Labor rights advocacy organizations celebrate the fourth annual Mahlangu event and announce an action plan to strengthen the protection of domestic workers' rights in South Africa
Organization: Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (SERI)
On November 19, 2024, major labor rights advocacy organizations in South Africa, along with the government and other key civil society actors, gathered to celebrate the fourth annual Mahlangu event. The event, held to reflect on the state of domestic work in the country and assess the implementation of the Mahlangu v Minister of Labor ruling, brought together experts, trade unions, government representatives, and civil organizations to discuss progress and challenges in improving the working conditions of domestic workers.
On this occasion, the participating organizations—SERI, SADSAWU, UDWOSA, and IZWI—presented a detailed analysis of the issues faced by domestic workers in South Africa, highlighting the barriers to accessing their labor rights. Key topics addressed during the event included claims under the Occupational Injuries and Diseases Compensation Act (COIDA), registrations in the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), and violations of labor rights. Possible policy reforms and the urgent need to strengthen the protection of domestic workers, especially regarding the effective implementation of existing laws, were discussed.
As a result of the event, participants agreed on an action plan to improve domestic workers' labor conditions over the next two years (2025–2026). The plan focuses on strengthening the monitoring and enforcement of labor legislation in the sector, counteracting the culture of non-compliance that has prevailed among some employers. The Department of Employment and Labor, in collaboration with various organizations, will implement a strategy to raise public awareness, impose penalties on non-compliant employers, and create more effective mechanisms for domestic workers to access their rights.
It was agreed to establish a working group focused on law enforcement in the domestic labor sector, which will meet periodically with the Department of Employment and Labor and other government entities. This group will discuss crucial issues such as inspections in private homes, penalties for non-compliant employers, and specific challenges faced by migrant workers.
Despite ongoing advocacy efforts, the participating organizations acknowledge that the implementation of policies has been slow and inconsistent. The lack of urgency in implementing key reforms by the government and the resistance from some employers to comply with labor laws are persistent obstacles. One of the issues to address is the complex administrative processes for COIDA and UIF claims, which continue to hinder domestic workers' access to their rights.
At this event, participants committed to continuing to pressure the government to improve the enforcement of labor laws and ensure that domestic workers receive the protection they are entitled to. Further meetings with the Department of Employment and Labor, the creation of a helpdesk to facilitate registrations and support for domestic workers, and the organization of awareness campaigns in collaboration with the government are planned. Additionally, the organizations are working on a social media campaign to reinforce their message and raise awareness about domestic workers' rights.
“The Mahlangu event has been a crucial step forward in the fight for domestic workers' labor rights in South Africa. We are committed to continuing to pressure the government and working collectively to ensure that significant reforms are implemented to improve domestic workers' working conditions. Justice and equity are fundamental for a better South Africa for all,” stated a spokesperson for the organizations.