Rights for Domestic Workers — What Your Employer Must Do
If you work as a domestic worker (housekeeper, gardener, nanny, cook, security guard at a private home), you have exactly the same legal rights as any other worker in South Africa. Many employers do not follow the law. This guide tells you what you are entitled to.
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You have rights by law. You do not need a written contract to have rights, although a written contract is better for you. The Basic Conditions of Employment Act protects all workers.
Minimum wage (2025/2026)
Per hour
R28.79
Per day (8hrs)
R230.32
Per week (5 days)
R1,151.60
Per month
~R4,990
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If your employer is paying you less than R28.79 per hour, they are breaking the law. You can report this to the Department of Labour at 0800 030 007 — it is a free call and you are protected from being fired for reporting it.
What your employer MUST give you by law
check_circleA payslip every time you are paid — showing your name, the period, hours worked, and all deductions
check_circleUIF registration and contributions — 2% of your salary (1% from you, 1% from them) paid to UIF every month
check_circleAnnual leave — 15 working days paid leave per year (3 weeks)
check_circleSick leave — 30 days paid sick leave over every 3-year cycle
check_circleMaternity leave — 4 consecutive months (UIF pays you during this time)
check_circleA maximum of 45 hours per week — anything more must be overtime pay (1.5x normal rate)
check_circleRest period — at least 12 hours off between shifts, and every Sunday off (or a different agreed day)
check_circlePublic holidays off — or double pay if they work on a public holiday
What your employer CANNOT do
check_circleDeduct money from your salary without your written permission
check_circleMake you work when you are sick without sick leave
check_circleFire you without a fair reason and a fair process (disciplinary hearing)
check_circleKeep your ID document or any personal documents
check_circleStop you from leaving after your work hours
check_circleRefuse to give you your annual leave
UIF — your right to claim
If you worked more than 24 hours per month for the same employer, they MUST register you for UIF and pay contributions. This means if you lose your job or go on maternity leave, you can claim UIF money. Many employers do not do this — but that is their problem, not yours. Report them and you can still claim.
If your employer is not following the law
1
Keep a record
Write down your hours, your pay, and anything that happens. If possible, keep your payslips.
2
Talk to your employer first
Sometimes employers do not know the law. Calmly tell them what the law says. You can show them this page.
3
Report to Department of Labour
Call 0800 030 007 (free) or visit your nearest Labour Centre. They will investigate and can force your employer to pay what they owe — even backpay.
4
Go to the CCMA
If you were fired unfairly, the CCMA (Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration) is free and can help you get compensation. You must apply within 30 days of dismissal. Call 0861 16 2616.
Yes. Each employer must give you rights in proportion to the hours you work for them. If you work 24+ hours per month for any single employer, they must register you for UIF.
Probably not. If you work set hours at their home, they tell you what to do, and they pay you regularly, you are an employee — not self-employed. Self-employed means you work for yourself, set your own prices, and work for many clients.
No, but they also cannot deduct more than 10% of your salary for accommodation. Food is separate — they can only deduct for food if you agree in writing.
Key contacts
Department of Labour (free): 0800 030 007 CCMA (free): 0861 16 2616 CCMA online: www.ccma.org.za
