First lady Dr Tshepo Motsepe-Ramaphosa has decried what she calls unfair treatment and abuse of domestic workers by their employers.
She was speaking at the domestic workers Gala dinner in Polokwane, Limpopo.
Domestic helpers from across the province attended the gala dinner organised by Limpopo premier Stan Mathabatha’s wife, Margaret Mathabatha.
Dr Motsepe-Ramaphosa has described the role of domestic workers as invaluable to the society. They run homes and take care of the kids while their employees are at work. They often have to put up with poor salaries and abuse by their bosses.
The government minimum wage policy came as a relief for housekeepers.
“Because we are not only to recognise the work of the domestic worker but we also to pledge our commitment to make sure that the condition under which they work and live must improve we must not accept society as it is. We must change it. We are determined and we have to change the society,” said Dr Motsepe-Ramaphosa.
Domestic helpers were elated by the first lady’s recognition of their role.
“I’m very excited to see the first lady. It has been a journey to me. I only saw her on TV but today I’m happy,” says one domestic worker.
“I’m very happy to be able to speak with Dr Motsepe I have learned a lot from what she told us,” adds another one.
As medical doctor, the first lady also encouraged the housekeepers to live a healthy life.
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