Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189) - South Africa (Ratification: 2013)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2023, published 112nd ILC session (2024)

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Article 3(2)(a) of the Convention. Freedom of association and collective bargaining. In its report submitted in 2021, the Government reiterates that the rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining of workers, including domestic workers, are protected under the Constitution of South Africa and under the Labour Relations Act No. 66 of 1995 (as amended). Regarding the establishment of bargaining councils in the domestic work sector, the Government indicates that this should be a voluntary endeavour by the concerned parties. The Government acknowledges that, due to the nature of their work, it is difficult for domestic workers to exercise their organization rights, such as electing representatives. The Government thus considers that the traditional model of collective bargaining “might sometimes be unlikely to succeed” in the domestic work sector. The Government indicates that it has therefore adopted the Basic Conditions of Employment Act No. 75 of 1997, which provides domestic workers with the same baseline of rights and protections as other workers. The Committee recalls that Article 3 of Convention, requires taking measures to respect, promote and realize the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining of domestic workers. Paragraph 2(b) of Recommendation No. 201 accompanying the Convention invites Governments to give consideration to taking or supporting measures to strengthen the capacity of workers’ and employers’ organizations and organizations representing domestic workers and employers of domestic workers to promote effectively the interests of their members. The Committee considers that, in view of the specificities of domestic work, it is of particular importance to take active measures to support the establishment of organizations of domestic workers and employers and to encourage their engagement in social dialogue on matters of interest to them (General Survey 2022 on Securing decent work for nursing personnel and domestic workers, paragraphs 1007–1008). Therefore,taking into account the particular characteristics of domestic work, including frequent isolation in the domestic workplace, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on measures taken or envisaged, including awareness raising campaigns, to promote and guarantee in practice the right of domestic workers to freedom of association and collective bargaining, The Committee further requests the Government to keep it informed of any progress made in this respect, including with respect to the establishment of bargaining councils in the domestic work sector.

Article 8. Migrant domestic workers. The Government indicates that there is a strong regulatory framework to safeguard the rights of domestic workers, including migrant domestic workers, in South Africa. In that the regard, the Government mentions: (i) the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, which sets minimum employment conditions, (ii) the Sectoral Determination for domestic workers, specifically addressing the minimum working conditions of domestic workers, (iii) the Employment Equity Act, protecting workers from unfair treatment and discrimination, (iv) the 2008 decisions from the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) and from the Labour Court, extending basic labour protections and rights to migrants working illegally in the country, and (v) the newly adopted National Minimum Wage Act, which protects all domestic workers by providing for a national minimum wage. Noting, with regret, that the Government does not provide the previously requested information as regards the measures aimed specifically at safeguarding the rights and protecting female migrant domestic workers from abuse or exploitation, the Committee reiterates, once again, its request in this respect.

Article 9(c). Possession of travel and identity documents. The Committee notes, with regret, that despite its repeated requests in that regard, the Government provides no information on the manner in which it ensures that domestic workers are entitled to keep their travel and identity documents in their possession, as required by the Convention. The Committee thus reiterates, once again, its request that the Government provide information on the manner in which effect is given to Article 9(c) of the Convention.

Articles 10 and 11. Equal treatment and minimum wage. The Committee notes, with interest, the Government’s indications according to which a new National Minimum Wage Act was adopted in 2021, aiming at reducing income inequality by improving the wages of the lowest paid workers such as domestic workers. The Government indicates that sectors particularly vulnerable to unemployment and poorly organized, such as the domestic work sector, benefit from a longer transition period to be brought up to the national minimum wage. The Government reports that the minimum wage for domestic workers increased by 23 percent in 2021, while remaining 12 percent below the national wage. The Government’s objective is for the minimum wage of domestic workers to be at par with the minimum national wage by 2022. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information, including statistical data disaggregated by sex, on the impact of the National Minimum Wage Act on the salary of domestic workers. The Committee further reiterates its request for information on measures taken to ensure that, in practice, the remuneration of domestic workers is established without discrimination based on sex.

