By Own Correspondent

A total 64% of domestic workers in South Africa are of Zimbabwean origin, who deserted their country in search of better living conditions beyond the borders.

Official records show that Zimbabweans are leaving their country primarily for economic reasons, such as seeking better livelihood opportunities and employment, and for educational purposes.

Other major drivers include political factors like human rights violations and political violence, and the desire to join family members already abroad. These issues are compounded by the country's economic instability and debt. 

South African home services platform SweepSouth has released the results of its 2025 survey of 5,000 domestic workers, providing new data on the sector’s demographics and distribution.

According to the report, staggering 92% of domestic workers surveyed are women, men make up just 7%, while 1% of respondents identified as other or preferred not to disclose their gender.

“64% of domestic workers are Zimbabwean nationals, followed by 31% South Africans, with smaller numbers from Malawi (2%), Lesotho (1%), and other countries (1%).Domestic workers are heavily concentrated in South Africa’s economic hubs. Gauteng accounts for 57% of respondents, followed by Western Cape at 38%, and KwaZulu-Natal at 4%,” the report says.

The median age of domestic workers is 38, with respondents ranging from 26 to 61 years old.

Despite the lucrative opportunities in neighbouring South Africa, Zimbabweans living in the neighbouring country face a number of challenges.

Zimbabwean domestic workers in South Africa face significant challenges including exploitation, low wages, and poor working conditions like long hours and unpaid salaries. They are also vulnerable to abuse, xenophobia, and discrimination, and face legal and documentation hurdles that increase job insecurity and prevent them from accessing benefits like social security and healthcare.

Additionally, many experience immense stress from family separation and the inability to support their families back home.