Gumtree responds to R2,000 for a ‘nice-smelling’ domestic worker advert
Gumtree has issued a response to an advert published on the classifieds site, requesting the services of pleasant-smelling domestic worker for less than the minimum wage.
In the advert, posted on Gumtree and dated March 7, a Mrs Allie from Plumstead, said she was looking for a “hardworking housemaid” for a salary of R2,000 per month.
“You’re required to follow instructions and clean thoroughly and meticulously (the way I want),” the advert said.
“You are expected to be clean and smell good and bath and change every day (and twice a day if necessary).”
The family defended the advert for “a pleasant-smelling domestic worker who will be paid less than the minimum wage to work seven days a week, and who has to hand over her passport”.
Read: Wanted: ‘Nice-smelling domestic’ for R2,000 a month
In a statement on Friday, Gumtree said the following:
“Yesterday an advert was posted on our site offering a position for a domestic worker that was clearly below the minimal wage, as well as in contravention of South African labour law,” said Gumtree.
“We were made aware of the advertisement after it was posted and were immediately very concerned about the nature of the position advertised, which is clearly exploitative. The advert was removed by the poster herself.
“While we understand that times are tough for both job seekers and job posters, it is imperative that employers adhere to the South Africa Labour Law and that employees understand their rights.”
“We encourage all employers to familiarize themselves with the Act (and recent changes to minimum wage requirements) before advertising a position on our site, or any other job site.”
The eBay owned site added: “Do not accept a position that offers a fee lower than minimum wage. There are plenty of legitimate employers that are compliant with the law and willing to pay the correct amount.”
Mrs Allie’s husband, Abubkar Allie told News24 on Thursday there was nothing wrong with stipulating what they required, and paying below minimum wage.
“I don’t believe there was anything wrong with it.”
He said the starting salary was R2,000 which would increase to R2,500 if all the work was done “in the way [Mrs Allie] wants”. The ad stipulates that the salary would be increased.
The domestic worker will sleep on the property and work seven days a week, except for two Sundays a month, when she will get off.
Allie said they had removed the ad because they had filled the position. His wife had received “a few” messages in response to the ad.
Allie said the family was only able to pay R2,000 a month because he recently started a business as a “general worker”.
“That is basically all that we can afford. I just need someone to help my wife,” Allie said.
Read: You will have to pay your domestic worker more from December 2016
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