The Sunday News
Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
THE Government has gazetted new salary scales for domestic workers who include housekeepers, cooks and gardeners with basic pay ranging from $10 000 to $11 576.
According to the newly gazetted Labour Employment Regulation Number 21 of 2022, a gardener is entitled to $10 000 a month, a housekeeper, $10 500 while those who take care of the old and disabled should be paid $11 025 and those with a Red Cross Certificate or equivalent should get $11 576,25.
These wages are for live-in employees as those who reside out of work premises should be paid an extra $4 000 for accommodation and transport. Gardeners will also receive $50,50 per hour while child minders get $55,68.
However, domestic workers interviewed said they needed to be paid more, or in foreign currency.
Ms Sizalokuhle Ndlovu from Mpopoma, said she can longer afford to work full time and would rather scout for piece jobs in town.
“I have since decided that I come and look for piece jobs on the road where I charge R100 or US$10 depending on the amount of work to be done on that day. I think that way I can make more money to sustain my family as compared to being a live-in or full time domestic worker,” said Ms Ndlovu.
