The South African government understands the importance of high-quality childcare for parents across the country. There are several regulations on childcare facilities to ensure the safety and protection of our children. For example, any childcare assistant, working in a school or privately, must be properly qualified in first aid. A popular childcare option for expat and local parents in the country, especially during the winter holidays, is hiring an au Pair.
Gumtree explains the process and regulations to follow while hiring an au pair for your children:
Gumtree explains the process and regulations to follow while hiring an au pair for your children:
- To legally work as an au pair in South Africa, a candidate must be between 18 to 24 years of age and have previous experience in childcare.
- They must also have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- As parents, it is important to review if a candidate has a valid driving license and clean criminal record.
- Au pairs in South Africa can work for a maximum of 45 hours per week and must receive two weeks off in a year.
- As the employer, you will be responsible to provide the au pair with a private room, food and a salary ranging from R1800 to R4000.
- If an au pair is looking after your children after hours, they must be compensated at the hourly rate decided previously.
- If you need your au pair to travel, compensate them by paying R3 to R4 per kilometre.
- The primary responsibilities of an Au Pair are to babysit the children. However, they can be asked to help with small chores around the house including light dusting and changing bed linen.
- A rule of thumb while deciding remuneration is the fewer hours an au pair works,the higher the hourly pay.
