Pandemic’s dire impact on domestic workers

WITH the cost of living at a crippling high, a study conducted by a domestic cleaning company paints a bleak image of the realities domestic workers have to confront in the aftermath of the pandemic.

According to the 2022 SweepSouth Report on Pay and Working Conditions for Domestic Workers, the pandemic and lockdowns has left many domestic workers without jobs due to employers moving to different cities and their ability to work from home. The survey, with over 7 500 responses, also revealed that there is a high level of debt among domestic workers, with over 15% owing money to more than four people or institutions.

While the report indicated that domestic worker pay had increased on average, SweepSouth CEO Aisha Pandor expressed concern about how the rising cost of living would affect the budgets of many domestic workers.

“We went into this survey knowing that the numbers would paint a grim picture. These past few years have been trying times, and the recent increase in the cost of food, fuel, transport, and more is felt the hardest by those who already have little to spend. This, in turn, affects mental health, physical health, and so much more. As a platform and company that advocates for the rights of domestic workers, we will continue to lend a voice to this sector of society, educate our clients, and assist those who use our platform in new and innovative ways,” said Pandor.

The survey found domestic workers, on average, spend 8% more on food and 10% more on transport every month compared to last year. The survey indicated that 60% of domestic workers who are South African are in debt, and 18% indicated that they were part of a stokvel.

The South African Domestic Service and Allied Workers Union general secretary, Myrtle Witbooi, said discussions were being held to improve the lives of domestic workers.

“We are trying our best to liaise with our members so they understand the challenges they are facing. We also appeal to employers to cut days but don’t dismiss them because, according to the national wage, they cannot dismiss the workers. Yes, many workers are still earning less than the new wage, but currently, we need to save jobs. So we need to educate and educate. We also know it is hard to survive for our workers, but we need to tackle the problems wisely and not create more unemployment.”