as Households Reduce Hiring amid Economic Challenges
- 10. The Shrinking Job Market for Domestic Employees
- 11. Key Economic Factors Driving the Crisis
- 12. impact on Domestic Workers: A Growing Precarity
- 13. Regional Disparities in Domestic employment
- 14. Legal Protections and Challenges
- 15. The Role of Labor Unions and Advocacy groups
- 16. Case Study: The Impact on a Johannesburg Family
- 17. Potential Solutions and Support Systems
- 18. Resources for Domestic Workers
A new report reveals that almost 400,000 jobs in the domestic work sector have been lost over the past five years.prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, approximately 1.2 million people were employed in households across the country. However, as of the second quarter of 2025, that number has fallen to just over 839,000. A concerning 19% of domestic workers lost their jobs in the last financial year alone.
Lourandi Kriel, Chief executive Officer of sweepsouth, explained that the contraction is not attributable to a single cause. “The economy has not grown, and as a result, many families are unable to afford domestic help. together,a growing number of households are emigrating,” Kriel stated. The trend of South African families seeking opportunities abroad is exacerbating the decline in demand for domestic services.
Economic Pressures and Shifting Priorities
While affordability remains a primary concern, the report indicates a nuanced shift in employer behavior. In 2023 and 2024,approximately 25% of job losses were directly attributed to employers’ inability to pay. This figure has decreased to 16% in 2025, suggesting that while financial constraints persist, other factors are becoming more prominent.
A significant factor is the increasing number of families relocating, with nearly half moving overseas and over a third relocating to different cities within South Africa. This geographic mobility directly translates into a loss of employment for domestic workers tied to those households. furthermore, evolving lifestyle changes, particularly the rise in remote work post-pandemic, are contributing to the decline. as more people work from home,they are taking on household chores previously outsourced to domestic workers.
Did You Know? The South African economy has experienced sluggish growth in recent years, with GDP growth averaging around 0.8% between 2020 and 2024, contributing to the financial strain on households.
The Impact of Wage Increases
Interestingly, attempts to raise wages for domestic workers to keep pace with rising living costs have, paradoxically, led to a reduction in hiring. According to Kriel, employers frequently enough respond to wage increases by reducing the number of workdays or downgrading engagements from full-day to half-day shifts. When these adjustments prove unsustainable, some families are forced to eliminate the service entirely.
| Year | Job Losses Due to Affordability |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 25% |
| 2024 | 25% |
| 2025 | 16% |
A Growing Exodus of Workers
The challenging working conditions and limited opportunities within South Africa are driving an increasing number of domestic workers to seek employment abroad. Kriel noted a growing trend of workers exploring opportunities in countries were wages and job security are more favorable. This represents a concerning loss of skilled labor for the South African economy.
adapting to a Changing Landscape
In response to these challenges, SweepSouth is expanding its service offerings beyond customary cleaning services, focusing on the growing “care economy.” The childcare market in South Africa is projected to reach R103 billion by 2030, while the elderly care sector is expected to reach R211 billion. These sectors present significant opportunities for job creation and formal employment.
The company is actively investing in training and skills development programs to equip young people and women with the necessary expertise to thrive in these emerging fields, with the ultimate goal of facilitating access to both domestic and international job markets. “We are taking young women from informal settlements, giving them skills and helping them gain experience, and ultimately opening doors to work in other countries, earn foreign currency, and build a better life,” Kriel explained.
Pro tip: if you employ a domestic worker, consider open communication about financial constraints and explore mutually beneficial solutions, such as adjusting work schedules or offering non-monetary benefits.
The Path Forward
Kriel emphasized the importance of fostering more equitable relationships between employers and domestic workers. “We need to move past purely transactional relationships. Talk to them, understand their circumstances, share resources you no longer use, or even help with groceries. Small acts can make a big difference.”
The South African domestic work sector has long faced challenges related to fair labor practices, wage disparities, and social recognition. The current downturn highlights the need for complete policy interventions, increased investment in skills development, and a shift towards more lasting and equitable employment models.
Looking ahead, the care economy presents a promising avenue for growth and job creation.Though, realizing its full potential requires addressing systemic issues such as informal employment, lack of access to benefits, and the need for standardized training programs.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Domestic Worker sector
- What is driving the decline in domestic worker employment? Economic hardship, emigration of households, and shifting lifestyle preferences are the key factors.
- How has the pandemic impacted the sector? the Covid-19 pandemic initially led to job losses,and the subsequent rise in remote work has accelerated the trend.
- What is the “care economy”? The care economy encompasses sectors such as childcare and elderly care, which are experiencing significant growth in south Africa.
- Are wage increases contributing to job losses? While intended to improve living standards,wage increases can sometimes lead employers to reduce work hours or eliminate positions.
- What is SweepSouth doing to address these challenges? SweepSouth is expanding its services to include the care economy and providing training and skills development opportunities for workers.
- Is emigration affecting the number of domestic workers employed? Yes, a significant number of households are emigrating, which directly reduces the demand for domestic help.
