09/02/2026
NEW DOMESTIC WORKER RULES TAKE EFFECT IN SOUTH AFRICA
Platinum Publishers | SA – Starting 1 March 2026, updated legal standards affecting domestic workers and their employers come into force across South Africa, including a new hourly minimum wage and additional responsibilities under labour law.
WHAT HAS CHANGED?
From 1 March 2026, the national minimum wage — the lowest hourly rate employers must pay eligible workers — has been increased to R30.23 per hour. This rate applies to domestic workers as well as most other workers covered by the law. The previous national minimum wage was R28.79 per hour in 2025.
Domestic workers are generally considered employees when they work in private homes performing tasks such as housekeeping, childcare, gardening, cleaning or care for older people. The updated minimum wage applies to domestic workers regardless of whether they work full-time or part-time, as long as they qualify under the labour laws.
HOW PAY IS CALCULATED
The law requires employers to pay domestic workers for each hour worked at no less than the statutory minimum of R30.23. In practice, labour rules also say that if a worker works less than four hours on any day, they must be paid for four hours at the minimum rate — meaning a legal daily minimum of around R121.
Employers may pay more than the minimum, but they cannot pay less. The minimum wage must be paid in cash; free board, accommodation or other in-kind benefits are not counted as part of the hourly wage for minimum wage purposes.
OTHER DUTIES UNDER THE LAW
In addition to paying the minimum wage, the law sets basic employment standards that both employers and workers should be aware of:
• Work Hours and Overtime: Domestic workers should not regularly work more than 45 ordinary hours per week, and overtime pay rules may apply if they work additional hours.
• Leave and Rest: Workers are entitled to annual leave, sick leave and rest periods according to the Basic Conditions of Employment Act and the sectoral domestic worker standards.
• Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF): Employers are expected to register eligible domestic workers for UIF contributions, which can support workers if they lose employment or become unable to work.
• Written Agreement: The domestic worker employment relationship should be supported by a clear written agreement specifying pay, duties and work conditions.
WHEN IT TAKES EFFECT
The wage increase and related employment provisions become legally binding on 1 March 2026. From that date, employers must ensure domestic workers are paid at least R30.23 per ordinary hour worked, and follow the relevant employment standards set out in national labour legislation.
CONTEXT OF THE UPDATE
The national minimum wage is reviewed regularly by the government. The law covering domestic workers was updated in part by extending general minimum wage structures to this sector, aligning domestic work with broader labour standards that already apply to other categories of workers. The updated wage rate is one part of a set of labour regulations that include provisions on hours, leave and insurance contributions.