Article 13. Occupational health and safety. The Committee notes with interest the adoption, in 2023, of an amendment to the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act No. 130 of 1993 (COIDA) which extends the personal scope of this Act to domestic workers employed in a private household. The Government also indicates that the Occupational Health and Safety Act No. 85 of 1993 applies to domestic workers. Recalling the recent recognition of the right to a healthy and safe working environment as a fundamental right at work, the Committee asks the Government to provide updated information on how this right is guaranteed in law as well as in practice given the specific challenges pertaining to securing compliance in the specific context of domestic workers.

Article 15. Private employment agencies. Protections against abusive employment practices.In the absence of relevant information in the Government’s report in that regard, the Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the manner in which complaints, alleged abuses and fraudulent practices concerning the activities of private employment agencies in relation to domestic workers, including migrant domestic workers, are processed and investigated. The Committee requests the Government to provide information, including statistical data, concerning the nature and type of violations reported by domestic workers, as well as the outcomes and sanctions imposed, if any. The Committee further reiterates, once again, its request to the Government to supply information on consultations with the social partners, as well as with organizations representative of domestic workers and those representative of employers of domestic workers, regarding the implementation of measures provided for in Article 15 of the Convention. Lastly, noting that private employment agencies can, in collaboration with a well-functioning public employment service, play a critical role in improving labour market efficiency, the Committee wishes to draw attention to the ILO Campaign to promote the joint ratification of Convention No. 88 and the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181). The Committee therefore invites the Government to consider ratifying also Convention No. 181, as it represents the most up-to-date instrument in the area of private employment services.

Article 17. Access to justice. Complaints mechanisms. Labour inspection. The Government indicates that the Department of Employment and Labour has 127 Labour Centres and numerous offices accessible to vulnerable workers, including domestic workers. The Government indicates that complaints mechanisms are also available through domestic workers unions as they may register complaints on behalf of individual domestic workers, in addition to being able to register collective complaints. The Government adds that the Inspection and Enforcement Services holds each year an information session for domestic workers during which the contact information of Labour Inspectors is made available. The Government further provides statistical data on the number of inspections carried out, the number and type of violations identified, and the sanctions imposed. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated detailed information, including statistical data, on the effective access of domestic workers to complaint mechanisms.

Judicial decisions.The Committee notes the information provided by the Government and requests that it continues to provide information regarding any decisions issued by the courts or by the Commission from Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), relevant to the application of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2019, published 109th ILC session (2021)

Article 3(2)(a) of the Convention. Freedom of association and collective bargaining. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information regarding measures taken or envisaged to ensure the protection of the right of domestic workers, including domestic farmworkers, to freedom of association, as well as their right to collectively bargain. In its response, the Government indicates that freedom of association and the right to collectively bargain are fundamental rights to which every worker is entitled, including domestic and farmworkers, and is protected under the Labour Relations Act No. 66 of 1995 (as amended), as well as under section 27 of the Constitution of South Africa. It further indicates that the Part C of the Act provides the right for representatives of trade unions to create mechanisms for collective bargaining between trade unions and employers or employers’ organizations. The Committee notes that a few bargaining councils have been established and are currently operating in various sectors, such as the building industry, the motor industry, the restaurant, catering and similar trades; however, no councils have yet been established in the domestic work sector. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information on any measures taken or envisaged with a view to promoting the right of domestic workers to form and join organizations of their own choosing, as well as the right to collectively bargain, taking account of the particular characteristics of domestic work. In addition, the Committee requests the Government to supply information with respect to any measures taken or envisaged to establish a bargaining council in the domestic work sector, as well as any other developments in respect to the exercise of domestic workers’ freedom of association and collective bargaining rights.

