Domestic workers in Lenasia reveal exploitation to COSATU
According to Gertrude Mtsweni, COSATU’s national general co-ordinator, the union encourages workers to join, emphasising that some battles cannot be fought alone. Mtsweni stated that the union plans to educate workers about South African labour laws and collaborate with the Department of Labour and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) to address registration concerns.
Lenasia, a suburb known for its numerous businesses and middle-class households, is classified as an economic hub. This classification is due to the wide range of employment opportunities it offers, ranging from domestic work and factory jobs to graduate professions. These opportunities attract people from within and outside the area to shop, conduct business, and work. On the other hand, adherence to South Africa’s labour laws and exploitation by employers remains a pressing concern for employees.
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The labour laws, primarily governed by the Labour Relations Act (LRA) and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), encompass regulations regarding employment contracts, working hours, minimum wage, workplace safety, termination procedures, discrimination prevention, collective bargaining rights, trade union activities, and the right to strike.
These laws aim to ensure fair treatment and protection for employees within the workplace.
Following everyday conversations, a group of domestic workers employed in households in Lenasia, who shared their daily challenges and concerns regarding unapplied labour laws and exploitation by their employers, decided to take action. This move comes after the Employment and Labour Minister, Nomakhosazana Meth, announced the new rate of adjustment on February 4, 2025. According to the announcement, the National Minimum Wage (NMW) will increase from R27.58 to R28.79 for each ordinary hour worked, effective March 1, 2025.
Some domestic workers escalated their grievances to the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), which promptly assigned the matter to the South African Domestic Service and Allied Workers Union (SADSAWU). On Sunday, February 2, 2025, the group met with COSATU representatives from national, provincial, and local levels, and SADSAWU members, at the Greyville Swimming Pool in Extension 2, Lenasia.
The COSATU representatives in attendance included Gertrude Mtsweni, national general co-ordinator, Itumeleng Moloantoa, provincial educator organiser, and Tshepo Tshabalala, deputy chairperson of the Lenasia branch. SADSAWU’s chairperson, Maria Thupa, said, “As we were assigned to the Lenasia case, this was to give the workers a breakdown of their rights as employees and be able to help them, and importantly, to represent them.”
The meeting was open to all domestic workers, regardless of nationality. During the meeting, workers shared their specific grievances. The workers’ grievances were similar, citing ill-treatment, requests to report to work while sick or immediately after seeking medical attention, long working hours, sudden added responsibilities, denied leave days, and low salaries.
According to Gertrude Mtsweni, COSATU’s national general co-ordinator, the union encourages workers to join, emphasising that some battles cannot be fought alone. Mtsweni stated that the union plans to educate workers about South African labour laws and collaborate with the Department of Labour and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) to address registration concerns.
As it is known that the situation in Lenasia is complex, with many occupants from foreign nations lacking proper South African documentation, Mtsweni acknowledged it, stating that the Department of Labour will conduct house-to-house inspections to ensure compliance with labour laws. It was also said that the undocumented workers will be addressed by the Department of Home Affairs. Mtsweni emphasised that anyone can join the union, including domestic workers from foreign nations, as long as they have proper South African documentation.
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The meeting concluded with plans for a follow-up meeting, where the Department of Labour will address the situation. COSATU’s Lenasia deputy chairperson, Tshepo Tshabalala, confirmed that the local office is currently dealing with similar matters on a one-on-one basis.
This is a developing story.
