Domestic Worker Rights in South Africa: A Plain-English Guide (2026)

Under Sectoral Determination 7 (SD7) and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), people who work in a private household, such as housekeepers, nannies, gardeners, drivers and carers, are domestic workers.

Domestic workers are covered by the national minimum wage. The rate is usually adjusted from 1 March each year, so check the current rate published by the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL).

A maximum of 45 ordinary hours a week, overtime at 1.5×, 3 weeks' (21 consecutive days') annual leave, sick leave of up to 30 days per 36-month cycle, and family responsibility leave.

Employers must register domestic workers who work more than 24 hours a month for UIF.

Domestic workers are also covered by COIDA, which employers register for with the Compensation Fund. HouseholdSure SA does not handle COIDA.

Workers are entitled to written particulars of employment. A simple contract protects both sides.

Employers get guided UIF registration and tracking, contract templates and a secure document vault. Workers can get their own profile.

• Employer — Individual (1 worker): R179/month + R199 once-off setup = R378 first payment
• Employer — Duo (up to 2 workers): R299/month + R199 setup = R498 first payment
• Employer — Team: R99 per active worker/month + R199 setup (1 worker = R298 first payment)
• Employee Self-Serve (for domestic workers): R49/month + R25 once-off setup = R74 first payment

See plans

Sources: Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) · DEL: NMW & Sectoral Determinations · Sectoral Determination 7 (SD7): Domestic Worker Sector (gov.za)

Last checked: 14 Oct 2026. This article is general information, not legal advice.