The latest SweepSouth Annual Report illustrates that domestic workers are facing economic hardship and mental health challenges. Despite a slight increase in earnings, rising living costs and job insecurity continue to plague this essential workforce.
Listen to this article 11 min Listen to this article 11 min 'You don't get to rest, everything in the house is up to you. You can't have a social life. It hurts that you spend so little time with your family, you can't attend any school event, or take your kids to hospital because you are making it hard for the boss. It is like you are in prison."
These are the words of a domestic worker who spoke to Daily Maverick on condition of anonymity.
Abuse in the workplace, deteriorating mental health, and rising living costs are some of the issues highlighted in SweepSouth's Seventh Annual Report on Pay and Working Conditions for Domestic Workers.
The online platform connects domestic workers with employers and advocates for improved working conditions within the domestic work sector. The report offers a comprehensive look at the financial circumstances and working conditions experienced by domestic workers in the country.
Data in the report was collected from 3 to 10 July 2024, the survey was distributed via SMS and WhatsApp with a total of 5,617 responses. The majority of respondents were women (92%) and between the ages of 26 and 41 (64%). The...
