Bunjiwe Mkwananzi
Amos Mpofu [email protected]
THE Domestic Workers Association of Zimbabwe (DWAZ) has welcomed the Government’s decision to review and standardise minimum wages for domestic workers, describing the move as a major step towards recognising the value of domestic work and promoting fair labour practices.
Last month, Cabinet approved revised minimum wages and related conditions of employment for domestic workers and employees in unclassified operations.
Under the new wage structure, yard workers and gardeners will earn a minimum of US$90 per month, while cooks and housekeepers will receive at least US$99. Child minders and carers for persons with disabilities and the elderly will earn a minimum of US$108, while caregivers with a Red Cross certificate will receive at least US$117 per month.
The review is expected to benefit thousands of workers employed in households and unclassified operations across the country while providing employers with a clear wage framework in line with labour regulations, as announced by the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Zhemu Soda.
DWAZ National Coordinator Ms Mendy Lerato Lusaba said the wage review was long overdue and acknowledged the vital contribution domestic workers make to families and the economy.
“Domestic workers play a vital role in supporting families and the economy, and setting a minimum wage for them helps to protect them from exploitation and unfair pay,” she said.
While welcoming the development, Ms Lusaba cautioned that the new minimum wages could quickly lose value if they are not reviewed regularly to keep pace with the rising cost of living.
“There has been an outcry over the low minimum wage before this review. However, it reflects the current economic situation in the country,” she said.
“The outlook is dark and many people, including civil servants, are earning meagre wages. However, we remain hopeful because this is only a minimum wage, meaning the sky is the limit.”
She urged employers not to use the revised wage structure as a justification for reducing salaries of workers already earning above the prescribed minimum.
“With the new minimum wage now in place, any domestic worker who is already earning above that level should not be subjected to a decrease in salary. Instead, employers should strive to pay above this minimum in honour of these people’s work.”
Ms Lusaba also appealed to Government to consider broader salary adjustments across the public sector, noting that improvements in public sector wages often have a positive ripple effect across the labour market.
“A poorly paid employer cannot afford to pay more to their domestic worker,” she said.
Beyond the wage review, DWAZ called for stronger enforcement of labour laws to safeguard the rights of domestic workers.
The association urged authorities to strengthen compliance monitoring through increased labour inspections, establish accessible reporting mechanisms for workers facing labour violations without fear of victimisation, and intensify public awareness campaigns on workers’ rights and responsibilities.
Ms Lusaba also called for the full operationalisation of mandatory written employment contracts for domestic workers.
“We are respectfully requesting the Government to operationalise the enforcement of written contracts for domestic workers so that duties, wages, working hours, leave entitlements and termination procedures are clearly set out and better understood by both parties,” she said.
The association further appealed for expanded social protection for domestic workers.
“We are asking for the Government to enforce the extension of access to social protection, including pensions, health insurance, paid leave, maternity protection and compensation for workplace injuries.”
Ms Lusaba said the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) should play a more active role by simplifying registration processes, expanding coverage and making it easier for employers and employees to contribute to social security schemes.
“This speaks to encouraging NSSA to work closely with domestic workers’ organisations and employers to design affordable and practical social protection arrangements that reflect the realities of domestic work, including old-age pensions, medical support, maternity benefits and injury compensation,” she said.
She added that Government should continue engaging domestic workers’ organisations and employers during future wage reviews and labour policy reforms.
“We believe that fair wages, together with effective enforcement, stronger NSSA involvement and comprehensive labour protections, will contribute to decent work, improved livelihoods and greater respect for domestic workers across Zimbabwe,” said Ms Lusaba.
Colletta Dube