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What You Should Be Paying Your Domestic Worker in South Africa in 2025

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Starting from 1 March 2025, South African households employing domestic workers must comply with the new National Minimum Wage, as gazetted by the Department of Employment and Labour. The updated wage is set at R28.79 per hour, reflecting a 4.4% increase from 2024’s rate of R27.58. This adjustment aligns with the country’s inflation trends, ensuring fair compensation for workers.

How Much Is the New Minimum Wage?

  • Hourly Rate: R28.79
  • Weekly Wage (45-hour work week): R1,295.55
  • Monthly Wage (4.3 weeks): R5,613.62

This wage applies to all workers, including domestic and farm workers. However, employees under the government’s Extended Public Works Programme will receive R15.83 per hour, and contract cleaners in certain municipalities will earn R31.69 per hour.

The Economic Impact on Domestic Workers

While this mandatory wage hike benefits domestic workers, the sector faces ongoing challenges:

  • Job Losses: The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) reveals the sector is still down by approximately 150,000 jobs compared to pre-pandemic levels.
  • Financial Strain on Employers: Many households, struggling with high inflation and interest rates, find domestic help an unaffordable luxury.
  • Emigration Effects: A rise in emigration has led to many domestic workers losing jobs as families relocate abroad.

Wage Discrepancies

Despite the new minimum wage, SweepSouth’s 2024 Domestic Worker Report indicates that actual earnings fall short:

  • Average Monthly Wage for Women: R3,349
  • Average Monthly Wage for Men: R3,059

This gap highlights the ongoing issue of underpayment, risking legal repercussions for non-compliant employers.

What Employers Need to Know

Employers are legally obligated to adhere to the new wage structure. Failure to do so can result in penalties. To support fair practices:

  • Review Employment Contracts: Ensure wages meet or exceed the new minimum.
  • Consider Work Hours: Part-time workers should still earn the equivalent hourly rate.
  • Stay Informed: Regularly check updates from the Department of Employment and Labour.

The 2025 wage increase aims to support domestic workers amidst economic challenges. While it presents financial considerations for employers, it promotes fairness and legal compliance in South Africa’s labour market.

Read: National Minimum Wage Amendment

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