13 Jul 2014

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Peter Siele has told Parliament that the minimum wage for domestic workers was first introduced in April 1, 2008 and for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 the rate was P2.10 per hour.

He said in 2012, the rate was increased by nine per cent to P2.30 per hour and in 2013 it was increased by seven per cent to P2.50 per hour. The minister stated that the current minimum wage rate for domestic workers was P2.70 per hour and the rate came in to effect in June 1.

He said once approved by cabinet, the minimum wage rates were published in the government Gazette as well as in both print and broadcast media.

Mr Siele said the ministry also publicised the rates through the Tsa Pereko radio programme, kgotla meetings and other public education campaigns.

He stated that adjustments are also placed on all notice boards of the 23 district labour offices, eight regional labour offices as well as at the head office.

The minister said labour inspections were conducted to ensure that employers keep proper records of domestic workers’ leave days and severance benefits.

The minister was responding on behalf of the Minister of Labour and Home Affairs,  Mr Edwin Batshu, who was asked by MP for Shoshong, Mr Phillip Makgalemele to state the minimum wage for domestic workers and how the wages have evolved over the last five years until December 2013.

Mr Makgalemele asked the Minister to state how the rates are publicised to ensure that they are widely known to domestic workers and their employers.

In addition, MP Makgalemele asked the minister to state the processes in place if any to ensure that employers keep proper records for the domestic workers’ leave days and severance benefits.
ENDS