- What can employers do to support their domestic workers during these challenging times? Open communication, exploring flexible work arrangements, and providing non-monetary benefits can make a difference.
What are your thoughts on the challenges facing domestic workers in South Africa? Share your comments below and let’s start a conversation!
What legal avenues are available to domestic workers who experience wage stagnation or reduction in working hours due to economic pressures?
Crisis for Domestic Workers in South Africa as Households Reduce Hiring amid Economic Challenges
The Shrinking Job Market for Domestic Employees
South Africa’s domestic worker sector,a significant employer particularly for women,is facing a deepening crisis. Escalating economic pressures – including high inflation, rising interest rates, and persistent unemployment – are forcing households to drastically cut back on expenses, with domestic services often being the first casualty. This isn’t simply a matter of convenience; it represents a ample loss of income for a vulnerable workforce. The impact of economic downturns on domestic employment is particularly acute, as these roles are often considered non-essential spending.
Key Economic Factors Driving the Crisis
Several interconnected economic factors are contributing to the decline in domestic worker jobs:
Inflation: The rising cost of living, particularly food and fuel, is squeezing household budgets.
Interest Rate Hikes: Increased borrowing costs are impacting homeowners with mortgages, leaving less disposable income.
Unemployment: High unemployment rates mean more households are facing financial strain, reducing their ability to afford domestic help.
Economic Slowdown: South Africa’s sluggish economic growth is exacerbating these challenges, creating a climate of financial insecurity.
Rand Volatility: Fluctuations in the Rand’s value impact the cost of imported goods, further contributing to inflation.
impact on Domestic Workers: A Growing Precarity
The reduction in household hiring is having a devastating effect on domestic workers and their families. Many rely solely on this income for survival.
Job Losses: Thousands of domestic workers have already lost their jobs, with numbers expected to rise.
Reduced Working Hours: Many are experiencing a reduction in working hours, leading to significant income loss.
Wage Stagnation: Even those still employed are facing wage stagnation,unable to negotiate increases in line with inflation.
Increased Vulnerability: The lack of formal employment benefits – such as medical aid and unemployment insurance – leaves domestic workers particularly vulnerable during economic hardship.
food Security Concerns: Reduced income directly impacts the ability to afford basic necessities like food, leading to increased food insecurity within families.
Regional Disparities in Domestic employment
The impact isn’t uniform across South Africa. Major metropolitan areas, while offering more domestic work opportunities are also experiencing the most significant job losses due to higher living costs and greater economic sensitivity. Rural areas, with fewer formal employment options, are seeing a surge in competition for the limited available positions.
Legal Protections and Challenges
south Africa has some legal protections for domestic workers, including minimum wage regulations and the right to fair working conditions. Though, enforcement remains a significant challenge.
Minimum Wage: The current minimum wage for domestic workers is often insufficient to cover the rising cost of living.
UIF Contributions: while legally required, UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund) contributions for domestic workers are often not consistently made by employers.
Contractual Agreements: Many domestic workers are employed informally, without written contracts, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.
Access to Justice: Limited access to legal resources and awareness of their rights hinders domestic workers’ ability to seek redress for unfair treatment.
The Role of Labor Unions and Advocacy groups
Organizations like the South African Domestic Workers Alliance (SADWA) are playing a crucial role in advocating for the rights of domestic workers and providing support during this crisis.
Raising Awareness: SADWA actively campaigns to raise awareness about the challenges faced by domestic workers.
Legal Assistance: They provide legal assistance to workers who have been unfairly dismissed or exploited.
skills Growth: Offering skills development programs to enhance employability and income-generating opportunities.
Lobbying for Policy Changes: Advocating for stronger legal protections and improved enforcement of existing regulations.
Case Study: The Impact on a Johannesburg Family
Maria, a domestic worker in johannesburg for 15 years, recently lost her job when the family she worked for downsized due to financial difficulties. She was the sole provider for her three children. Without a steady income,Maria is now relying on food parcels from a local charity and actively seeking option employment,facing intense competition in a shrinking job market. This illustrates the real-life consequences of the economic pressures on domestic employment.
Potential Solutions and Support Systems
Addressing this crisis requires a multi-faceted approach involving government, employers, and civil society.
government Support: Expanding social safety nets and providing targeted assistance to vulnerable households.
Wage Subsidies: Exploring the possibility of temporary wage subsidies to help households retain domestic workers.
Skills Training: Investing in skills training programs to equip domestic workers with alternative income-generating skills.
Formalization of Employment: Encouraging the formalization of domestic employment thru incentives for employers.
Strengthening Enforcement: Improving the enforcement of existing labour laws to protect the rights of domestic workers.
Financial Literacy Programs: Providing financial literacy training to both domestic workers and employers to promote responsible financial management.
Resources for Domestic Workers
South African Domestic Workers Alliance (SADWA): https://sadwa.org.za/
Department of Labour: https://www.labour.gov.za/
* Legal Aid South Africa: [https://[https://
