Domestic staff like drivers, house-helps, cooks and nannies are hired every day around Africa, mostly by middle-class Africans, who are financially comfortable to some extent and can afford to keep one or two domestic staff in their residences, to help out with some basic chores.

Now, the concept of modern-day slavery is no longer hidden, almost everyone knows the meaning, and also know when it is apparent that those who work for them, are nothing more than modern day slaves.

Unlike the days when black slavery was rampant in the West, these days, there are no visible shackles on the legs and hands of victims, replacing those heavy metallic bonds, are invisible restraints, limiting freedom for most of these domestic staff.

It is quite easy to identify these domestic staff, due to their overall demeanour, and even dressing. They look haggard most of the time, without a life of their own, on the contrary, those they work for, always look put together, neat and well-fed.

Take, for example, a young lady who acts as a nanny to young children of her master/mistress, has no tie for herself, because she alone caters for four children, with absolutely no help from her boss(es). Instead, she is restricted to work, all day, all week, all month, and all year, just because she is being paid peanuts!

Some of these children, grow up to see their mum and dad bossing young men and ladies around and start doing the same once they come of age!

Same applies to other domestic staff, whose bosses believe they own them and they have no right to a life of their own or some time off, just because they receive a salary (which most of the time, cannot even cater to all their needs)!

If you own a domestic staff in your home, how do you honestly treat him/her/them?

This is a question that needs honest answers, in terms of welfare and enforcement of human rights.

Pope Francis, once commented on modern slavery, saying;

Unfortunately, what is thrown away is not only food and dispensable objects but often human beings themselves, who are discarded as 'unnecessary'.

This is so true in the way many people treat their domestic staff while complaining that politicians and government being heartless. The modern-day 'slave-owners' forget that they are also wearing the same shoes as the government in the lives of those they employ while having absolutely no respect for them!

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Good day

Good evening!

i personally don't have any domestic helper but My family had some which makes me to be better when I have in the near future.
I have set out some rules which are going to be underlisted.
- I will keep adults 40-60yrs of age.
-They will come from home and leave in the evening.
-Their work and boundaries will be set out .
-They will be treated with respect mutually.
-No relatives as domestic Helper.

my 2cents.

id4sho:
i personally don't have any domestic helper but My family had some which makes me to be better when I have in the near future.
I have set out some rules which are going to be underlisted.
- I will keep adults 40-60yrs of age.
-They will come from home and leave in the evening.
-Their work and boundaries will be set out .
-They will be treated with respect mutually.
-No relatives as domestic Helper.

my 2cents.

Fantastic plan. Thank you.

Good evening