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 →These are the closest we have.
If none of them fits your situation, ask Mandla directly and you’ll get an answer 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 if they worked for you longer than four months. We calculate it, issue the final payslip, and complete their UI-19, marked as a resignation. A worker who resigns cannot claim UIF unemployment benefit.
How much notice do we have to give each other?
One week if they have worked for you six months or less, four weeks if longer. It works both ways, 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 word a proper written warning. You give it to your worker and keep a copy, so that if it does come to a dismissal, there is a fair record.
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 once she has worked for you more than four months on at least four days a week. 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?
Ask us on WhatsApp and we will confirm that month’s pay date and funding cut-off for you.
Can I deduct for a loan, an advance, or breakages?
A loan or advance you gave, yes, but no more than one tenth of her wage each payday. Breakages and damage cannot be deducted from a domestic worker’s pay. We apply lawful deductions on the payslip.
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?
If she works 24 hours or more a month for you, you register as a household employer. On the full service we handle the registration with the Department of Employment and Labour, and her UIF each month: the 1% plus 1% is worked out and shown on her payslip. If you only want the registration, our once-off service is R450 per worker at register.askmandla.com, UIF only.
I never paid UIF for my worker. Can it be fixed?
Yes. We work out 2% of her pay for every missed month from her real start date, add the once-off 10% penalty, declare every month under your UIF number so it counts for her, pay it over and follow up with the Department. On the full service there is no extra AskMandla fee for this; on its own, we quote our fee up front. The back contributions and the penalty are paid to the Fund either way.
What is COIDA, and do I need it?
Yes. Every household that employs a domestic worker must register, whatever she earns and however few hours she works. It covers her if she is injured or falls ill because of her work. It costs 1.04% of her yearly wages, never less than R560. On our full service, COIDA registration and the annual Return of Earnings are handled by our team behind the scenes, with no extra fee.
Who files the COIDA Return of Earnings?
On our full service, our team does: we work out the year’s earnings from her payslips and file the return in the Compensation Fund’s window, then tell you the assessment to pay within 30 days. Otherwise the household files it itself on the Compensation Fund’s ROE Online. Outstanding 2025 and earlier returns must be filed before 31 October 2026.
Do I really need a written contract?
Yes, the law requires the terms in writing. We draw up a proper contract that meets the rules for domestic workers 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, if they have a document that allows them to work here, such as a valid permit or an asylum permit endorsed for work. Then we set up the contract, UIF and payslips the same as for anyone, 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 at least 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?
The Compensation Fund pays their medical costs. If the doctor books them off for more than three days, you pay their compensation for that time off for the first three months yourself, and the Fund pays you back. You must report the accident to the Compensation Fund within 7 days of finding out about it. A household that never registered can be made to pay a penalty as large as the compensation. We talk you through the steps.
Guides that match your search
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.