Hiring Domestic Staff in South Africa

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In this episode, Hannah Pirnie interviews the founders of the IZWI Domestic Workers Alliance to discuss employing domestic workers in South Africa. We cover various aspects such as communication, power dynamics, and the importance of written contracts. We also provide advice for employers, including tips on hiring, probation periods, and signing contracts. Our conversation delves into topics like minimum wage, living wage, and additional benefits. We discuss healthcare options, time off for clinic visits, and safety precautions. The episode concludes with a discussion on supporting domestic workers after employment ends

Takeaways:

• Establish clear communication and boundaries with domestic workers to maintain a professional relationship.

• Ensure that written contracts are in place to protect both employers and domestic workers.

• Pay a living wage to domestic workers and provide additional benefits such as the 13th month pay.

• Support domestic workers' social protections, such as registering for UIF and considering pension contributions

Additional Resources you might like:

Hiring Domestic Staff - Blog - click here

Sweep South App. -https://sweepsouth.com/

Living Wage : livingwage.co.za

“I think we need to stop saying the expected and start saying what's the kind thing to do.”

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Road Tripping Across Southern Africa

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In this episode hosts Hannah Pirnie and Sarah Passmore speak to veteran road-tripper Jenny Anderson about road trips in and beyond South Africa and share their experiences and tips for a successful journey. Sarah and Hannah also explain some unofficial traffic 'rules'.. including that of the "four way stop".

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction: Road Trips in South Africa

01:29 Jen's Experience with Road Trips

04:08 Tips for a Smooth Road Trip

05:32 Challenges and Lessons Learned

07:21 Driving at Night and Road Conditions

09:24 Road Trips Beyond South Africa

11:47 Botswana and Lesotho

13:37 Planning and Safety Tips

15:01 Other Recommended Road Trips in South Africa

23:42 Driving Tips in South Africa

28:00 Car Guards and Tipping

Additional Resources you might like:

3 Road Trips from Johannesburg to Cape Town - Click here

Where to stay on route to Cape Town - Click here

“I always say one of the things I've learnt about living in South Africa is South Africans just put their kids in the car and drive.”

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Best Schools in Johannesburg

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As an expat, the question of schools is by far the greatest question, concern and challenge of your amazing adventure. 

Hannah talks to Sine about the various options. This podcast was originally recorded as a webinar.

In this episode Hannah discusses the topic of choosing schools for expat children with Joburg Expat author Sine Thieme. The conversation covers various factors to consider, such as cost, location, transportation, school year, curriculum, and extracurricular activities. The importance of the whole child approach in South African schools is highlighted, as well as the benefits of experiencing a different culture and language. The transition back to the home country is also discussed, including the timing and potential challenges. The episode concludes with a discussion on the competitive school system and tips for choosing a preschool.

Takeaways

• Consider the cost and location of schools, as well as the importance of a good location for commuting.

• Be aware of the differences in school year and holidays between South Africa and other countries.

• South African schools focus on the whole child, including academics, discipline, extracurricular activities, and life skills.

• Consider the benefits of experiencing a different culture and language in South African schools.

• The transition back to the home country may require adjustments in curriculum and timing.

Additional Resources you might like:

Links for schools, blogs and resources can be found here: Choosing a school in South Africa - click here

Personal stories:

Local school vs International School learn about Kate’s personal experience of why they choose to change from St Marys to the French school - click here.

Read Katrin’s experience of sending her daughters to school in South Africa and then returning back into the British system - click here

“This was not a South African school raising South Africans. This was a South African school raising global children.”

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What do you love about Living in Johannesburg?

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You live where? Johannesburg!!! WOW, don’t you worry about getting shot?’   

Sarah caught up with a few of us to ask why they have decided to call Joburg home.

Two things polled high... the glorious weather, and the welcoming people but then of course, just being a hop, skip and a jump away from the rest of the beautiful country.

Have you decided to call Joburg home - if so we would love to hear why, please send us a voice message here.

Additional Resources you might like:

10 Reasons to get excited about moving to Joburg - click here

You can have a lot of fun.

You can be creative.

You can try new things.

You can try, you can fail, you can try again.

And Joburg is a city that offers opportunity.

Where else in the world can you go watch rugby in the sun? Football in the sun, cricket in the sun, on one weekend throughout the year. It's wonderful. ”

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How to Stay Safe

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Am I going to get shot?

This is the main question we get asked when people start researching Johannesburg.

In this episode we focus on security and safety in the city.

Sarah and Hannah head to CAP, a private not-for profit security company that works closely with the South African police to learn exactly what we should and shouldn’t be doing to stay safe.

We discuss the importance of being proactive in preventing crime and the role of CAP in responding to incidents. The conversation covers tips for choosing a safe place to live, personal safety measures, and securing your home. We also address common concerns such as car hijacking and car jamming. The episode highlights the importance of community engagement and the resilience of the people of Johannesburg in overcoming security challenges.

 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Overview

03:00 CAP: Private Security Company

06:02 Choosing a Safe Place to Live

09:19 Personal Safety Tips

14:57 Dealing with Crime Incidents

19:30 Crime Statistics and Societal Issues

20:30 Securing Your Home

22:50 Vetting and Managing Staff

24:18 The Importance of Security Gates

26:37 Car Security and Hijacking

31:34 Car Jamming and Parking Safety

33:19 Community Engagement and Response

36:4 The Beauty of Johannesburg

38:10 Making a Difference

Additional Resources you might like:

Hannah & Sine from Joburg Expat share their tips on staying safe at home, on the road and out and about. Watch on Youtube here.

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Where to Live in Johannesburg

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The first decision you need to make when moving to Johannesburg, is where to live.

In this episode, we explore the best places other expatriates have choosen to live and why?

We start in Parkhurst, typical of the so-called "Parks" area of the city, which offers a more traditional "stand-alone" way of living. Then we head north to one of the large popular secure estates, Dainfern, to experience what that has to offer.

Takeaways:

• Finding the right place to live in Johannesburg is crucial for newcomers.

• Parkhurst and the Parks offer unique neighbourhoods with a mix of history, features, and a community atmosphere.

• Estate living, such as in Dainfern Estate, provides a secure and exclusive residential experience.

• Estate living offers a sense of community and amenities, but it may be limited when it comes to the full Johannesburg experience 

• Choosing the right living environment depends on personal preferences and priorities.
  
  

Podcast Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Importance of Finding the Right Place to Live

01:09 Parkhurst: History and Features

02:09 The Parks: Established and Eclectic Neighborhoods

03:34 Living in Parkhurst and Craig Hall

04:03 Living in Parkhurst: Vibe and Community

07:50 Choosing Parkhurst for Safety and Community

08:19 Choosing Danefern Estate for Security and Lifestyle

11:26 Driving through Johannesburg and Arriving at Danefern Estate

14:45 Security and Access Control at Danefern Estate

19:45 Meeting Sarah Thornsen in Danefern Estate

23:42 Exploring the Clubhouse and Community in Danefern Estate

25:42 Comparison of Estate Living and Neighborhood Living

29:50 Conclusion

Additional Resources you might like:

Where should I live in Johannesburg blog post

Renting or Buying a house in Johannesburg blog post.

Provinces of South Africa

Dog walking in Johannesburg.

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Stay informed

We are very excited to be launching our New in Town podcast - supporting your move to Johannesburg!

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