How much do Zimbabwean domestic workers really earn in South Africa?

For many years, thousands of Zimbabweans have crossed the border into South Africa in search of better economic opportunities, with a significant number finding employment as domestic workers. While this work provides income and stability for many families, the pay and conditions vary widely.

A domestic worker is defined as someone who works in a private household and is paid for their services, which often include cleaning, cooking, laundry, and caring for children or the elderly. According to the recent "Landscape Review of South Africa's Care Economy" report, domestic work in the country remains largely informal, with the sector accounting for about 6.5 percent of the total workforce. Nearly all domestic workers are women.

A survey conducted by SweepSouth, an online platform that connects home employees to homeowners, revealed that Zimbabweans make up the majority of domestic workers in South Africa. The survey found that 59 percent of domestic workers were Zimbabwean, 37 percent South African, and the remainder from other neighbouring countries such as Malawi and Lesotho. Most of the workers were women between the ages of 26 and 41.

Under South Africa's National Minimum Wage legislation, domestic workers are entitled to earn R28.79 per hour. However, the SweepSouth survey found that many domestic workers earn more than the legal minimum, while a significant number still fall below it. On average, South African domestic workers earn R36.64 per hour, while foreign nationals, including Zimbabweans, earn around R33.35 per hour. The report also revealed that 54 percent of workers earn above the minimum wage, but 46 percent earn less than the set threshold.

Monthly earnings for domestic workers generally range between R3,105 and R5,242, depending on the number of hours worked, experience, and location. Despite the income, many domestic workers face ongoing challenges such as job insecurity, lack of benefits, and limited access to social protection.

For Zimbabwean migrants, domestic work in South Africa continues to serve as both a lifeline and a struggle - offering a source of income, but often under harsh and unstable conditions. Labour experts have urged authorities to strengthen the enforcement of labour laws, ensure fair pay, and improve protections for migrant workers, who play a crucial role in South Africa's care economy.