Article 8(4). Migrant domestic workers. The Committee previously requested the Government to provide information on measures taken to ensure the effective application of Article 8 of the Convention, including measures taken or envisaged to protect the rights of female migrant domestic workers. The Committee also requested the Government to provide information on the conditions under which migrant domestic workers in South Africa would be entitled to repatriation in accordance with Article 8(4) of the Convention. The Government once again refers to the African Union Special Initiative on Domestic Workers of 2015, which seeks to facilitate the integration of domestic workers within the relevant labour market institutions, recognizing that female domestic workers are one of the most vulnerable categories of workers in Africa. The Committee notes, however, that the Government does not provide any information in respect of specific measures aimed at safeguarding the rights of female migrant domestic workers and protecting them from abuse or exploitation. With regard to the repatriation of migrant domestic workers, the Government refers to the bilateral agreement between South Africa and Lesotho, providing that migrant domestic workers must be issued with a written job offer, referred to as “written particulars of employment”, before they cross national borders for the purpose of taking up domestic work. The job offer contains a provision that, on termination of employment, or resignation, the domestic workers should be repatriated to their country at the cost of the employer. The Committee reiterates its request that the Government provide information on any measures taken or envisaged to protect the rights of female migrant domestic workers under national laws or regulations, bilateral, multilateral, regional agreements or other arrangements.

Article 9(c). Possession of travel and identity documents. The Committee notes that, once again, the Government provides no information regarding the manner in which it is ensured that domestic workers are entitled to keep their travel and identity documents in their possession, as required by Article 9. The Committee therefore reiterates its request that the Government provide information on the manner in which effect is given to this provision of the Convention.

Articles 10 and 11. Equal treatment and minimum wage. The Committee requested the Government to provide information on measures taken to ensure equal treatment between domestic workers and other workers in respect of terms and conditions of employment, including measures taken to ensure that the remuneration of domestic workers is established without discrimination based on sex. The Government once again indicates that, pursuant to the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, domestic workers are entitled to the same terms and conditions of work, including hours of work, overtime compensation, periods of daily and weekly rest and annual leave, as other workers. In respect of minimum wage protections for domestic workers, the Committee notes that section 6(6)(1) of the National Minimum Wage Act, 2018 (Act No. 9) sets the national minimum wage at R20 per hour. In contrast, the national minimum wage for domestic workers is inferior to the national minimum wage rate. Section 6(6)(2)(b)) of the National Minimum Wage Act, 2018, sets the minimum wage for domestic workers at R15 per hour, whereas section 6(6)(2)(a) of the Act sets the national minimum wage for farm workers – defined to include persons performing domestic work on a farm – is set at R18 per hour. The Committee notes that both rates are lower than the minimum rate of R20 per hour applicable to workers generally. The Committee requests the Government to take measures to ensure that domestic workers receive the same minimum wage rate to which other workers are entitled. It further reiterates its request that the Government provide information on measures taken to ensure that the remuneration of domestic workers is established without discrimination based on sex.

Article 13. Occupational health and safety. The Committee previously requested the Government to provide information on the application of Article 13 of the Convention, including up-to-date information on measures taken or contemplated to ensure the occupational health and safety of domestic workers, taking into account the particular characteristics of domestic work. The Government reports that domestic workers employed in a private household are still excluded from the scope of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA) and their only recourse is to institute civil proceedings against their employers for damages suffered due to an occupational injury or disease. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that South Africa's domestic workers are now on the verge of being covered by the COIDA, as soon as the parliamentary process is finalized. The Government indicates that. until the inclusion of domestic workers is confirmed, employers should nonetheless show foresight and evaluate their domestic workplaces, taking reasonable measures to ensure a safe working environment for their domestic workers. In this regard, the Committee notes that the High Court of South Africa at Pretoria recently ruled that the exclusion of domestic workers from the COIDA is unconstitutional (Mahlangu v The Minister of Labour (Mahlangu) – 23 May 2019). The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed updated information on progress made in ensuring the occupational health and safety of domestic workers, as well as in ensuring that domestic workers employed in private households are included in the scope of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA).

Article 14. Social security. The Committee notes the Government’s reply to its previous request regarding the application of this provision of the Convention, which replies fully to its request.

Article 15. Protections against abusive employment practices. The Committee reiterates its request that the Government provide information on the measures taken to implement the provisions of this Article, including information on consultations that have taken place with the social partners as well as with organizations representative of domestic workers and those representative of employers of domestic workers, if any.

