On becoming a domestic worker the case of Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

Abstract

This research unpacked the challenges experienced by domestic workers in the  Mpumalanga province of South Africa. Domestic workers play a pivotal role in  supporting the labour market and economy. However, this work is often gender  biased. The research pursued a gendered approach in an attempt to examine the  challenges faced by domestic workers in the area. A qualitative research approach was used in the investigation. The findings of the study are that harassment of  domestic workers at their workplace affects their lives negatively as they often lose concentration and become unproductive and ineffective at work. The study results showed that domestic workers from rural areas face more challenges than domestic workers from urban areas. This is due to the fact that their conditions in urban areas are more improved than in rural areas. The study also established that domestic workers resort to keeping quiet and do not communicate with their employers for fear that they will be victimized. However, some of them pointed out that they exercise patience when dealing with their employers because of fear of losing their jobs. The research also established that domestic workers are the most oppressed and exploited sector of the economy in South Africa.

Key Words: Domestic Work, Patriarchy, Gender, Feminism, Documented Workers, Dignified Labour.