One in three domestic workers still earn below minimum wage and, as the cost-of-living soars, are struggling to survive, according to Sweepsouth’s 8th Annual Report on Domestic Worker Pay and Working Conditions.
Based on a national survey of 5 039 domestic workers, the report says 39% of them are still earning below the national minimum wage, with median monthly earnings of R3 635. This falls far short of the R4 500 needed for basic living expenses.
The latest report paints a comprehensive picture of the pressures facing this essential workforce. It shows how rising housing, food, and transport costs continue to outpace wages, widening the gap between income and the real cost of living. The result is a cycle of debt, hardship, and insecurity for thousands of workers and their families – a crisis deepened by global economic turbulence.
The harsh reality behind the numbers
Domestic workers remain the backbone of many South African households, yet their own lives are increasingly precarious. While 82% are the main breadwinners, more than half support four or more dependents. This financial pressure means that even with full-time employment, households are unable to cover their most basic needs. Many live month-to-month, often turning to debt to bridge the shortfall.
Over the past year, costs of essential goods and services have risen sharply. Housing costs increased by 11% and food prices by 8%. For the average domestic worker, the monthly shortfall between income and essential expenses now sits at nearly R900. This leaves no room for savings, emergencies, or investments in education. Families are forced to make impossible choices between putting food on the table, paying rent, or keeping children in school.
Key findings from the 2025 report include:
- 82% are the main earners in their households
- 58% support four or more dependents
- 39% earn below the National Minimum Wage
- Median earnings are R3 635 per month against R4 500 basic cost basket
- 86% want to further their education
- 33% are in debt, with 35% of those describing repayment as hopeless
- 20% have experienced workplace abuse
- 16% report declining mental health
“These findings paint a stark picture of economic vulnerability,” says Lourandi Kriel, CEO of Sweepsouth. “Even those working full-time, sometimes seven days a week, are trapped in a deficit between income and basic survival costs. Unless we address wage gaps, abuse, and barriers to skills growth, this cycle of hardship will continue to repeat itself.”
Beyond pay: Hidden stories
The report moves beyond financial statistics to explore the lived realities of domestic workers. These include:
- Emotional toll of long commutes: A quarter of workers spend more than an hour each way commuting which eats into earnings and family time.
- Isolation in households: Domestic work often involves long hours in private homes with limited social contact. This contributes to feelings of invisibility and loneliness.
- Unpaid labour outside of work: In addition to their paid duties, many workers carry responsibilities such as caring for elderly relatives or managing household needs in their own families.
- Rising interest in elderly care: As South Africa’s population ages, workers increasingly see elderly care as a possible career path with better stability and higher income potential.
- UIF and the technology gap: A fraction of domestic workers who lose their jobs are registered for UIF, while employers themselves face outdated, complex UIF processes that discourage compliance.
These stories highlight the daily realities of a workforce whose contribution is often overlooked, undervalued, and underrepresented.
Debt, stress, and mental health
The report reveals that debt has become both a coping mechanism and a heavy burden. One in three domestic workers is in debt, often borrowing from informal lenders who charge high interest. Among them, more than a third describe their chances of repayment as hopeless. This constant pressure deepens stress and anxiety, further highlighting mental health decline as a growing concern.
Sixteen percent of respondents said their mental health had worsened over the past year. Many linked this directly to financial strain, workplace instability, or experiences of abuse. Few have access to affordable counselling, although most said they would seek help if services were available.
Resilience, ambition and untapped potential
Despite these challenges, domestic workers continue to demonstrate resilience and ambition. A striking 86% want to further their education or gain new skills. Many see domestic work not as a final destination, but as a temporary role while they prepare for better opportunities. Popular ambitions include careers in childcare, nursing, hospitality, and small business ownership.
Sweepsouth believes that with targeted support, training, and job mobility programmes this untapped potential could help boost South Africa’s economy. By investing in workers’ aspirations, society can open pathways to upward mobility while also strengthening communities.
A call to action
The 2025 report concludes with a call to action aimed at employers, policymakers, and the public. Sweepsouth urges:
- Payment of a living wage that reflects real costs of living rather than only the legal minimum.
- Fair working hours, leave entitlements, and safe conditions to protect the dignity of workers.
- Support for education and training opportunities to enable career mobility and self-sufficiency.
- Zero tolerance for workplace abuse, with systems in place for reporting and accountability.
- Recognition of domestic workers in economic planning, especially in times of broader economic disruption.
“Domestic workers are an essential part of South Africa’s social and economic fabric,” says Kriel. “By investing in their wellbeing and growth, we are not only protecting one of the most vulnerable groups in society, but also creating stronger families, more stable communities, and a workforce that can withstand external shocks.’’