Annual SweepSouth report reveals struggles of domestic workers in SA

Clarence Ford interviews Luke Kannemeyer, Group COO of SweepSouth.

Listen below.

The Seventh Annual SweepSouth Report on Pay and Working Conditions for Domestic Workers in South Africa was recently published, offering a comprehensive look into the lives of those who maintain our homes and workplaces.

This report, drawing from data gathered across the country, sheds light on the current conditions faced by domestic workers, highlighting issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Based on responses from over 5600 individuals, the report aims to enhance understanding among those outside the domestic work sector.

Key findings include:

83% of domestic workers are the primary financial supporters of their families.
Earnings have risen by 5% year-on-year, yet living costs have surged by 15%.
Mental health is a significant concern, with 16% of domestic workers reporting a decline in the past year.
The workforce remains predominantly female (92%), with most workers between the ages of 26 and 41 (64%).
Employment in the sector remains below pre-covid-19 levels, with a 15% reduction in available jobs.

"What we're seeing is a clear trend that after Covid, this is a clear industry that's definitely not bouncing back in a way that many others have."

- Luke Kannemeyer, Group COO – SweepSouth

Unfortunately, Kannemeyer notes that recovery in this sector appears unlikely, which is severely affecting workers.

He explains that a major factor driving this trend is the unaffordability of living expenses, prompting many residents to relocate due to high costs of living.

As a result, he says that job insecurity and financial stress are contributing to a significant rise in poor mental health among domestic workers in the country.

"We see affordability as a big factor."

- Luke Kannemeyer, Group COO – SweepSouth

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