Zimbabwe Domestic Workers Get Pay Rise as Cabinet Approves New Minimum Wages

WAGE POLICY UPDATE

Cabinet Approves Domestic Worker Pay Increase: New Minimum Rates Take Immediate Effect

Source: Post-Cabinet Media Briefing  |  Context: Zimbabwe Labour Act [Chapter 28:01]

The Government of Zimbabwe has officially approved higher minimum wages for domestic workers and employees in unclassified sectors. Taking immediate effect, the baseline salary for domestic staff rises to US$90, while workers in unclassified operations are now mandated to receive at least US$270. Employers are permitted to pay these amounts in local currency at the prevailing equivalent.

POLICY SHIFT: The new wage reviews aim to protect Zimbabwe's lowest-paid employees operating outside standard collective bargaining systems.

Legal Context Wage Brackets Unclassified Summary Compliance

Statutory Approval & Recommendations

The adjustments follow rigorous assessments to ensure fair compensation for classes of workers lacking formal sector-based bargaining power.

WASC Recommendations The wage review was driven by formal recommendations from the tripartite Wages and Salaries Advisory Council (WASC), ensuring input from labor, employer, and government representatives.

Section 19 of the Labour Act Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Hon. Edgar Moyo, presented the proposals to Cabinet. The review was executed strictly under the provisions of Section 19 of the Labour Act [Chapter 28:01].

Currency Flexibility While the new rates are pegged in United States Dollars (USD), the Cabinet confirmed that employers maintain the flexibility to pay these wages in the local currency equivalent.

The New Tiered Domestic Wage Structure

The updated framework introduces specific salary floors based on the employee's level of responsibility and specialized certification.

Baseline earnings for general property maintenance.

Increased from US$85 The minimum wage for entry-level domestic and yard maintenance staff has been legally bumped from US$85 to US$90 per month.

Compensation for internal household management.

US$99 Monthly Minimum Recognizing the expanded duties involved in cooking, cleaning, and daily household operations, this tier sits securely above the baseline outdoor maintenance bracket.

A significant bump for caregivers.

Increased from US$95 Previously earning a minimum of US$95, minders tasked with the care of children, the elderly, and disabled individuals will now earn no less than US$108.

The premium bracket for specialized assistance.

Increased from US$100 Workers providing care to disabled or elderly individuals who hold a valid Red Cross certificate will see their minimum wage jump by US$17, bringing their baseline to US$117.

The Unclassified Sector & Worker Vulnerability

Addressing the wage gap for employees operating outside traditional collective bargaining agreements.

Unclassified Operations: US$270 The Cabinet has also moved to protect workers in unclassified operations—roles that do not fall under specific industry unions. These employees must now be paid a minimum of US$270 per month.

Protecting the Vulnerable For decades, domestic workers have ranked among Zimbabwe’s lowest-paid employees. Because they operate outside sector-based collective bargaining systems, these WASC-recommended, government-led reviews remain their primary avenue for securing livable salary adjustments.

Employer Quick Reference Guide

Domestic Staff: Household Baseline Rates Gardeners now earn US$90, cooks and housekeepers US$99, with all payments benchmarked against USD/ZWL equivalence under the updated wage framework.

Immediate Implementation of New Wages The revised domestic worker rates take effect immediately, replacing the previous US$85 baseline and requiring urgent payroll adjustments by employers.

Caregivers & Specialized Workers Carers earn US$108, while certified Red Cross caregivers receive US$117, reflecting increased responsibility and verified professional training requirements.

Unclassified Sector Protection Workers in unclassified roles are now entitled to a minimum of US$270 per month under statutory protections aligned with the Labour Act [Chapter 28:01].

Compliance & Legal Requirement Employers must ensure full compliance with the revised wage structure, with certification required for premium caregiver tiers and legal enforcement applicable under national labour regulations.

COMPLIANCE ADVISORY 2026

Ensure Immediate Payroll Compliance

The newly announced minimum wages take effect immediately. Employers of domestic staff and unclassified operational workers are legally required to review and adjust their current payrolls to reflect these new baselines.

Review Specific Wage Tiers

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