Article 17. Complaints mechanisms. Labour inspection. The Government once again indicates that domestic workers have the same rights as other workers to lodge complaints with the inspection and enforcement services under South African labour legislation. In this regard, and recalling the vulnerable situation of domestic workers, the Committee reiterates its request that the Government provide information regarding specific measures taken or envisaged to ensure the effectiveness and accessibility of complaints mechanisms for the protection of the rights of domestic workers. In addition, the Committee requests the Government to provide information regarding labour inspection in the domestic work sector, including statistical information on the number of inspections carried out, the number and type of violations identified and the sanctions imposed.

Judicial decisions. The Committee reiterates its request that the Government provide information regarding any decisions issued by the courts or by the Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration Commission, relevant to the application of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2018, published 108th ILC session (2019)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments initially made in 2016.

Repetition

Article 3(2)(a) of the Convention. Freedom of association and collective bargaining. The Committee welcomes the information contained in the Government’s first report on the application of the Convention. With regard to freedom of association rights for domestic workers, the Government indicates that section 18 of the Constitution of South Africa, 1996, guarantees the right to freedom of association for everyone as a constitutional right. In addition, section 4 of Chapter II of the Labour Relations Act, 2005, stipulates, inter alia, that every worker is entitled to form or join a trade union of his or her choosing and to take part in trade union activities. The Committee recalls its previous observation under the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87), in which it requested the Government to provide information on measures taken or envisaged to ensure that vulnerable workers may effectively exercise in practice their right to establish and join organizations of their own choosing. In this respect, the Committee also recalls that the particular characteristics of domestic work, including isolation and the absence of co-workers in domestic workplaces may present practical challenges to domestic workers’ exercise of their right to freedom of association. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide information regarding measures taken or envisaged to ensure the protection of the right of domestic workers, including domestic farm workers, to freedom of association and their right to collectively bargain.

Article 8(4). Migrant domestic workers. The Government indicates that all migrant workers in South Africa enjoy the same terms and conditions of employment as those established for South African workers covered under national legislation. The contract of employment of a migrant worker is subject to review and approval by the Department of Home Affairs of the South African Immigration Services prior to the migrant worker’s arrival in the country, to ensure that the contract contains no abusive clauses and is in full conformity with the Employment Services Act, 2014, and the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act 13 of 2002). The Committee also notes that the Government is a signatory to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on the Facilitation of Movement of Persons – an instrument aimed at regulating the movement of people in the SADC region, but that the Protocol is not yet in force. The Government is also a party to the African Union Special Initiative on Domestic Workers of 2015, which aims to eradicate women’s employment vulnerabilities in Africa. The Initiative recognizes that domestic work is among the most vulnerable forms of employment in Africa. Moreover, according to a 2013 ILO study, An overview of domestic work in Africa, women make up about 73 per cent of all domestic workers in the region. The Committee notes that the legislation and regulations applicable to migrant domestic workers in South Africa do not indicate the conditions under which such workers could be entitled to repatriation upon the expiration or termination of their employment contract. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on measures taken to ensure the effective application of Article 8 of the Convention, including any measures taken or envisaged to protect the rights of female migrant domestic workers under national laws or regulations, bilateral, multilateral, regional agreements or other arrangements. In addition, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the conditions under which migrant domestic workers in South Africa would be entitled to repatriation in accordance with Article 8(4) of the Convention.

Article 9(c). Possession of travel and identity documents. The Committee notes that the Government provides no information regarding any measures aimed at ensuring that domestic workers are entitled to keep their travel and identity documents in their possession, as required by this provision of the Convention. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide information on the manner in which effect is given to Article 9(c) of the Convention.

Articles 10 and 11. Equal treatment and minimum wage. The Government indicates that domestic workers are entitled to the same terms and conditions of work, including hours of work, overtime compensation, periods of daily and weekly rest and annual leave, as are other workers under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act. In respect of minimum wage coverage for domestic workers, and noting the feminization of the domestic work sector, the Committee recalls its 2015 Direct Request under the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111), in which it requested the Government to provide information on measures taken to ensure that wages in sectors predominantly employing women are not set on the basis of gender-biased undervaluation of the work performed in these sectors. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on measures taken to ensure equal treatment between domestic workers and other workers in respect of terms and conditions of employment, including measures taken to ensure that the remuneration of domestic workers is established without discrimination based on sex.

