This paper investigates South African domestic worker perceptions of the Basic Conditions of
Employment Act No. 75 of 1997. A survey questionnaire was disseminated with the purpose of accessing domestic
worker knowledge and awareness of relevant sections of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act. Sections, which
dealt with fundamental rights pertaining to everyday existence: ordinary pay, overtime pay, maternity leave pay
and sick leave pay. By using these sections as a reference point, the researchers were able to assess domestic worker
perceptions and knowledge of their basic rights as stipulated in the Act. This study is intended to enlighten
legislators and unions of the need to inform, in order to increase domestic worker awareness of their rights as set
out in law. In commemoration of those women who fought for progressive legislation in South Africa, the authors
would like to dedicate this paper to all of those women who were forced to carry a ‘dom-pass