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Editorial:Domestic workers in the Dark Ages

Nie Cele

Nie Cele

That domestic workers are exploited worse than before is most disturbing. Many are tasked with playing security guard, house executive and managing director when the boss is away, and deserve utmost respect.

In some homes they are forced to be the ‘master’s’ sex partner, with the full knowledge of the ‘madam’. And if they don’t keep quiet and endure it they’re just shown the door.

Government urgently needs to allocate them RDP housing. By not staying on the employer’s property they won’t be as beholden to the boss, and ‘willing’ to stand for abuse.

Department of Labour spokesmen say they can’t monitor or investigate this, a lame excuse considering it has the power, resources and the law on its side.

The country currently celebrates the 20-year anniversary of the release of our first democratic president, But domestic workers remain imprisoned?

Imagine, in this democratic day and age, a domestic worker telling her children she is quitting her job because her boss sexually abuses her and forces her to work overtime without pay? Some employers need to change their mindsets fast finish and klaar.

citybeat@caxton.co.za

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