The Nanny

by Claire Minnaar

We’ve covered the Au Pair, so now it’s time to explain the role of a Nanny. As per The Au Pair article, information included in this blog post was provided by a company that specializes in both placement and training of nannies, namely Sugar and Spice Nanny Training.

P.S The photo above is my husband’s nanny when he was a child holding our first son, Ethan – we LOVE the toothless smile from both of them, don’t you? 🙂

What is a Nanny?

Nannies are generally African or coloured ladies with standard 10 education, mothers often in the 28 to 50 age groups, seeking to make a career out of childcare.

Responsibilities of a Nanny

Being a nanny falls in-between and Au Pair and Domestic Worker. A nanny is primarily responsible for providing children with a safe environment in which to develop. In addition to child care, a nanny is responsible for doing most of the daily household duties for the family, such as cleaning, tidying and laundry.

We need to appreciate that caring for a young baby is very time consuming and as such, the household duties may have to take second place to looking after the baby and in many cases, there is a need to hire a char for heavy work such as ironing and window cleaning.

Salaries

According to the department of labour, the minimum wage is as follows:

  • R2500.00 per month
  • R1625.70 (monthly)
  • R375.19 (weekly)
  • R8.34 (hourly)

When choosing to hire a nanny, keep in mind that the person you are hiring will be responsible for the caring of your baby and looking after your home, so consider payment accordingly. A minimum of R2500 is recommended.

Rules and Regulations

  • Rest/Meal intervals to be taken at appropriate and mutually agreed times.
  • During the rest/meal intervals the Employee may rest but must be in reasonable proximity to the children under care so that, if necessary, prompt attention may be given to any problem that may arise
  • Break times would either comprise a 60 minute break or 2 x 15 minute tea breaks and 1 x 30 minute lunch break.
  • The break time can be reduced to 30 minutes only after consultation with the employee and agreement thereto. So ideally, the nanny would take their lunch break while the child is having a nap.
  • You need to give your nanny a pay slip.
  • You need to have a contract with your nanny.
  • You need to register and pay UIF – however given that many moms are now employing Zimbabweans and Malawians, it is key to note the you cannot register for (or claim) UIF without a valid passport.
  • Domestic workers are entitled to 21 consecutive days annual leave.

Downloads

For more information on Domestic Regulations, please click here to download the Domestic Employment Regulations.

About Sugar and Spice Nanny Training

We work with a number of placement agencies providing subsidized training to women who have the potential to be great nannies, but need the certification, once trained these women have a far greater chance of being placed in appropriate jobs.

We offer subsidized courses to woman in need and those working in nonprofit organizations. These women come to us through The GreaterGood SA and a number of community outreach programmes.

Many of our trainers are mothers who want to have time with their children and still be able to work and make a difference. Being one of the Sugar & Spice training partners, gives these moms this opportunity.

For more information, please visit www.nannytraining.co.za.

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