“It Can’t Be R2,300”: Young Woman’s Caregiver Alleged Salary Leaves SA in Disbelief

• A 28-year-old content creator shared a viral video revealing she earns R2,300 monthly as a caregiver
• The shocking salary disclosure prompted fellow caregivers to share their own earnings, with many revealing they earn between R15,000 to R30,000 monthly
• South Africans flooded the comments offering advice on better-paying opportunities and sharing how much caregivers should actually be earning
• Briefly News spoke to medical expert Jayshri Rangasamy on the caregiver profession and what it entails

A young woman's revelation about her monthly salary as a caregiver has left South Africa completely shocked and questioning fair wages in the healthcare industry.

Content creator @nomthandazodube39 shared a TikTok video on 7 August 2025 with the caption:

"Decided to join the trend 😆"

The clip has since gone viral with over 200,000 views, 14,700 reactions, and 1,400 comments.

The video shows different scenes of the 28-year-old woman posing for the camera, going to work, and making beds at her workplace. An overlay caption reveals her age, job as a caregiver, and monthly salary of R2,300.

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Mzansi can't believe the low pay

@Dineo Michell Kausu shared:

"R9900 and I'm working 10 days a month."

@lilcat wrote:

"Hey sis, I get R15,500🥺 I am just 20. Turning 21."

@kurisani pleaded:

"Plug me, I did a caregiver course in 2024, seriously looking for a job..."

@Chemmone🌼 advised:

"I also went through survival CPR, they are the best!"

@KA_BAYENI😍😍 added:

"Yoh 😭😭😭lapho, I'm earning 11,000 🥺🥺"

@Lungile Ngwenya407 joked:

"Those who read the comments and check the profile, let's gather here😅"

@nyashabikoza143 explained:

"2020 started with 2500, 14 days a month working under an agent, now a private carer, 20k going upwards sometimes 30k or more if I do more weekends overtime."

@Violet Foreveliving-business declared:

"It can't be 2300 for a month, I get over 30k when I do double shifts and holidays, but I'm a private carer."

Caregiver's alleged salary sparks industry debate

According to experts at Inquiresalary.co.za, home-based caregivers in South Africa should earn between R11,516 and R40,025 monthly, with an average salary of R25,770. Entry-level caregivers typically start at R11,516, making the woman's alleged R2,300 salary well below industry standards.

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The salary varies based on experience, with caregivers earning R159,100 yearly with less than two years of experience, rising to R448,500 for those with over 20 years in the field. Location also matters, with Durban offering the highest monthly salaries at R26,475, followed by Cape Town at R25,741.

Female caregivers typically earn 11% more than their male counterparts, with women averaging R317,700 yearly compared to men's R283,700. Government sector caregivers also earn about 7% more than private sector workers.

Speaking to Briefly News writer Nerissa Naidoo, medical expert Jayshri Rangasamy discussed the caregiver profession and what it entails. She also explained why the profession requires a just salary, stating:

"A caregiver’s job involves assisting individuals who are elderly, ill, or disabled with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, medication management, and mobility support, while also providing companionship and maintaining a safe living environment.

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"In South Africa, caregiver salaries are influenced by factors like experience, location, type of employment, education, and sector (public vs. private). Formal training and working in the public sector can lead to higher pay, while bonuses are rare but occasionally offered. The payment structure will depend on the agreement between the caregiver and the employer."

Watch the TikTok clip below:

3 Other stories of South African salaries

• Briefly News recently reported on a woman surviving on R34K monthly salary that covers R9.5K rent in Cape Town, but her survival strategy had everyone questioning their own spending habits.
• A man's weekly payslip showing R1.4K wages sparked massive online debate, though the real controversy came from what South Africans thought was fair pay for the work involved.
• An American woman's R93K monthly budget in South Africa amazed locals, but the breakdown of where her money goes had Mzansi completely speechless about the cost of living differences.

Source: Briefly News