Article 13. Occupational Health and Safety. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that domestic workers are excluded from the application of South Africa’s Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA), but that an amendment to extend coverage under COIDA to include domestic workers is under consideration. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide information on how effect is given to Article 13 of the Convention, including up-to-date information on measures taken or contemplated to ensure the occupational health and safety of domestic workers.

Article 14. Social Security. The Government indicates that it has taken measures to ensure that domestic workers enjoy the same protections in the event of retrenchment as other workers. In this regard, workers, including domestic workers, are entitled to access the Unemployment Insurance Fund and contribute to the Fund at the same rate as other workers. The Government indicates that it is currently exploring the possibility of establishing a pension fund for both domestic and farm workers. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to ensure that domestic workers, including those working on farms, enjoy conditions that are not less favourable than those applicable to other workers in relation to social security protection, including maternity protection and pensions.

Article 15. Protections against abusive employment practices. The Government’s report does not provide information regarding the measures taken to protect domestic workers, including migrant domestic workers, recruited or placed by private employment agencies, against abusive practices. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to implement the provisions of this Article, including information on consultations that have taken place with the social partners as well as with organizations representative of domestic workers and those representative of employers of domestic workers, if any.

Article 17. Complaints mechanisms. Labour inspection. The Government indicates that domestic workers have the same rights as other workers to lodge complaints with the inspection and enforcement services under South African labour legislation. In this regard, and recalling the particular vulnerabilities faced by domestic workers, the Committee requests the Government to provide information regarding measures taken to ensure the effectiveness and accessibility of complaints mechanisms for the protection of the rights of domestic workers. In addition, the Committee requests the Government to provide information regarding measures for labour inspection, including statistical information on the number of inspections carried out, and the number and type of infringements identified.

Judicial decisions. The Committee requests the Government to provide information regarding any decisions issued by the courts or by the Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration Commission, relevant to the Convention, and to provide copies of any such texts.

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee requests the Government to provide a general appreciation of the manner in which the Convention is applied in South Africa, including extracts from inspection reports, as well as information on the number of workers covered by measures giving effect to the Convention, disaggregated by sex and age, as well as the number and type of infringements reported.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2016, published 106th ILC session (2017)

Article 3(2)(a) of the Convention. Freedom of association and collective bargaining. The Committee welcomes the information contained in the Government’s first report on the application of the Convention. With regard to freedom of association rights for domestic workers, the Government indicates that section 18 of the Constitution of South Africa, 1996, guarantees the right to freedom of association for everyone as a constitutional right. In addition, section 4 of Chapter II of the Labour Relations Act, 2005, stipulates, inter alia, that every worker is entitled to form or join a trade union of his or her choosing and to take part in trade union activities. The Committee recalls its previous observation under the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87), in which it requested the Government to provide information on measures taken or envisaged to ensure that vulnerable workers may effectively exercise in practice their right to establish and join organizations of their own choosing. In this respect, the Committee also recalls that the particular characteristics of domestic work, including isolation and the absence of co-workers in domestic workplaces may present practical challenges to domestic workers’ exercise of their right to freedom of association. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide information regarding measures taken or envisaged to ensure the protection of the right of domestic workers, including domestic farm workers, to freedom of association and their right to collectively bargain.

