We’ve finally reached the second half of the year and it’s safe to say (considering the impact of COVID-19 on our lives) WE’VE MADE IT! Now to celebrate the second half of what’s to come, why not have a little Christmas in July celebration? It’s a fun and exciting alternative to your usual festive season…
4 At-Home Staycation Ideas
We think it’s safe to say that most of us have slowly but surely adjusted to this ‘new normal’ we’re facing but have you stopped to think about how you can no longer take a drive to a nearby resort or getaway over a long weekend? For those who have decided to create their own…
SweepSouth Supports the Fight for Racial Equality
SweepSouth supports Black Lives Matter and the international and national fight for racial equality. This movement is particularly poignant for us when we consider the extreme racial inequality that still exists in South Africa more than 25 years after the advent of democracy. Worse still, police brutality and misconduct (including ignoring reports of gender-based violence…
Your Domestic Worker Can Return On 1 June – Under These Conditions
– by Luke Kannemeyer In President Ramaphosa’s speech last night and with the leaking of draft level 3 regulations, many found welcome good news. Some highlights include that the curfew will be lifted, there will be minimal restriction on outdoor exercising and alcohol will be allowed to be sold for consumption at home. The whole…
SweepSouth Appeals for Support for Domestic Worker Fund as Reserves Decrease Under Extended Lockdown Conditions
Domestic workers across South Africa on the brink of going two months without earning a wage SweepStars will continue to receive weekly support payments to meet their basic needs for a further six weeks SweepSouth is continuing to approach potential donors and is striving for additional contributions to preserve the SweepStar Fund further…
President Cyril Ramphosa’s 13 May Speech: 5 Things You Need to Know
– by Luke Kannemeyer Contrary to the many memes being shared about our President’s speech not containing any useful information, there were a number of very important points made on Wednesday night. While we all may have wished for greater detail on some topics, here are the five things I think you should know. ONE…
Happy Mother’s Day
Happy mother’s day. A single phrase accompanied by breakfast, gifts or a morning outing. It’s not simply a phrase though… it’s a powerful statement. It’s Mother. It’s not simply a gift with a card. It’s a provider. It’s a giver. It’s shelter. It’s love. It’s strength and it’s legacy. In this ever-changing, unpredictable world, we…
Alert Level 4: What You Need To Know About Domestic Workers’ Return To Work
– by Luke Kannemeyer I have seen plenty of questions about the regulations around domestic employees and other cleaning professionals during Alert Level 4. As a senior manager at SweepSouth, Africa’s largest domestic cleaning platform, I have studied the AL4 Gazette thoroughly and can offer you my insight. The rules, clear and simple: ALL live-in…
Workers’ Day 2020: Your support has never been more crucial
A unique poignancy shrouds Workers’ Day this year – an occasion meant to celebrate the endeavour and economic contribution of organised labour – as millions of South Africans face an uncertain future in terms of health, employment and economic stability. The nationwide Covid-19 lockdown and measures designed to encourage physical distancing certainly appear to have…
The Distribution of The SweepSouth COVID-19 SweepStar Funds
When lockdown hit South Africa, sooner rather than later (a bit sooner than we thought), our first concern was how this would impact SweepStars. In our annual report on pay and working conditions for domestic workers in South Africa, conducted in 2019, we found that domestic workers are the most economically vulnerable members of society….
