One of the most progressive things that happened in the domestic work industry since the dawn of democracy is that domestic worker wages are now regulated. This is good, writes Aisha Pandor, co-founder and CEO of SweepSouth.
As many cash-strapped South African households buckle under the weight of rising food and fuel prices, electricity price hikes and job scarcity, cutbacks on spending inevitably leads to more job losses.
During tough economic times, low-paying jobs and casual workers are the most vulnerable. Stats SA recorded an unemployment rate of 26.7% for the fourth quarter of 2017, while the Stats SA Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the third quarter of 2017 puts the unemployment rate for youths (aged 15 to 34 years) at 38.6%. Even more worrying, these rates don’t include those who have given up on actually looking for work, and are likely to remain out of the active labour-seeking market.
Unemployment has been referred to as a ticking time bomb and high on the list of priorities for President Cyril Ramaphosa, but it’s clear that the challenge is for all South African businesses to prioritize creating better income opportunities.
According to Stats SA, there are around 1 million domestic workers currently employed in South Africa. But, with the minimum wage for domestic workers increased from 1 January 2018, and under the context of increasing costs for consumers, this could put existing jobs under strain.
In a relatively slow economy, where household spending goes to rent, bills, and putting food on the table, having a help with home cleaning could be seen as a luxury, and domestic workers are often laid off when their employers tighten their purse strings. With scarce opportunities, they have nowhere else to look.
Many entrepreneurs and small businesses like my company SweepSouth are at the forefront of the fight against unemployment by finding solutions to society’s many struggles.
SweepSouth, a home cleaning services platform, that matches domestic workers looking for work with homeowners needing help with home cleaning, has created income opportunities for more than 6,000 unemployed or underemployed domestic workers since 2014.
Collectively, SweepStars have worked over 2 million hours in South African households through SweepSouth. However, with the platform, domestic work need not be a destination, but can also be a stepping-stone for SweepStars to pursue their dreams.
During our four years since launching, we’ve worked hard at filling a critical gap between job supply and demand. Customers can choose the number of hours they require/can afford to employ a cleaner and stay within a budget.
On the other hand, SweepStars are also able to choose the number of hours they want to work, to ensure they can earn the income they need and can accept or reject bookings based on their schedules. They can also structure their days and hours to fit in other work or education obligations, so they never have to miss out on any opportunities. We are also firm advocates for the rights of domestic workers have a voice and choice, to be treated fairly and to earn a fair wage.
Our hourly rates, currently at R38 per hour with SweepStars earning 80% of the booking fee rank far above any minimum wages as well as above averages paid to domestic workers in any region in the country. This is supplemented by the ability to earn tips to increase take-home pay.
Collectively, SweepStars have worked over 2 million hours in South African households through SweepSouth. However, with the platform, domestic work need not be a destination, but can also be a stepping-stone for SweepStars to pursue their dreams.
Increased earnings rates and our flexible model, as well as a focus on digital learning, and professionalism have given many SweepStars the opportunity to further their lives. We are already engaging numerous online course providers to provide SweepStars with educational resources like basic skills and vocational training.
In addition, we are working with partners to provide free access for SweepStars to benefits and medical resources, as well as low-cost banking options as part of a drive towards financial inclusivity and financial literacy.
The industry still has a long way to go, of course, and SweepSouth is by no means the only solution. But I believe we are moving in the direction of positive change as we continue to innovate to improve the livelihoods of all South Africans, especially the most vulnerable. With a unique business model and a thoroughly engaged and energetic team, we will continue to be a positive force in helping to empower the economically vulnerable in South Africa.
- by Aisha Pandor, co-founder and CEO of SweepSouth.