Around the world, domestic workers often operate in underpaid and undervalued work environments- without the recognition they deserve. Despite their critical role in maintaining households and enabling professionals to focus on their careers, millions of these workers face exploitative conditions, limited job security, and minimal access to economic opportunities. This issue is particularly acute in Africa, where a lack of formalised systems for domestic employment perpetuates inequality and limits upward mobility for millions. However, Aisha Pandor, a South African entrepreneur and scientist, is changing the narrative.
In 2014, Aisha Pandor identified the disparity in domestic employment and resolved to address it through an innovative solution. She co-founded SweepSouth, South Africa’s first online platform offering on-demand booking, payment, and management of home cleaning services. The platform’s goal is first to simplify life for homeowners and, more importantly, to create dignified and formalised job opportunities for domestic workers.
SweepSouth’s 2024 Annual Domestic Workers Report survey responses from more than 5,600 workers show that 92% of the domestic workforce is predominantly female, 83% are the sole financial providers for their families, with most workers between the ages of 26 and 41 (64%).
“It also underlines the critical role that domestic workers play within their communities, with 83% as the sole financial support within their household. The average number of dependents remains high at four, underscoring their immense financial responsibility,” the report states.
Pandor journeys to co-found SweepSouth
Aisha’s journey began with a personal challenge. In late 2013, she and her husband, Alen Ribic, the co-founder, struggled to find a domestic worker over the festive period. This frustration sparked an idea to create a technology-driven platform to connect homeowners with reliable domestic workers from the comfort of their homes via online shopping platforms.
SweepSouth has expanded its impact across the continent through Aisha Pandor, operating in Kenya, Nigeria, and Egypt. SweepSouth has facilitated over 2.5 million bookings, creating opportunities for thousands of workers and bringing convenience to households on the continent. The platform’s success has attracted more than $20 million in funding from prestigious investors, including Naspers and The Michael and Susan Dell Foundation.
SweepSouth has fundamentally changed the narratives of domestic work in South Africa and beyond. By leveraging technology, the platform bridges the gap between demand and supply, providing domestic workers professionally referred to as “SweepStars” with fair pay, flexible hours, and access to a broader pool of job opportunities.
The platform has created a compelling work system in the domestic work segment of the African economy, with employees who mostly enjoy their work and the benefits that come with it. Thus, customers have consistently expressed satisfaction with SweepSouth’s services.
“I’ve had a very pleasant experience on all occasions using SweepSouth. I’ve recommended it to many friends and family members as it’s very convenient. The SweepStars have great attitudes, and are very efficient and thorough,” a customer reviews.
Beyond its business success, SweepSouth stands as an advocate for systemic change. The platform has partnered with organisations such as the World Economic Forum’s Digital2Equal Initiative to promote financial inclusion and fair labour practices for domestic workers. This commitment to social impact has positioned SweepSouth as top tier in Africa’s domestic services sector.
Aisha Pandor’s vision has not only transformed a neglected industry but has also redefined what it means to be a modern entrepreneur. Her brand, SweepSouth, emerged as a platform to professionalise domestic work and provide dignity, fairness, and opportunity to the individuals who have long been neglected in this critical sector. —Combining innovative technology with a commitment to social justice, Aisha Pandor has created a brand that delivers economic value to the African market.
Aisha Pandor, a scientist and serial technopreneur, is transforming precision health for women. In 2022, she co-founded Pandora Health, an AI-driven platform to support women with chronic conditions by harnessing diverse health data. The platform provides personalised guidance, services, and treatment recommendations while contributing to discovering new therapies.
Drawing on her deep scientific expertise, Pandor integrates cutting-edge research with technology to improve healthcare outcomes. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Biochemistry (2005) and a PhD in Human Genetics (2011) from the University of Cape Town.
Additional reporting by Ishioma Imokhai-Bello.
