An investigation of the challenges being faced by female domestic workers in Thulamahashe Area of Mpumalanga Province

Abstract

Domestic work is vital employment opportunity which exists worldwide. Domestic workers play a pivotal role in supporting the labor market and economy at large. However unlike any other employment opportunities in the world, domestic work is often gender biased. This study was aimed at unpacking the challenges experienced by domestic workers in Thulamahashe, Mpumalanga province of South Africa. The study pursued a gender perspective in an attempt to examine the challenges faced by domestic workers in Thulamahashe, Mpumalanga province of outh Africa. The study was undertaken in Mpumalanga, Thulamahashe Bushbuckridge local municipality under Ehlanzeni district. A qualitative research approach was used in the investigation. A case study design was utilised in the study. The study employed a snowball sampling procedure to select respondents. Semi-structured Interviews and focus group discussions were used as research instruments. The data was analysed using the thematic analysis method. The findings of this study will help private and public sectors in coming up with relevant policies regarding strategies to reduce challenges faced by domestic workers in Thulamahashe area of the Mpumalanga province of South Africa.