Written Particulars of Employment for Domestic Workers: What SD7 Requires

Clause 9 of Sectoral Determination 7: Domestic Worker Sector (SD7), made under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, says an employer must give a domestic worker certain particulars in writing when they start work (SD7 Government Gazette text, PDF (gov.za)). Most households put these into an employment contract.

1. Your full name and address (the employer)
2. The worker's name and occupation, or a brief description of the work
3. The place of work (and other places, if they work at more than one)
4. The date employment began
5. Ordinary hours and days of work
6. The wage, or the rate and method of payment
7. The overtime rate
8. Any other cash payments the worker is entitled to
9. Any payment in kind (for example accommodation or meals) and its value
10. How often wages are paid
11. Any deductions from wages
12. The leave the worker is entitled to
13. The notice period to end employment, or the end date if it's a fixed-term job

SD7 says that if the worker can't understand the particulars, the employer must make sure they are explained in a language and manner the worker understands. Take the time to go through it together.

• The employer signs the written particulars and any changes to them (clause 9(4)).
• You may ask the worker to acknowledge receipt in writing on a copy, or record that they received a copy (clause 9(5)).
• Update it when terms change, for example a new wage, different days or new duties.
• Keep a copy while the worker is employed and for three years after employment ends (clause 9(6)).

The minimum standards in SD7, the BCEA and the National Minimum Wage apply whether or not anything is written down, and SD7 clause 9 still requires the written particulars. Without anything in writing, it's much harder for either side to show what was agreed if there's a disagreement later.

• Pay statement on each pay day (SD7 clause 6; DEL Basic Guide to Pay Slips (Domestic Workers) (labour.gov.za).aspx)).
• UIF registration if the worker works more than 24 hours a month for you (How do I register my domestic worker with the UIF? (gov.za)).
• Minimum wage: R30.23 an hour from 1 March 2026 (NMW Amendment 2026, Government Gazette (labour.gov.za)).

HouseholdSure SA is an online membership that helps households employ a domestic worker properly. Members get guided UIF capture with status tracking, employment contract templates their worker can view and sign, a secure document vault, basic legal support (general guidance and checklists, not legal advice; escalated matters are quoted separately by a partner) and WhatsApp updates. We help with the admin, but we can't guarantee the outcome of any registration, claim or dispute. The contract template covers the items above, your worker can view and sign it on their own profile, and the signed copy is stored in your vault, ready if you ever need it.

See also: Domestic worker employment contract guide.

Plans for household employers (prices include VAT where applicable):

Cancel any time, with no penalty or early-termination fee: from My Membership in your account, or by emailing cancellations@householdsuresa.co.za. Your membership stays active until the end of the current billing period, and partial months aren't refunded unless the law requires it (Refund & Cancellation Policy, sections 3–4; Terms, section 12.1). Full details: householdsuresa.co.za/pricing

Ready to get it in order? Sign up as an employer or compare plans. Questions? WhatsApp +27 64 511 0503 or call 087 265 0015 (Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00).

• Sectoral Determination 7: Domestic Worker Sector (gov.za)
• SD7 Government Gazette text, PDF (gov.za)
• Basic Conditions of Employment Act (gov.za)
• DEL Basic Guide to Pay Slips (Domestic Workers) (labour.gov.za).aspx)
• How do I register my domestic worker with the UIF? (gov.za)
• NMW Amendment 2026, Government Gazette (labour.gov.za)

General information, not legal advice. Laws and amounts change; check the official sources linked above. Last checked: 15 Oct 2026.

HHSSA Team · HOUSEHOLDSURE SA (PTY) LTD · Reg. 2026/656725/07 · Information Officer, HouseholdSure SA · info@householdsuresa.co.za · Privacy