What to Know Before Hiring a Nanny in South Africa

Hiring a nanny is one of the most personal decisions you’ll make as a parent. You’re not just bringing someone into your home—you’re trusting them with your child’s wellbeing, development, and daily care. In South Africa, where domestic help is common, but laws and expectations vary widely, it’s crucial to know your rights as an employer and how to find someone who truly fits your family.

Understand Your Family’s Needs

Before you begin the search, ask yourself: what do we need help with? Is it full-day care, after-school support, or just a few hours while you work?

Full-Time vs Part-Time Help

Full-time nannies typically work 40+ hours a week and may assist with light housework. Part-time care might involve afternoons or mornings only, perfect if your child is in crèche or pre-school for half the day.

Live-In vs Live-Out Nanny

Live-in nannies may offer flexibility with working hours, especially for families with irregular schedules, but will require their own space and privacy. Live-out nannies travel in daily—factor in transport allowances if needed.

Age of Your Children and Their Developmental Needs

A toddler requires different care compared to a newborn or a school-age child. Consider your child’s routine, dietary needs, milestones, and stimulation activities when deciding what sort of experience your nanny should have.

Create a Job Description

Don’t wing it. Having a written job description makes expectations clear from the start.

Clearly Outline Expectations and Duties

Be specific. Do you want your nanny to cook for the children? Help with homework? Do laundry? The more detailed, the better.

Include Working Hours, Salary and Benefits

Mention start and end times, weekend requirements, and any public holiday expectations. Be upfront about pay and whether meals or transport are included.

Consider Special Needs or Language Preferences

Do you need someone who speaks isiZulu or Afrikaans? Is your child neurodiverse and in need of structured routines or therapies? Put this upfront to ensure the person is skilled and prepared.

Where to Find a Nanny

Finding someone trustworthy is key.

Word of Mouth and Local Networks

Personal recommendations from friends, neighbours or your church community are often the most reliable.

Nanny Agencies and Online Platforms

Agencies screen candidates and offer replacements if things don’t work out. Websites like Gumtree, Indeed, and Facebook groups also host nanny listings, but remember to vet carefully.

Community Groups and Noticeboards

Many nannies advertise through community centres or noticeboards at local supermarkets and churches.

ALSO READ: Checklist: how to choose a nanny or au pair for your child

What to Look for in a Nanny

A good CV is one thing—how they treat your child is everything.

Experience and Qualifications

Check for previous long-term placements. Certifications in childcare or early learning are a bonus.

First Aid and CPR Training

This is non-negotiable. Ask for a valid certificate, and encourage refresher courses every year.

Personality, Patience and Communication

Warmth, a calm demeanour, and the ability to communicate clearly (with both you and your child) are essential.

Interviewing Tips

Meet in person before hiring.

Important Questions to Ask

• Why did you leave your last family?
• How would you handle a tantrum or emergency?
• What kind of activities do you do with children?

Observe How They Interact with Your Child

Their body language, patience, and tone matter just as much as their answers.

Trust Your Gut Feeling

If something feels off—it might be better to look at alternative and more suitable options. 

Do Proper Background Checks

Protect your family and your home.

Reference Checks from Previous Families

Call past employers directly and ask specific questions. Would they hire the person again?

Police Clearance and Identity Documents

Always ask for a valid ID and check for a clean criminal record. Many nannies will have SAPS clearance or be willing to get one.

Check for Legal Work Eligibility

Make sure the candidate is legally allowed to work in South Africa. Remember that your child will build a relationship with their nanny and you therefore want to be sure that they are going to be available.  

Understanding Employment Laws in South Africa

Hiring a nanny isn’t informal—it’s employment.

Domestic Worker Rights and Contracts

Your nanny is entitled to a written contract, minimum wage, and fair treatment. See labour.gov.za for up-to-date regulations.

UIF Registration and Contributions

Employers must register their nanny for UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund) and contribute monthly.

Leave Days and Public Holidays

Nannies are entitled to annual leave, sick leave, and paid public holidays based on how many days they work.

Trial Periods Are Important

Test the waters before committing.

Why a Probation Period Matters

A one to three month trial gives both sides time to adjust and identify potential problems.

Setting Goals During the Trial

Create a checklist—punctuality, reliability, child bonding, task completion—and review it weekly with open communication and feedback.

Set Clear Boundaries an Expectations

Avoid grey areas.

Discipline Styles and Household Rules

Are time-outs okay? Are sweet treats allowed? Clarify your rules from the start.

Communication Frequency

Should the nanny update you throughout the day? Use WhatsApp? Or only report at the end of the shift? Make it clear that they are not allowed to take photos or record videos of your child to protect your family’s identity. 

Duties Outside of Childcare

Be clear on tasks like cleaning or grocery shopping—don’t assume.

Provide Ongoing Feedback and Training

Support your nanny’s growth.

Encouraging Open Communication

Create a safe space for two-way feedback. Don’t only talk when there’s a problem.

Invest in Courses or Parenting Resources

Offer access to early learning courses or parenting books—it benefits both your nanny and your child.

Regular Check-Ins Help Build Trust

Weekly sit-downs build a strong working relationship and reduce misunderstandings. It’s also a good time to talk about your child’s behaviour, any concerns the nanny may have about their devleopmetal milestones and anything else that needs your attention. 

Consider a Written Agreement

Even if you trust them—get it in writing.

Why You Need a Contract

A contract protects both of you and outlines key terms like duties, hours, pay, sick leave and notice periods.

What Should Be Included

Name, ID number, working hours, leave, salary, termination process, disciplinary actions, emergency contacts.

Pay Fairly and Respectfully

Good nannies are worth it.

Competitive Salary Rates

As of 2025, the domestic minimum wage in South Africa is over R25 per hour. But skilled, experienced nannies typically earn between R4 000 to R8 000 per month.

Bonuses, Transport and Meal Allowances

Show appreciation with 13th cheques, taxi fare, or including meals during shifts.

CHECK OUT: How much to pay a babysitter in South Africa

When Things Don’t Work Out

Sometimes, it’s not a match—and that’s okay.

Knowing When to Part Ways

If your child is uncomfortable, tasks are being neglected, or trust is broken—it’s time to move on.

Handling Terminations with Dignity

Give notice, pay out leave days, and provide references if appropriate. Never just “ghost” your nanny.

Keeping It Legal

It’s not just about ethics—it’s the law.

Registering for UIF

Visit uiflabour.co.za to register online. Contributions are split between you and the employee.

Avoiding Under-the-Table Agreements

Paying informally might seem simpler, but it exposes both parties to risk and denies your nanny their rights.

Your Child’s Reaction Matters

They’ll tell you—verbally or not—how they feel.

Signs Your Child Is Thriving

Smiling when the nanny arrives, talking about their day, or showing emotional security.

When Your Child Doesn’t Connect with the Nanny

Changes in behaviour, fearfulness, or withdrawal are red flags worth exploring.

Conclusion

Hiring a nanny in South Africa comes with legal, emotional, and practical responsibilities. But when done right, it’s one of the best investments you can make for your family’s wellbeing. Be clear, be respectful, and treat your nanny as the professional they are. A happy nanny means a happy home—and most importantly, a happy child.