Yes. If you already have a signed employment contract in place with your domestic worker, you can upload and use it with AskMandla. Before you do, it is worth understanding why the AskMandla contract is usually the safer choice for both you and your worker.
What you can do with your own contract
If you have an existing contract, AskMandla lets you:
- Upload the signed document
- Store it securely in the employee's profile
- Access it any time via WhatsApp
Why we usually recommend against your own contract
Custom or downloaded contract templates often:
- Miss key legal requirements, such as sick leave rules and notice periods
- Lack UIF clauses and compliance wording
- Do not track leave or working hours properly
- Are not digitally signed or stored safely
These gaps can lead to legal disputes, non-compliance, or problems with UIF claims later.
What is better about the AskMandla contract
Our contracts are:
- 100% compliant with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA)
- Customised to your worker's hours, pay, and role
- Updated if the law changes
- Stored and delivered via WhatsApp
- Signed digitally by both parties, with no printer needed
They include sections on:
- Leave entitlements (annual, sick, family)
- UIF
- Payment structure
- Working hours and overtime
- Disciplinary procedures
It is the same contract a labour lawyer would draft, and it is built into our system for free.
What if I want to change something?
You can edit certain terms during the onboarding process:
- Adjust the number of annual leave days
- Choose between weekly, daily, or monthly pay
- Add custom duties or notes in the job description
If you want to make bigger changes, our team can help you add a custom clause to the generated contract.
How to upload your own contract
If you are set on using your own document:
1. Let AskMandla know during onboarding
2. We will prompt you to upload the signed PDF
3. We will store it in the employee's profile
4. You can still use the rest of the platform, such as payslips and leave tracking
Just note that we cannot guarantee legal compliance if the document was not generated through our system.
Our recommendation
Use the AskMandla contract. It is legally solid, easy to update, and built for domestic workers and their employers. If you have already signed your own, you are welcome to keep using it, and we will still help you stay compliant with everything else.
AskMandla service terms still apply
Even if you upload your own contract, both you and your employee will be asked to agree to AskMandla's service terms via WhatsApp. These terms cover:
- How salary payments are handled
- Subscription billing and deductions
- Use of WhatsApp for payslips, records, and leave
- Help with UIF admin
- Confidentiality and data handling
This means AskMandla can still serve you fully and protects both parties legally.