Johannesburg - Post Report Question and Answers
What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Household help is available and costs approximately $15-25/day. - Aug 2023
Household help is widely available, and generally affordable. Most families will hire at least one housekeeper, nanny or gardener during their tour, depending on their needs. There are a large number of third-country nationals present in South Africa and working in domestic roles, although their ability to legally remain in the country may soon be impacted by pending legislation. - Aug 2022
Live-in nanny/domestic worker is very common. Houses will often have domestic quarters attached. Expect to pay R4000 - R6000 per month for live-in domestic help. Prices actually go up if not live in, though you're usually also responsible for transport costs and meals, though you can negotiate around those. Once/twice per week services are also common, usually by arrangement among a group of households, or through apps like SweepSouth. Be careful to document carefully any domestic worker arrangement: once workers have an established relationship, they can appeal to a number of rights/courts, which tend to favor the worker. - Jun 2022
Readily available and relatively inexpensive. - Oct 2019
Most people have at least a part time housekeeper. Household help is available and pretty inexpensive - live-in, full time housekeeper is probably R4,000-5,000. Nannies and gardeners are also available. - Apr 2017
Many people willing to work domestically. If you want help, finding it won't be an issue. But best to ask a friend or neighbor for a referral. Because, really, you are letting a total stranger in your home. Anything valuable have locked away, including mail with personal (banking) information. - Sep 2016
domestic help is plentiful and affordable. - Aug 2011
Plenty and cheap. - Jul 2010
It is widely available and cheap. I pay R150 (about $20) for one full day. It is very cheap to have a live-in maid or nanny. - Oct 2009
