Stats SA released data for the third quarter of 2022 showing that there were 32 000 domestic workers without employment.
Eunice Dhladhla South African Domestic Service and Allied Workers Union Assistance General Secretary said she gets phone calls every day from domestic workers who’ve been laid off.
“It is very sad for domestic workers especially at this time as we’re going towards the festive season. However, it has been happening throughout the years. Domestic workers are suffering a lot,” Dhladhla told Africa News.
Manyunyu Florence Sosiba has been a domestic worker since 1983. She says with more of her housekeeper mates losing their income, the solution is to upskill and work towards entrepreneurship.
“It makes me feel really bad that domestic workers are losing their jobs. However, as a domestic worker, I always speak with other housekeepers that we should try to create our own opportunities. In this economy, it’s best we empower ourselves,” said Sosiba.
The decline in the number of domestic workers’ jobs is attributed to the financial pressure felt by middle-class households caused by inflation and fuel hikes. However, another reason for the fall in housekeeper employment is that some employers are moving abroad.
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