Under section 29 of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, a domestic worker's written particulars of employment must include: the employer's and worker's full details; the place of work; the start date; the job description; ordinary days and hours of work; the wage (rate and how it is calculated) and pay day; any deductions, including UIF; the paid leave the worker is entitled to (3 weeks' annual leave, plus sick and family-responsibility leave); and the notice period to end employment (1, 2 or 4 weeks depending on length of service).
This is a checklist, not a maybe
If you're wondering whether you need a contract at all, the short answer is yes — see our guide on whether you legally need a contract for a domestic worker. This guide is the next step: the specific list of what those written particulars must contain under BCEA s29. Missing items are a common reason a contract fails to protect the employer at the CCMA.
The parties, place and the work
Start with the basics: the employer's full name and address; the worker's full name; the place(s) of work (and a note if the worker moves between sites); the date employment began; and a clear job description or title. Vague or missing details here are what disputes are built on.
Pay, hours and deductions
Set out the wage rate and exactly how pay is calculated (per hour, day or month), the pay interval and pay day, and the worker's ordinary days and hours of work. Confirm the worker is paid at least the national minimum wage for domestic workers (R30.23 per hour from 1 March 2026). List any deductions — the 1% UIF deduction is the standard one — so nothing on the payslip is a surprise.
Leave and notice
State the paid leave: at least 3 weeks' annual leave a year, plus sick leave (the days normally worked in 6 weeks over each 36-month cycle) and family-responsibility leave (3 days a year for a qualifying worker). Finally, set the notice period — 1 week if employed under 6 months, 2 weeks from 6 to 12 months, and 4 weeks after a year — which applies to both sides.
Frequently asked questions
What are the legal particulars a domestic worker contract must contain?
Parties' details, place of work, start date, job description, ordinary days and hours, the wage and how it's calculated, pay day, deductions (including UIF), paid leave (3 weeks' annual plus sick and family leave), and the notice period.
Does the contract have to state the minimum wage?
It must state the wage and how it's calculated, and that wage must be at least the national minimum — R30.23 per hour from 1 March 2026 for domestic workers.
What notice period should the contract specify?
1 week if employed less than 6 months, 2 weeks from 6 to 12 months, and 4 weeks once employed for more than a year. The same notice applies to both the employer and the worker.
Dignita is a compliance tool, not legal advice. Figures are based on current South African legislation; confirm with a labour-law professional for your situation.