Article 8(4). Migrant domestic workers. The Government indicates that all migrant workers in South Africa enjoy the same terms and conditions of employment as those established for South African workers covered under national legislation. The contract of employment of a migrant worker is subject to review and approval by the Department of Home Affairs of the South African Immigration Services prior to the migrant worker’s arrival in the country, to ensure that the contract contains no abusive clauses and is in full conformity with the Employment Services Act, 2014, and the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act 13 of 2002). The Committee also notes that the Government is a signatory to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on the Facilitation of Movement of Persons – an instrument aimed at regulating the movement of people in the SADC region, but that the Protocol is not yet in force. The Government is also a party to the African Union Special Initiative on Domestic Workers of 2015, which aims to eradicate women’s employment vulnerabilities in Africa. The Initiative recognizes that domestic work is among the most vulnerable forms of employment in Africa. Moreover, according to a 2013 ILO study, An overview of domestic work in Africa, women make up about 73 per cent of all domestic workers in the region. The Committee notes that the legislation and regulations applicable to migrant domestic workers in South Africa do not indicate the conditions under which such workers could be entitled to repatriation upon the expiration or termination of their employment contract. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on measures taken to ensure the effective application of Article 8 of the Convention, including any measures taken or envisaged to protect the rights of female migrant domestic workers under national laws or regulations, bilateral, multilateral, regional agreements or other arrangements. In addition, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the conditions under which migrant domestic workers in South Africa would be entitled to repatriation in accordance with Article 8(4) of the Convention.

Article 9(c). Possession of travel and identity documents. The Committee notes that the Government provides no information regarding any measures aimed at ensuring that domestic workers are entitled to keep their travel and identity documents in their possession, as required by this provision of the Convention. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide information on the manner in which effect is given to Article 9(c) of the Convention.

Articles 10 and 11. Equal treatment and minimum wage. The Government indicates that domestic workers are entitled to the same terms and conditions of work, including hours of work, overtime compensation, periods of daily and weekly rest and annual leave, as are other workers under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act. In respect of minimum wage coverage for domestic workers, and noting the feminization of the domestic work sector, the Committee recalls its 2015 Direct Request under the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111), in which it requested the Government to provide information on measures taken to ensure that wages in sectors predominantly employing women are not set on the basis of gender-biased undervaluation of the work performed in these sectors. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on measures taken to ensure equal treatment between domestic workers and other workers in respect of terms and conditions of employment, including measures taken to ensure that the remuneration of domestic workers is established without discrimination based on sex.

Article 13. Occupational Health and Safety. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that domestic workers are excluded from the application of South Africa’s Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA), but that an amendment to extend coverage under COIDA to include domestic workers is under consideration. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide information on how effect is given to Article 13 of the Convention, including up-to-date information on measures taken or contemplated to ensure the occupational health and safety of domestic workers.

Article 14. Social Security. The Government indicates that it has taken measures to ensure that domestic workers enjoy the same protections in the event of retrenchment as other workers. In this regard, workers, including domestic workers, are entitled to access the Unemployment Insurance Fund and contribute to the Fund at the same rate as other workers. The Government indicates that it is currently exploring the possibility of establishing a pension fund for both domestic and farm workers. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to ensure that domestic workers, including those working on farms, enjoy conditions that are not less favourable than those applicable to other workers in relation to social security protection, including maternity protection and pensions.

Article 15. Protections against abusive employment practices. The Government’s report does not provide information regarding the measures taken to protect domestic workers, including migrant domestic workers, recruited or placed by private employment agencies, against abusive practices. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to implement the provisions of this Article, including information on consultations that have taken place with the social partners as well as with organizations representative of domestic workers and those representative of employers of domestic workers, if any.

Article 17. Complaints mechanisms. Labour inspection. The Government indicates that domestic workers have the same rights as other workers to lodge complaints with the inspection and enforcement services under South African labour legislation. In this regard, and recalling the particular vulnerabilities faced by domestic workers, the Committee requests the Government to provide information regarding measures taken to ensure the effectiveness and accessibility of complaints mechanisms for the protection of the rights of domestic workers. In addition, the Committee requests the Government to provide information regarding measures for labour inspection, including statistical information on the number of inspections carried out, and the number and type of infringements identified.

Judicial decisions. The Committee requests the Government to provide information regarding any decisions issued by the courts or by the Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration Commission, relevant to the Convention, and to provide copies of any such texts.

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee requests the Government to provide a general appreciation of the manner in which the Convention is applied in South Africa, including extracts from inspection reports, as well as information on the number of workers covered by measures giving effect to the Convention, disaggregated by sex and age, as well as the number and type of infringements reported.