Ask Mandla about…
The questions households actually ask us, answered plainly. Whatever your situation, Mandla points you the right way, and we handle the admin behind it.
We haven’t written that one up yet.
Ask Mandla directly and you’ll get an answer on your exact situation, right in the chat.
Ask Mandla on WhatsApp →When a job has to end
Can I dismiss a worker who is too ill to keep working?
Yes, but it must be handled as an incapacity process: get the medical assessment, look at whether the work can be adapted or lightened, and follow a fair procedure before ending it. We walk you through each step and do the paperwork.
I can no longer afford my worker. How do I retrench fairly?
Retrenchment has its own steps, and severance is owed: one week’s pay for every completed year. We help you do it lawfully and work out exactly what is due.
My worker resigned. What do I owe on the final payslip?
The days worked, plus any leave not yet taken. We calculate it, issue the final payslip, and give them the UI-19 they need to claim from UIF.
How much notice do we have to give each other?
It is tiered: one week in the first six months, two weeks up to a year, four weeks after that. It is written into the contract, and we hold both sides to it.
Do I need to give warnings before dismissing for misconduct?
Usually, yes. We help you issue a proper written warning and keep the record, so that if it does come to a dismissal, it is fair and it holds up.
My worker stopped coming to work. Can I treat it as resignation?
Not automatically. There is a fair way to handle abandonment before you end the job. We guide the steps so you do not create a claim against yourself.
The monthly things
What must I pay my domestic worker in 2026?
At least R30.23 an hour from 1 March 2026. Use our free wage check for a fair rate for the days and the hours, then we set it up.
How many leave days does my worker get?
At least 15 working days of paid annual leave a year for a five-day week, plus sick leave and family-responsibility leave. We track the balance for you.
Is a 13th cheque or bonus compulsory?
No, the law does not require it. If you choose to pay one, we add it to the payslip correctly so the tax and UIF still work out.
When is she paid if the 25th is a Sunday or public holiday?
We move payday to the last working day before, so she is never paid late and the record stays clean.
Can I deduct for a loan, an advance, or breakages?
Loans and advances yes, by agreement. Deductions for damage or breakages are tightly limited by law. We apply whatever is agreed on the payslip the lawful way.
My worker needs proof of income for a bank or landlord.
Every payslip we issue is verifiable proof of income. The bank can confirm it with us directly, so she does not have to ask you for a letter.
Compliance, handled for you
How do I register my worker for UIF?
We do it for you and file the monthly declarations. You just tell us the pay; the 1% plus 1% is worked out and shown on the payslip.
What is COIDA, and do I need it?
It covers your worker if they are injured on the job at your home. The registration and the annual Return of Earnings are things our team handles behind the scenes.
Do I really need a written contract?
Yes, the law requires one. We draw up a proper BCEA contract from a short WhatsApp chat, and both of you sign it in the app.
Can I put a new worker on probation?
Yes. We set a fair probation term in the contract and explain what you can and cannot do during it.
When it is not straightforward
My worker is from another country. Can I employ them properly?
Yes. With a valid permit or asylum document we set up the contract, UIF where it applies, and payslips, all above board.
My worker passed away. What do I need to do?
There is a final payslip and a UIF process for the family. We help you handle it properly and with dignity.
My worker is pregnant. How does maternity leave work?
She is entitled to up to four months of maternity leave and can claim from UIF for it. We record it and prepare her UIF paperwork.
My worker was injured while working. What now?
If they are registered for COIDA, they can claim for the injury and any lost pay. We help you lodge it with the Compensation Fund.
These are the common ones. You can ask Mandla anything about employing someone in your home: if it is something we handle, we sort it; if it is guidance you need, we point you the right way. AskMandla processes employment admin and does not provide legal advice.