Because who you bring into your home matters 

Inviting someone into your home is deeply personal. This is the person who may care for your children, support your household, and become part of your daily life. 

While it is easy to focus on personality and experience during the hiring process, one of the most important responsibilities as an employer is ensuring that proper safety checks are completed. 

These checks are not about mistrust. 
They are about protection, responsibility, and peace of mind. 

Why safety checks are non-negotiable 

When hiring someone to work in your home, you are responsible for: 

• The safety of your children 
• The security of your home 
• Compliance with South African labor laws 

Without proper checks, you may unknowingly: 

• Hire someone with a false identity 
• Miss important background concerns 
• Employ someone who is not legally allowed to work in South Africa 

A thorough vetting process protects not only your family — but also the person you are hiring, ensuring fairness and transparency from the start. 

Essential safety checks for South African citizens 

When hiring a South African nanny or domestic worker, the following checks are essential: 

1. Identity Verification

Confirm that the person is who they say they are by: 

• Checking a valid South African ID document 
• Verifying ID authenticity where possible 

2. Criminal Record Check

This helps identify any past criminal activity. 

Options include: 

• Police clearance 
• Private background screening services 

While a record does not always tell the full story, it is an important part of making an informed decision. 

3. Reference Checks

Always speak to previous employers.  

Ask specific questions: 

• What were her daily responsibilities? 
• How did she handle children? 
• Why did she leave? 
• Would you hire her again? 

References give real insight into behavior, reliability, and character. 

4. Address Verification

Confirm where the candidate lives. 

This adds an extra layer of security and ensures transparency. 

5. Qualification and Training Verification

If a candidate has completed childcare training: 

• Verify certificates 
• Understand what the training included 

This helps you assess their level of knowledge and readiness. 

Safety checks for foreign nationals working in South Africa 

When hiring a foreign nanny or domestic worker, additional legal checks are critical. 

1. Valid Passport

Ensure the passport is current and authentic. 

2. Validwork Visa or Permit

This is one of the most important checks. 

The individual must have: 

• A valid visa that allows them to work in South Africa 
• The correct visa category for employment 

Without this, employment is illegal. 

3. Visa Expiry Dates

Always check: 

• When the visa expires 
• Whether renewals are in progress 

Employers must ensure ongoing compliance. 

4. Additional Documentation 

Depending on the situation: 

• Asylum documents (if applicable) 
• Refugee status documentation 

These must be valid and up to date. 

Why legal employment matters 

Hiring someone without legal documentation may seem easier in the short term, but it carries serious risks. 

For the employer: 

• Legal penalties and fines 
• Potential legal disputes 
• Risk of exploitation claims 
• No formal protection if something goes wrong 

For the employee: 

• No legal protection under labour laws 
• Vulnerability to unfair treatment 
• Limited access to benefits like UIF 

For your household: 

• Increased risk and uncertainty 
• Lack of accountability 

Choosing to employ someone legally is not just about compliance — it is about dignity, fairness, and safety for everyone involved. 

Beyond checks: setting up a safe working relationship 

Safety does not end once the checks are done. 

You should also ensure: 

• A clear employment contract 
• Defined roles and responsibilities 
• Agreed working hours and salary 
• UIF registration 
• Open communication 

This creates structure, protects both parties, and builds a professional working relationship.

How The Nanny Movement can help 

At The Nanny Movement, safety and professionalism are at the heart of everything we do. 

We understand that many families feel overwhelmed by the process of hiring and managing domestic staff. That is why we offer support at every stage. 

For families hiring someone new 

Our recruitment process includes: 

• Thorough vetting and screening 
• Identity and background checks 
• Reference verification 
• Matching the right personality to your home 

We do not just place a nanny — we help you find the right nanny. 

For current employers: The employer starter pack 

If you already have a nanny or domestic worker, we help you bring structure and compliance into your home through our “Employer starter pack”. 

This includes: 

• Employment contracts 
• Code of conduct 
• Workplan templates 
• Guidance on roles, expectations, and boundaries 

This ensures your current working relationship is: 

• Legal 
• Clear 
• Professional 
• Sustainable 

Training and upskilling 

We also offer training to: 

• Equip nannies with modern childcare skills 
• Align caregivers with your expectations 
• Improve confidence, safety, and professionalism 

Because a well-trained nanny is not only safer — she is more confident, capable, and consistent. 

In closure 

Safety checks are not about suspicion. They are about responsibility. 

Taking the time to properly vet and legally employ someone: 

• Protecting your child 
• Protecting your home 
• Protects your employee 
• Protects you as an employer 

It sets the foundation for a relationship built on trust, respect, and professionalism. 

And when that foundation is strong, everything else becomes easier.