The Department of Labour continues to brief and educate employers and employees on the new national minimum wage (NMW) which is set to come into effect from 1 May 2018. The Law Focus show seeks answers on the implementation of this new wage as well as the working rights of domestic workers. The show talks to a researcher at the Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa, Kelebogile Khunou about the history of domestic work and why it continues to be exploitive. Even with the anticipated wage increase domestic workers will earn only 75% of the NMW of R3, 500 due to the higher risk of unemployment if the minimum wage is too high. CEO of SweepSouth, Aisha Pandor and the South African Domestic Service and Allied Workers Union’s organiser, Gloria Kente both agree that the minimum wage is disgracefully low. The show also talks to Legal Aid labour lawyer, Jabulile Duba about how they can legally assist domestic workers to protect themselves from unconducive working conditions in accordance to the Basic Conditions of Employment Act. This edition of Law Focus is produced by Bulali Dyakopu and hosted by Basil Sherinda. Consultant produced by Khutso Tsikane and Executive produced by Lerato Makate. Technical production by Kutlwano Gwinch Serame
