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A Comprehensive Guide to Domestic Helper Wages in South Africa

Posted on by Dante Botha

Domestic Helper   We often hear people ask “Am I paying my helper enough? What’s the going rate for domestic workers?” South African law (under Sectoral Determination 7) sets out the minimum wages required to be paid to domestic workers. The Department of Labour updates the minimum wages for domestic workers annually. This update came into effect on 01 December 2016.   In major metropolitan areas:

  • Domestic workers who ordinarily work more than 27 hours per week must be paid at a rate that is not less than:
    • Hourly rate: R12,42 per hour;
    • Weekly rate: R559,09 per week; or
    • Monthly rate: R2 422,54 per month.

 

  • Domestic workers who ordinarily work 27 hours per week or less must be paid at a rate that is not less than:
    • Hourly rate: R14,54 per hour;
    • Weekly rate: R392,59 per week; or
    • Monthly rate: R1 701,06 per month.

  In other areas:

  • Domestic workers who ordinarily work more than 27 hours per week must be paid at a rate that is not less than:
    • Hourly rate: R11,31 per hour;
    • Weekly rate: R508,93 per week; or
    • Monthly rate: R2 205,16 per month.

 

  • Domestic workers who work 27 hours per week or less must be paid at a rate that is not less than:
    • Hourly rate: R13,35 per hour;
    • Weekly rate: R360,54 per week; or
    • Monthly rate: R1 562,21 per month.

  These rates are applicable up until 30 November 2017.   This applies to all domestic workers, which includes domestic help such as gardeners, housekeepers, childminders, domestic drivers. This excludes workers who work on a farm, and workers who are covered under any other sectoral determination, or under a bargaining council agreement.   Make sure that you also have a Domestic Workers Employment Contract in place with your helper, and that you register your domestic worker for UIF.  

Please note that this information is supplied for general information and does not constitute legal advice. It is advisable for you to contact a legal practitioner for guidance in respect of your unique requirements.