Recent reports show that South Africa’s domestic work sector has been hit hard in recent years, affecting hundreds of thousands of workers and their families.
What the Numbers Show
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Nearly 400,000 domestic worker jobs have been lost in the past five years.
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The workforce shrank from about 1.2 million before COVID to just over 839,000 by mid-2025.
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In the most recent financial year alone, 19% of domestic workers lost their jobs.
Why Are Jobs Disappearing?
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Affordability issues: Many households can no longer afford full-time domestic help.
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Relocation: Some employers have emigrated or relocated within South Africa.
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Lifestyle shifts: More families are taking on chores themselves or reducing hours as working from home becomes the norm.
Broader Trends & Impacts
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Since the pandemic, the sector has shrunk by about 160,000 permanent jobs — a 17% decline overall.
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There was a temporary increase of about 21,000 jobs in Q2 2025 (a 2.5% rise compared to the previous quarter), but the long-term trend remains negative.
Summary Table
| Period / Snapshot | Details |
|---|---|
| Pre-COVID Workforce | ~1.2 million domestic worker positions |
| Mid-2025 Workforce | Just over 839,000 positions |
| Five-Year Job Losses | Nearly 400,000 positions lost |
| Causes of Job Losses | Cost, relocation, lifestyle changes |
| Post-Pandemic Permanent Loss | ~160,000 jobs (17% decline) |
| Short-Term Trend (Q2 2025) | +21,000 jobs, but year-on-year still down |
What This Means
This sector — largely staffed by women who are often the main breadwinners in their families — is facing growing insecurity. Economic pressure and lifestyle changes are leaving workers more vulnerable than ever.
What do you think can be done to support domestic workers? Should there be targeted relief, wage subsidies, or retraining programs to help them transition into other sectors like childcare or eldercare? Do you currently employ a domestic worker?
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