Domestic Workers Get Wage Increase as Zimbabwe Approves New Minimum Pay Rates**

Zimbabwean domestic workers and employees in unclassified sectors will receive higher minimum wages following Cabinet approval of revised pay rates that took immediate effect.

The wage adjustments were approved after recommendations from the Tripartite Wages and Salaries Advisory Council (WASC) and were presented to Cabinet by the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Edgar Moyo.

Under the new wage structure, the minimum salary for domestic workers has been increased from US$85 to US$90 per month. Workers in unclassified operations will now earn a minimum wage of US$270. Employers have the option of paying these wages in local currency.

Speaking during a post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, government officials said the review was conducted in accordance with Section 19 of the Labour Act [Chapter 28:01].

“Cabinet noted and approved the review of minimum wages and related conditions of employment for domestic workers and workers in unclassified operations as presented by the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Honourable Edgar Moyo,” a government spokesperson said.

The revised wage structure also introduces different salary levels based on job responsibilities within the domestic work sector.

Yard workers and gardeners will earn a minimum of US$90 per month, while cooks and housekeepers will receive at least US$99. Child minders, carers for people living with disabilities, and caregivers for the elderly will now earn US$108, up from the previous US$95.

Workers providing specialised care to elderly or disabled individuals and holding a Red Cross certificate will receive a minimum wage of US$117, an increase from US$100.

Domestic workers remain among the lowest-paid employees in Zimbabwe and are not covered by sector-specific collective bargaining agreements. As a result, government-led wage reviews through WASC continue to serve as a key mechanism for improving their earnings and working conditions.