"It Was Not Easy": South African Woman’s Journey from Domestic Worker to Business Owner
- Seneria Moyo, a dedicated domestic worker, has spent over a decade working tirelessly to provide for her family and has made immense sacrifices along the way
- Despite facing challenges and limited opportunities for growth in her field, Seneria has found ways to stay motivated, and she has even started her own business and achieved so much with just a domestic salary
- Seneria's kids have reaped the fruit of her hard work, and she goes on to advocate for the rights and recognition of domestic workers, calling for fair treatment and more
- In an interview with Briefly News for the 2025 instalment of Women of Wonder: The Real Housekeepers of Mzansi, Moyo opens up about her life
Source: Original
In a world that often takes the work of domestic workers for granted, one woman in South Africa is redefining that domestic workers are truly the superheroes behind the household, whether it be from their own homes or the one where they work.
The early horizon of an inspiring domestic worker
Born in a small village in South Africa among many siblings, Seneria Moyo expressed that she did not have much, but thrived on unity among her brothers and sisters, which was something her parents had instilled in them while growing up.
She shared how her life back in the day was "simple," however, she always knew that she was destined for greatness. A journey where she envisioned a different future for herself and her family, one in which financial security was not a dream but rather a reality.
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"We didn’t have much, but we had each other. As I got older, I told myself that I wanted something different, not just for me, but for my family too.
"I dreamed of being independent, of going to the city and making something of myself, even though I didn’t have the privilege of higher education," she told Briefly News.
After obtaining her high school diploma, she decided to make a bold decision by moving to the city. The move came with obstacles in acquiring a job in a competitive market space, but she never gave up. She then found a job as a housekeeper, and that was when her journey of endless opportunities began.
Hard work pays off: Reaping the rewards of domestic work
The city became her new horizon, and that first step led to over a decade of hard work, balancing multiple roles with grace and dedication. Seneria put her own goals on hold, along with catering to her own kids, and the sacrifices were enormous and sometimes difficult for her to bear as a mother, but she had no choice and needed to survive.
"I’ve had to put my own dreams on hold to make sure my children had food, school shoes, and a roof over their heads.
"I often left the house before sunrise and came home when it was already dark. I missed some school events and family moments.
"But I knew why I was doing it: for my children to have a better life than I had," she shared.
Seneria explained how, when juggling work and life as a domestic worker, she had no choice but to take one of her children with her to work, as she had no means to hire someone to look after them.
Today, that sacrifice has borne fruit. Both of her children have graduated, and her daughter, whom she once took to work, is now living and thriving in Japan.
"That’s something I never even imagined when I started this journey. It’s proof that all the sacrifices were worth it," she expressed.
A typical day in the life of a domestic worker
Her days, though long, are filled with purpose. She expressed that she treats every house that she works for or has ever worked for like her own.
"I make sure everything is spotless: as I clean, do laundry, and make sure everything is in order. I treat each home as if it’s my own, with care and responsibility.
"I take pride in making sure the houses are clean, safe, and welcoming. The kids know me, love me, and trust me. That means so much to me," Seneria explained.
Just like any other job, some challenges persist, and for Seneria, she admits that in the world of domestic workers, there is not much room for growth. Although she is grateful as she has been working in the field for many years, she stated the cons about the job by saying:
"It can feel like I’m stuck sometimes. There’s no promotion, no 'next step.' But I’ve stayed focused by reminding myself of the bigger picture."
Source: Original
A proud business owner and more
Despite the challenges she faces daily as a domestic worker, Seneria remained focused and went on to open up a business named Skyline Garden Service, alongside her husband, which is a gardening service done through landscaping.
That did not stop there; she also built her house with the money she earned as a domestic worker. While society often overlooks the importance of domestic workers, her experience has been one of respect and appreciation.
“I’ve been fortunate to work with people who treat me well,” she says. “But not all domestic workers are so lucky. We deserve more respect. We deserve to be seen for the professionals we are.”
For the future, Seneria's hope is for her children to continue to grow, to thrive, and to live freely.
"Personally, I hope to rest more and enjoy life at a slower pace one day, and always remind myself that I did that. I made that possible," she added.
Seneria urges the women who employ domestic workers and the broader public by saying:
"To the women who employ us: we are not just cleaners or maids. We are caretakers, protectors, and providers too. We help hold up your homes so we can hold up our own. Please treat us with the dignity we deserve. To the public: Never look down on someone because of the uniform they wear. Domestic work is honest work. It’s powerful work. And it deserves to be respected."
As Women's Month draws attention to the struggles of women in South Africa who fought for the rights that men and women enjoy in today's society, Seneria is clear about what needs to change, as she called upon the following:
"Domestic workers are the backbone of many homes. We deserve respect, fair treatment, and recognition. If more people took time to listen to our stories during Women’s Month, it could create real change, more rights, better pay, and dignity for our work."
3 More Briefly News Women of Wonder: The Real Housekeepers of Mzansi participants
- A Johannesburg-based domestic worker, Nelia Ngulube, found sweet success when she started selling her homemade rusks, which sell out every single week.
- One dedicated single mother of three takes pride in her work and remains hardworking despite the challenges of a low salary.
- Popular TikTok user Laiza Moyo also has a strong social media presence. She transformed from a high school pupil cleaning her teachers' cottages to becoming a respected House Executive.
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Proofreading by Roxanne Dos Ramos, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
