Domestic Workers Are Leaving South Africa in Search of Better Lives

South Africa’s unemployment crisis has reached such alarming levels that even domestic workers — long seen as one of the country’s most essential yet vulnerable workforces — are packing up and looking for better opportunities abroad.

From Nostalgia to Necessity

For decades, domestic work has provided income and dignity for millions of South African women, often the breadwinners of their families. Yet, the Covid-19 pandemic delivered a devastating blow to this sector. Before the pandemic, there were about 1.2 million domestic jobs. Today, that figure hovers between 800,000 and 850,000 — and it’s still shrinking.

That means 21% of domestic workers have lost all employment since Covid, while another 36% have lost part of their work. For households already stretched to breaking point, the loss of steady income has been catastrophic.

A Global Pull

The trend mirrors what is happening across South Africa’s professions. From doctors to farmers, accountants to mechanics, thousands are chasing higher salaries and more stable conditions abroad. Last year alone, nearly 8,000 South Africans secured permits to work in Canada.

Now, domestic workers are joining that wave. Safer conditions, more reliable pay, and the chance to earn foreign currency have become too strong a lure to ignore.

Mental Health Strain

Lourandi Kriel, CEO of SweepSouth, a platform employing over 4,500 domestic workers (known as SweepStars), says the situation is “serious and worsening.” Surveys by the company show a 16% decline in mental health among domestic workers in just the past year.

“When you’re stressed about finding work and worried about putting food on the table, the anxiety and depression can be overwhelming,” Kriel explained. With 83% of SweepStars supporting an average of four dependents, the ripple effects are immense.

The Care Economy: A Possible Future

Despite the bleak outlook, Kriel believes there’s opportunity in the so-called “care economy.” Childcare and elder care are expected to grow into billion-rand industries by 2030. SweepSouth has already expanded into eight new services — from elder care to nanny placements — and is training young women from informal settlements with skills that could lead to stable work locally or abroad.

“Our end goal is to empower lives, create formal opportunities, and unlock the full potential of the care economy,” Kriel said.

A Call to Action

Kriel urges South Africans not to underestimate their role in supporting domestic workers right now. Beyond paying fairly, she says small acts of kindness — like sharing resources, offering groceries, or simply showing empathy — can make an immediate difference.

While platforms like SweepSouth push for higher wages and formal opportunities, the bigger question lingers: how many more breadwinners must leave before South Africa finds a way to protect one of its most vital, but most overlooked, sectors?

Source:Business Tech 

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