Number of domestic workers in South Africa has declined

[James]

The number of domestic workers in South Africa has declined over the past 10 years, a survey has found.

The SA Institute of Race Relations (SAIRR) found that the number of domestic workers had fallen from 1,215,000 in 2003 to 1,153,000 in 2012.

This was a five percent decrease.

SAIRR researcher Georgina Alexander said the decrease was significant because the country's middle class had increased over the same period.
...read more here: Number of domestic workers in South Africa has declined

 

[Lycanthrope]

I think that many of the younger generation are happy to take care of their homes themselves. I'm also sure many others simply aren't prepared to risk a stranger in their home.

 

[goldfritter]

This is actually a worrisome sign. Domestic workers represent a real employment opportunity; if the relationship is covered by a contract then it's solid, safe employment. It also shows South Africans have less disposable income to spend on this kind of luxury.

That said, I'm sure everybody has a horror story or two to share about domestic workers... My favourite is the domestic who stole a pair of earrings, and then proceeded to wear them in front of her employer ("they were in the waste-basket so I thought you didn't want them any more.")

 

[Pew]

That said, I'm sure everybody has a horror story or two to share about domestic workers... My favourite is the domestic who stole a pair of earrings, and then proceeded to wear them in front of her employer ("they were in the waste-basket so I thought you didn't want them any more.")

It's amazing how that one always comes up - a true classic!

My aunt recently moved to a new home and while they were packing they told their domestic she could have their old stove. A little while after that they were getting ready to pack the rest of their kitchen and noticed that their brand new microwave was gone. They searched all over and found it in a pile near their gardeners belongings. His excuse was that the domestic was getting something so he could get something too...

On a serious note, the costs of food, petrol, electricity, etc. have skyrocketed in the last few years and have really done a number on the middle class. Domestics are the first to go when finances get tough. The whole provision of UIF and need for employers to register domestics and all that jazz is also a strong deterrent. A lot of people make the mistake and think they can get away without doing all that admin but if the domestic turns on them then the domestic wins hands down.

But ja, we only have a domestic around once a week and that's more than enough. No admin, not too much spent and the place stays in order