What are my rights as a domestic worker in South Africa?
Short answer
As a domestic worker in South Africa you have the right to be paid at least the national minimum wage — R30.23 per hour from 1 March 2026 — and to a written contract, a payslip every payday, UIF, paid leave and COIDA cover for injuries at work. These rights apply to you whether you work full-time, part-time or just one day a week. You cannot be paid less, denied a payslip, or refused leave because of how few hours you work.
Your pay
You must be paid at least R30.23 for every ordinary hour you work, from 1 March 2026 — this is the national minimum wage, and there is no lower rate for domestic workers any more. If you report for work you must be paid for at least 4 hours, even if sent home early (a daily minimum of R120.92). This applies no matter how few hours you work in total.
UIF — your safety net
If you work more than 24 hours a month for an employer, they must register you for UIF and deduct 1% of your pay (they add another 1% themselves). UIF lets you claim money if you lose your job, go on maternity leave, or can't work due to illness. Make sure your employer is declaring you each month — it's what makes a claim possible. See our guide on how to claim UIF as a domestic worker.
Your leave
You are entitled to at least 3 weeks of paid annual leave a year. You also get paid sick leave — the days you normally work in 6 weeks, over every 36-month cycle — and 3 days of family-responsibility leave a year if you've worked more than 4 months and work at least 4 days a week. Part-time? Your leave is worked out pro-rata, but you still get it.
Contract, payslip and COIDA
Your employer must give you a written contract setting out your pay, hours, leave and notice, and a payslip every payday showing what you earned and what was deducted. Since the Mahlangu court ruling, you are also covered by COIDA — if you're injured or fall ill because of your work, you (or your family) can claim from the Compensation Fund at no cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage for a domestic worker in 2026?
R30.23 per hour from 1 March 2026, with a daily minimum of R120.92 because you must be paid for at least 4 hours whenever you report for work.
Do I have rights if I only work one day a week?
Yes. Minimum wage, a contract and a payslip apply no matter how few hours you work. Once you work more than 24 hours a month for an employer, you also get UIF, paid leave and COIDA cover.
Must my employer give me a contract and a payslip?
Yes. The law requires a written contract setting out your pay, hours and leave, and a payslip every payday showing your wage and any deductions.
Am I covered if I'm injured at work?
Yes. Since the Mahlangu ruling, domestic workers are covered by COIDA. If you're hurt or fall ill because of your work, you or your dependants can claim from the Compensation Fund at no cost to you.
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.