Domestic workers in cities must earn at least R2,065.47 a month: minister

Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant has upwardly adjusted domestic workers' annual wages in line with the new minimum wage, her office said on Tuesday.

"The new sectoral determination of domestic workers starting from 1 December 2014 to 30 November 2015 prescribes the minimum wages for domestic workers who work more than 27 ordinary hours per week," spokesman Mokgadi Pela said in a statement.

This was in accordance with laws protecting workers in sectors where they were exposed to potential exploitation, where worker organisations and trade unions were absent, and workers were not covered by regulating mechanisms.

In major metropolitan areas, domestic workers have an hourly rate of R10.95, the weekly rate is R476.68 and the monthly rate is R2,065.47.

Domestic workers who do not work in major metros have an hourly rate of R9.30, weekly R418.32, and monthly R1,812.57.

Minimum wages for domestic workers from December 1, 2014 to November 30, 2015, working 27 ordinary hours per week or less were also adjusted.

For those in major metropolitan areas the hourly rate is R12.40, weekly R334.74 and monthly R1,450.33.

Those not working in major metros would receive an hourly rate of R10.98, weekly R296.35, and monthly R1,284.09.

This implementation was the last year in the current three-year sectoral determination cycle.

"While the jury is still out on whether sectoral determinations will continue in future, a new debate has started on the possibility of introducing the national minimum wage in South Africa, especially for the vulnerable," Pela said.