Domestic worker agency launches fund to feed staff
Co-founder and CEO, Aisha Pandor, says at least R4-million a month will be needed to ensure their employers and their families countrywide are able to meet their day-to-day living needs
DOMESTIC worker agency SweepSouth, servicing areas in and around Empangeni, has launched a fund to help provide domestic workers with food and other basic essentials during the national lockdown.
Co-founder and CEO, Aisha Pandor, says at least R4-million a month will be needed to ensure their employers and their families countrywide are able to meet their day-to-day living needs.
‘Our research shows that most domestic workers (more than 70%) are single mothers and that more than 80% are primary breadwinners. They spend on average R1 100 monthly on groceries.
‘If these people are not paid during the lockdown, they face worsening poverty and mounting debt,’ said Pandor.
The launch of the fund has been boosted by a R6-million contribution from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, which invested in SweepSouth in 2019.
The aim of the investment was to promote family economic stability in South Africa by backing an organisation providing broad access to work opportunities.
This initial injection of funds will enable staff to receive weekly financial top-ups of between R150 and R450 during the national lockdown.
‘Any member of the public who is financially able to assist in keeping these families healthy and fed during this time of national crisis, is asked to contribute to the fund via our app.
‘Moreover, if you employ a domestic worker privately, please do your bit and continue to pay them during the lockdown – you will have the gratitude of thousands,’ said Pandor.
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