Our Story

Why We Built This

Millions of South African households employ domestic workers, yet the vast majority are unaware of their full legal obligations as employers. This leaves both the employer and the worker exposed — financially and legally.

Home Workers was born from a simple idea: make compliance easy, affordable, and accessible to every household. We guide you step by step — from generating work contracts to registering with the Department of Labour and tracking weekly payments.

Our Values

What Drives Us

• Simplicity — We remove complexity so you can focus on what matters.
• Compliance — We keep you on the right side of South African labour law.
• Transparency — No hidden fees. Clear, honest pricing.
• Support — We are here to help whenever you need us.
• Worker Dignity — Proper records protect your workers too.

Introduction

Peace of Mind

Navigating the complexities of South African labour law shouldn't be a burden for your household. Home Workers was created to bridge the gap between busy homeowners and the strict legal requirements of employing domestic staff. Whether you employ a housekeeper, a gardener, or a caregiver, our mission is to ensure that both you and your employees are protected, compliant, and empowered.

True peace of mind comes from knowing that every contract, payment, and registration is handled with professional precision. By centralizing your domestic management in one easy-to-use platform, we remove the guesswork from compliance. From the moment of hire to the submission of annual returns, we provide the digital tools and expert guidance necessary to foster a fair and legally sound working environment.

In today's regulatory landscape, domestic employment is no longer an informal private arrangement; it is a statutory relationship with significant responsibilities. Home Workers simplifies this transition by automating legal documents and tracking critical deadlines. We allow you to focus on your home life while we ensure you stay on the right side of the law, protecting you from the risk of expensive fines and legal disputes.

The Law

Background

For decades, domestic workers in South Africa operated in a regulatory grey area, often excluded from the protections afforded to corporate employees. This changed significantly in recent years as the government integrated domestic staff into the broader legislative framework. Today, employers are legally obligated to treat their private residences as formal workplaces, adhering to the same standards of insurance and fair pay as any business.

One of the most critical shifts occurred with the inclusion of domestic workers under the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA). As of 2026, household employers are strictly required to register their workers with the Compensation Fund to cover workplace injuries or diseases. Failure to comply no longer just risks a court case; it now triggers immediate, substantial administrative fines that can equal up to 10% of your annual earnings or the full cost of a worker's medical compensation.

Furthermore, the National Minimum Wage is strictly enforced and reviewed annually. As of 1 March 2026, the minimum wage for domestic workers has been increased to R30.23 per hour. This rate is a non-negotiable legal 'floor' - it cannot be lowered by private agreement or contract. Paying below this rate is a criminal offense and can lead to severe penalties from the Department of Employment and Labour inspectorate.

Beyond pay and injury insurance, the law mandates thorough record-keeping and social security contributions. Every domestic worker must have a written contract specifying hours, duties, and leave. Additionally, employers must register for and contribute to the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), submitting monthly declarations to ensure workers have a safety net in the event of unemployment or maternity leave.