Fastest way to get help:
- Check the questions below — most things people write in about are answered here.
- Still stuck, or found a bug? Email bonakala@tutamail.com — a real person reads every message, usually within 1–2 business days.
- Include your app (Worker or Employer), your phone's operating system, and what you were doing when it happened — it helps us fix it faster.
Getting started
Do I need an account to use the app?
No. Both apps work fully offline from the moment you install them — no sign-up, no login. Your contracts, payslips, hours, and notes are stored privately on your own phone. An account is only needed for the optional Cloud Backup feature.
How do I link my Worker and Employer app together ("Pairing")?
In either app, open the + menu (or "Quick actions" on the Employer home screen) and choose Pair with a worker / employer. One side generates a code, the other enters it. Once linked, contracts, payslips, and letters can be sent between the two apps directly — encrypted, and without either of you needing to type anything into a chat or email.
What languages are supported?
Both apps are available in English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa, isiZulu, and Sesotho. Change the language any time from the globe icon in the top bar — documents you generate (contracts, payslips) can also be viewed in any of these languages regardless of your app's display language.
Cloud Backup & your account
I forgot my Cloud Backup password — can you reset it?
We can reset your password if you still have your 12-word recovery code — email us from the address you'd like us to confirm the reset with, and include your username. Without the recovery code, we cannot recover your backed-up data ourselves: it's encrypted on your device before it ever reaches our server, so we never hold a copy of the key. This is a deliberate privacy design, not an oversight — see our Privacy Policy for how it works.
How do I delete my account and Cloud Backup data?
In the app, go to Settings → Cloud Backup → Delete account. This removes your account and encrypted backup from our server immediately and cannot be undone — your data already saved on your phone is untouched. Full details are on our Account & Data Deletion page.
Is my data safe if I lose my phone?
If you had Cloud Backup turned on, your data can be restored onto a new device using your username, password, and 12-word recovery code. If Cloud Backup was off, your data existed only on that phone — this is why we recommend turning on Cloud Backup once you have real contracts or pay history you'd be upset to lose.
Contracts, payslips & compliance (Employer app)
Is a Bonakala contract legally valid?
Yes — contracts are generated to meet South Africa's Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) requirements for a domestic or household employee. That said, Bonakala is not a law firm, and unusual situations (disputes, dismissals, disability accommodations) should still involve a labour consultant or the Department of Employment and Labour. Our Good Employer Score and compliance checklist point out common gaps — they don't replace legal advice.
Why does the app say my pay is below the minimum wage?
The wizard checks whatever amount and hours you enter against South Africa's current National Minimum Wage in real time. If you believe the figure is wrong (e.g. the minimum wage rate changed), let us know — we keep this updated annually but a brief gap is possible right after a new rate is announced.
Can my worker see the contracts and payslips I create?
Only if you choose to send them — either by pairing your apps (automatic, encrypted delivery) or by sharing a one-time secure link. Nothing is sent automatically without your action.
Troubleshooting
The app feels stuck, or a screen won't load
Try fully closing and reopening the app first. If that doesn't help, restarting your phone resolves the vast majority of odd, one-off glitches. If it keeps happening, email us with the exact steps that trigger it.
I'm not receiving notifications when my paired worker/employer sends something
Check that notifications are allowed for the app in your phone's system settings. Notifications are content-free (they never contain the document itself), so even with them off, opening the app will still show anything waiting for you.
I found a bug, or the app crashed
Please tell us — screenshots and the exact steps you took are the single most useful thing you can send. Email bonakala@tutamail.com.
Still need help?
Write to us directly — we read every message ourselves and reply within 1–2 business days.
Email bonakala@tutamail.comBonakala is made by Jakobo-Maria Bartusch.
Contact: bonakala@tutamail.com