Ongama Bongoza, a sales distributor for a skincare company, recently shared her monthly payslip on TikTok, revealing total earnings of about KSh 641,499. The payslip highlighted a significant commission component alongside her basic salary and rank bonus, with no deductions recorded.
Her earnings break down as follows:
- Commission: KSh 399,584
- Basic Salary: KSh 80,639
- Rank Bonus: KSh 161,278
- Promotion Bonus: KSh 0
- Total Deductions: KSh 0
The document was issued by Lass Skincare, based in South Africa, where Ongama has worked since November 2025. The absence of tax and Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) deductions prompted many viewers to question the legality of the arrangement.
Commenters explained that Ongama likely operates as an independent contractor rather than a permanent employee. As such, she is responsible for declaring and paying her taxes directly to the South African Revenue Service, rather than having them deducted by her employer. However, some noted the lack of UIF deductions despite a basic salary being recorded.
While tax matters dominated the discussion, others praised Ongama’s earnings and success, emphasizing the performance-based nature of her role where commissions form the bulk of her income.
