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THREAD..This is in response to a tweet about the relationship between nannies and their employers. Let me 1st start by saying I've been running my domestic helper and nanny placement agency for 5 years & I KNOW the drama between this relationship. It can be avoided. It can.
And my tweets are from a professional and personal experience. My 1st nanny I got through an agency and she stayed with me for 7.5 years and my second lady we are going for 2.5 years and so far so good... They have been more stable than even my marriage.. (lol)...
Firstly before you employ someone pls understand u automatically become an organization, which means your conduct has to be from a business perspective. You have to draft a proper spec of wat your ideal candidate should be like, recruit adequately, conduct interviews throughly
Yes its easier to grab the 1st available lady who is 'desperate' for a job because she is ur friends helpers cousin or word of mouth referral... Next thing she starts working after you spoke to her on phone.. But from what other options are you choosing her from? Wazini ngaye?
It's important you conduct interviews and ask relevant questions (past experience, get a feel of their energy - angithi lomuntu uzogadha ur child?, do referral check ups, check their documentation of they are foreigners etc), this process should start 1-2 mnths b4 baby arrives
Part of the interview is also for you to know what u want. A nanny/helper is a one man show. She won't be able to do it all.. Draft ur non negotiables.. What are u willing to teach/train, what will you be doing to assist w/. You will NEVER get a superhuman. Don't expect one..
My prev nanny was GREAT! even my friends wanted to steal her. She had her SHORTFALLS. And it's OKAY. The good outweighed the not so perfect (I won't say bad because if a person is 85% good, there is no bad there) So here you compromise. If u not willing to, you nt ready for help.
So u ask all the right questions and follow ur gut! Don't rush the process. Candidates can sell u dreams cos they want the job. Watch out for attitude. You would rather a teachable someone ongazi, than an experienced person with a bad attitude. Abantu bayafundiseka. Patience.
I cant stress the importance of patience guys. Asifani. Our helpers come into our fancy homes, with our fancy machines and baby sterilizers.. Okuningi she may not know.. Teach her.. Be patient. My placement comes with a 3 month warranty simply cos I know it can take up to 3 mnths
If u dismiss someone after 1 week honestly tell me yini enisafundisane yona? Unless she is lazy and wakes up at 10 and hogs the TV or walks around half naked (I've heard it all). Wen your nanny/helper starts a proper induction is NB!! Draw up a schedule if need be..
Communicate! I had a timetable for my helper. Of things I need done weekly. But I also allowed her to decide when she does washing, ironing, spring cleaning etc. As long as it gets done. As long as my house is neat, my babies clean and fed. YOU CANNOT MICRO MANAGE...
Now even when u don't micro manage this doesn't mean don't check up... Make sure u touch base with anti.. Is she doing what she is meant to do? Mawuyivila nawe 2 months later u will find cobwebs in ur own home... U have to be pro active... Even with baby...
There is so much to do relationship.. Not even time to thread it all kodwa this relationship works if u both put effort.. Just because u are paying her doesn't mean it will all be smooth sailing... MOST IMORTANT PART.. salary and off days.. 
I've had to decline clients wanting to pay their helpers R2500.. Guys min wage is R3000.. If u can pay more AMAZING! please do so.. Helpers are humans.. They start work early (preparing kids for school).. If possible ngo6 or 7 anti shud retire to her room...
U can't expect ur helper to sleep with ur baby who doesn't sleep thru the night and still put in 9 hours of work the next day! 
... I would sleep with my baby and hand him to anti at 5am to get another 2hrs of zzzz till he was 2yrs at least...
... I would sleep with my baby and hand him to anti at 5am to get another 2hrs of zzzz till he was 2yrs at least...
You have to carry some of the load... Pay well and let your helper rest.. One weekend off a month is jokes guys. Pure circus.. Min 2 weekends off is better and even then the other 2 weekends she shudnt be pulling hard labour.. Its just ukuthi kube khona umuntu endlini...
Honestly most helper won't even charge you overtime for those weekends (which legally they should)... They don't mind as long as you are reasonable with the arrangement and ensure u keep to ur end of the deal - if it's their weekend off, don't tell them Friday wena u have plans..
Here is another thing: Salary and benefits... Honestly are u tryna have someone work for u and u don't give them a bonus? Please pay adequately. Add a bonus. Add perks (Cosmetics, transports allowance, basic groceries) ANYTHING.. 1st helper I paid her daughter's school fees..
Noone leaves a company thay recognizes them and shows gratitude.. Ppl don't leave companies.. They leave bosses.. Even if uAnti umudlalela iStockfela for year end or buy food stamps throughout the year for Dec.. Find something that will work as a retainer...
This relationship is trial and error but when you have gone thru 5 helpers in 6 months you might also have to introspect. As employers we can also be toxic.. Life is demanding.. I get it but you cannot use that as an excuse...
Having help is a luxury you pay for. If you have a mansion and multiple kids.. Dig deep in ur pockets and get 2 or 3 helpers... That's what it is nje guys.. Children are ALOT of work... House work ayipheli (remember lockdown when all we did was clean, wash and cook 
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With that said helpers can also be problematic.... ... At home we had a helper who once locked us in and went drinking savuka sisejele... But that's another story for another day
... At home we had a helper who once locked us in and went drinking savuka sisejele... But that's another story for another day
