SEBOKENG.- The rights of domestic workers do not differ from those of any other employee in the country.

This was made clear when officials from the United Domestic Workers of South Africa (UDWOSA) visited domestic workers in Sebokeng on Sunday. The visit was aimed at helping the workers become aware of their rights. Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, UDWOSA’s Founder and President, Pinky Mashiane said that domestic workers have been exploited for a long time because they were not aware of their rights. Mashiane said domestic workers are not only limited to household ‘helpers’ but also include amongst others guest house employees, lodge employees, shop employees and B&B employees amongst others.

“For a long time, our people have been exploited without knowing their rights. We have also been excluded from many meetings and negotiations by people who were supposed to be representing us. Now it is our time to stand up and speak our mind. We too have rights, it is high time that we get rid of the fear of our employers fearing that we will be fired, and speak our mind,” Mashiane said.

Amongst the issues that Mashiane and her entourage made those who were in attendance aware of were issues such as the compensation fund, injuries at work, working overtime, working in hazardous situations, working with hazardous material, and working in an unhealthy and dangerous environment.

“Workers have a right to know about these things and domestic workers are no different from anybody else. They too are human beings, they come from families that expects them to come back in a safe and healthy condition. They should never let themselves be exploited and they should know about what will happen to them in cases of deaths, injuries and contracting diseases,” Mashiane said.

Mashiane also stressed to those in attendance that they should not be afraid to speak out against abuse, overwork, or underpayment.

“It is high time that we speak out, the time for fear is over. We should never be overworked underpaid or victimized.”