Dignita vs AskMandla vs doing it yourself
An honest look at the three ways to stay compliant when you employ a domestic worker: Dignita (a full web app), AskMandla (WhatsApp-native, metro-limited) and doing it all yourself by hand.
| Feature | Dignita | AskMandla | Doing it yourself |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compliant employment contract | Yes — generated BCEA contract PDF | Guided over WhatsApp | DIY — easy to miss required clauses |
| Payslips | Yes — BCEA s33 payslips, correct UIF | On request via chat | Build your own each month |
| UIF help | Yes — 1% + 1% worked out, cap applied | Guidance via chat | Calculate and declare yourself |
| Leave tracking | Yes — annual, sick, family balances | Not tracked | Track by hand |
| Termination documents | Yes — notice + final-pay figures | Guidance via chat | DIY — high risk of getting it wrong |
| Works without WhatsApp | Yes — full web app, any device | No — WhatsApp only | N/A |
| You stay in control | Yes — self-serve, your records, export anytime | Depends on chat responses | Full control, all the work |
| Price | R49/month, all-in | Paid service, metro-limited | Free, but your time and your risk |
Common questions
- What is the difference between Dignita and AskMandla?
- Dignita is a full self-serve web app that generates compliant contracts, payslips, UIF and leave records you keep and control, for R49 a month. AskMandla is a WhatsApp-native assistant that answers questions over chat and operates in a few metros via word-of-mouth.
- Can I just handle domestic worker compliance myself?
- You can, and it is free, but you carry the risk: missed contract clauses, wrong UIF, untracked leave and incorrect termination pay are common and can lead to CCMA disputes or penalties. Dignita does the calculations and documents for you for R49 a month.
- Does Dignita need WhatsApp?
- No. Dignita is a web app that works on any device — you do not need WhatsApp, and your records live in one place you can export at any time.
Try it free
Start with a free payslip, or get the full app for R49 a month.
Dignita is a compliance tool, not legal advice. Figures are based on current South African legislation; confirm with a labour-law professional for your situation.