FOR YOUR HOUSEHOLD · DOMESTIC EMPLOYERS
Employing someone at home? Five things make it legal.
Most households that employ a domestic worker, gardener or nanny are unknowingly non compliant, not negligent; nobody ever told them the rules. Here they are, without judgment, plus a kit that sorts the whole thing for you.
R30.23minimum wage per hour from 1 March 2026
24 hoursa month of work before UIF becomes compulsory
2%of the wage to UIF: half you, half the worker
5 dutieswage, UIF, COIDA, written terms and payslips
The five duties, in plain words
- Minimum wage: R30.23 per hour from 1 March 2026 (about R5 894 for a full 45 hour week). Below that is unlawful even by agreement.
- UIF: compulsory once they work more than 24 hours a month; 2% of the wage (1% you, 1% them) via uFiling, monthly. It funds their unemployment and maternity benefits.
- COIDA: households must register with the Compensation Fund since the Constitutional Court's Mahlangu ruling; an injury at your home is then the Fund's bill, not yours.
- Written particulars: hours, wage, overtime at 1.5 times, leave and notice, given in writing and explained in a language the worker understands.
- Payslips: a simple written statement with every payment. It protects both of you.
The done for you kit
The Employer Admin pack (R1 250) covers the UIF, COIDA and SARS registrations done for you under your written authority, with the contract and payslip templates included. Just need the paperwork? The employment contract (R290) and payslip template are sold singly with instant delivery.
Wage per the national minimum wage gazetted for 2026; UIF and COIDA duties per the Unemployment Insurance and COID Acts and the Mahlangu judgment. Free tools are estimates and guidance, not legal advice.