When you make the decision to emigrate, it’s not just your family, friends, and colleagues you leave behind. For many South Africans, their domestic workers have become an integral part of their lives—caring for their homes, assisting with their children, and truly becoming part of the family. The thought of leaving behind someone who has been there through every move, every change, and every stage of life is heartbreaking.

I was fortunate to have a domestic worker, Siya, who had been with our family since I was just one year old. Siya has seen me grow up, been a constant support, and made sure our home was always welcoming and clean. She’s moved with us three times and has been there through every step of our journey. Her role was never just about cleaning or laundry; she’s been a friend, a confidante, and a steady presence in our lives.

When my parents decided to emigrate to the United Kingdom, Siya’s heart was shattered. For over 20 years, she had relied on this work as her income, and the thought of starting over in a new place without us was difficult to face. This is a reality for many domestic workers, who, despite their dedication and loyalty, are often left without the tools to market themselves in the job market.

This is why Keagan and I decided to create the "Domestic" app. This platform was designed to help unskilled workers like Siya—domestic workers, gardeners, handymen, au-pairs, painters, and many others—showcase their skills and connect with potential employers. We saw so many individuals in South Africa who didn’t have the skills or resources to promote themselves on more professional platforms like LinkedIn or PNet, and we wanted to create a space for them.

If you are facing a similar situation and are concerned about your domestic worker finding new opportunities, I strongly encourage you to suggest they download the "Domestic" app. It’s an easy way for them to market their skills and connect with new families who will benefit from their services and care.

For many of these workers, this app is a lifeline—helping them transition to new roles, find new homes to care for, and make new families feel as comfortable as the one they’ve helped create. It's a small step that can make a huge difference in someone's life. We know it made a difference for Siya, and we hope it can do the same for others.

If you or someone you know is in a similar situation, please share this with your domestic workers and encourage them to download "Domestic" on the app store. Together, we can help our domestic workers find new opportunities and continue making houses feel like homes.