SweepSouth, the leading online platform for domestic cleaning services, has released its sixth annual domestic worker survey for 2023, painting a concerning picture for domestic workers in South Africa. The data indicates that an increasing number of households are leaving the country, resulting in job losses and uncertainty for domestic workers who heavily rely on these employment opportunities.
The survey, which drew responses from domestic workers across the country, revealed that the ongoing trend of households emigrating from South Africa is impacting the demand for domestic services. As more families pack their bags and seek opportunities elsewhere, the domestic job market is experiencing a significant decline.
According to the data, approximately 60% of recorded domestic worker job losses were due to their employers emigrating. This figure reflects a troubling reality for thousands of individuals who rely on domestic work for their livelihoods.
This trend has concerning implications for domestic workers in South Africa, highlights the difficult situation they face. As more households emigrate, it directly affects the demand for domestic services, leading to job losses and financial strain for these workers and their families.
The COVID-19 pandemic and its economic repercussions have further exacerbated the challenges faced by domestic workers. The pandemic forced many businesses to downsize or close, impacting job security across various sectors, including domestic services.
While the migration trend may be driven by a range of factors, such as economic opportunities abroad, safety concerns, and political uncertainty, its impact on the domestic job market cannot be ignored. The loss of employment opportunities in the domestic sector has far-reaching consequences for the affected workers and their families.