Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:South African profiles are the only ones who ever say they are not comfortable living with people of a different race (standard question on the ccap application). Even though we are Caucasian, I am not willing to bring that kind of racism in to my home. (We also won't take anyone not willing to live with same-sex couples for similar reasons)

My guess is that they are wary of the host family living in a not so nice neighborhood, and the cultural differences.
In South Africa the black population is not English speaking. Cultural differences are huge, not just in roles of men/women, but in how people interact

You would need to tell people more about yourselves

Wow. And yet, as a POC who has hired au pairs, not surprising at all. This kind of racist BS is why I gave up on the program.

-POC who lives in a rich neighborhood that white people are moving OUT of

Anonymous wrote:South African profiles are the only ones who ever say they are not comfortable living with people of a different race (standard question on the ccap application). Even though we are Caucasian, I am not willing to bring that kind of racism in to my home. (We also won't take anyone not willing to live with same-sex couples for similar reasons)

My guess is that they are wary of the host family living in a not so nice neighborhood, and the cultural differences.
In South Africa the black population is not English speaking. Cultural differences are huge, not just in roles of men/women, but in how people interact

You would need to tell people more about yourselves

Our South African (of Indian descent) au pair is our best yet (of 6). She’s incredibly personable, which has made living with her during the pandemic a pleasure, she’s an amazing cook and happily makes incredible Indian meals for our whole family, my kids adore her like a big sister and she’s always happy to pitch in and help.

I don’t think it has anything really to do with her country of origin and more to do with her personality and the way she was raised.

We had someone take care of our 18 month old and really enjoyed having her as part of the family. Left when he was 2 and a half and we miss her.
She was well spoken, had an Afrikaans accent
Drove responsibly. Wasn't a great cook but did just fine for our little one.
From our experience, I'd highly recommend someone from South Africa

Now, for everyone here on their high horse here about South Africans and racism, let me remind you that we live in a very racist country.
South Africans dishonest.. erm and we don't have anyone living here who's dishonest right?
And for the muppet who made a comment about colonization and land being taken away. Once again we have that history right here at home.
Oh you betcha we do and worse.
Sux to know our ancestors may not have been that nice.
All of you need to spend a little less time watching Grey's Anatomy and a little more time researching your own real history.
We have a lot more in common with South Africa then ya'll might want to admit.
South Africans are family orientated, Christian for the most part, warm and caring.

Anonymous wrote:In South Africa, the children are very much raised to please the adults. Discipline is old school. Kids must be polite, do as they are told
American kids come off as blunt and uncultured

My 2 cents on the politics is simple, to catch up to this century, the blacks have to find a way to educate themselves, have smaller families. Let go of the past. Whites have the same right to live there as the whites here have to live here. America was colonized. I do not see anyone trying to make apologies for that.
It is a poor country with huge mineral wealth, as are other African countries

You're disgusting.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I believe nannies make more because it is their *profession* and not something to do for a year or two and visit another country... It is basically an entry-level job.

Agree, you also have to take into account that most nannies are not receiving free room and board, a vehicle, insurance, etc... ALL of which needs to be factored into compensation, if you're just looking at salary/stipend amounts then it's an apples-to-oranges comparison (aside from the experience/professionalism difference).

We had a live in nanny for years before kids got old enough for an AP. She has free room, free board when she was working, a free phone, $1,000 Christmas bonus, and 4 weeks off a year-paid. She was also paid $600/week for a flat rate, not to exceed 50hrs. Out pay was in the low side for a live in, but she stayed with us for 7 years, as the work environment was positive. I can assure you that an AP is insanely cheap labor even if you factor in how much less you are getting in professionalism.

Had two S Africans, never again.

Stay away and try someone else. Not worth the headaches and rematches.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I believe nannies make more because it is their *profession* and not something to do for a year or two and visit another country... It is basically an entry-level job.

Agree, you also have to take into account that most nannies are not receiving free room and board, a vehicle, insurance, etc... ALL of which needs to be factored into compensation, if you're just looking at salary/stipend amounts then it's an apples-to-oranges comparison (aside from the experience/professionalism difference).

Most live-in nannies receive that and more. It’s still apples to oranges.

My sister's employers even pay for her Uber account. She is not required to use her own car to go to/from work. And she only has to work 30 hours a week. In her words, such a great gig after being responsible for so many elementary school kids all those years!

Anonymous wrote:I believe nannies make more because it is their *profession* and not something to do for a year or two and visit another country... It is basically an entry-level job.

Agree, you also have to take into account that most nannies are not receiving free room and board, a vehicle, insurance, etc... ALL of which needs to be factored into compensation, if you're just looking at salary/stipend amounts then it's an apples-to-oranges comparison (aside from the experience/professionalism difference).

Discipline and driving are the two biggest issues. I know of two SA AP who went home for discipline they perceived as normal, and the family perceived as abuse (hot sauce poured in toddler’s mouth, toddler’s hand held under hot water to teach the child what hot meant when they reached for the stove twice).

In South Africa, the children are very much raised to please the adults. Discipline is old school. Kids must be polite, do as they are told
American kids come off as blunt and uncultured

My 2 cents on the politics is simple, to catch up to this century, the blacks have to find a way to educate themselves, have smaller families. Let go of the past. Whites have the same right to live there as the whites here have to live here. America was colonized. I do not see anyone trying to make apologies for that.
It is a poor country with huge mineral wealth, as are other African countries

I believe nannies make more because it is their *profession* and not something to do for a year or two and visit another country.

My sister is a nanny now and makes good money. She has a masters degree in elementary education and recently retired from teaching after 25 years, including as chairman of the Special Education department. She is CPR certified, First Aid certified. She also raised her own child as a single mom, so she petty much can handle any situation that comes up in a calm and clear mature manner. She makes about 5,000 a month and has (wealthy, obviously) families vying for her services. She has been doing this for 3 years now.

I had 3 au pairs and they were wonderful. But none of them had anywhere near my siisters's qualifications. Not even close. It is basically an entry-level job.

Anonymous wrote:I hosted one who quickly ended up in rematch. Driver's licenses can be purchased there- pretty sure that's what my bad au pair did. And then she was angry and resentful at not having car access, after the driving instructor I hired to evaluate her told me, "Don't let her drive your car, and definitely don't let her drive your kids." Also lied about cooking, childcare experience, and basically everything. There is a culture of dishonesty there.

I am an au pair from South Africa and I am Indian. It’s funny how host parents are quick to stereotype their au pairs because of the countries we come from. We do not have a “culture of dishonesty “. There are people all around the world who are dishonest. As an au pair who is polite, consistent and honest I can say host parents are dishonest because they want cheap childcare. Au pairs do much more than nannies for a lot less money. As I’m sure Americans have a poor impression of South Africans, us South Africans have a poor impression of Americans.

I'm a South African. I'm sure our APs are fine. Most young people just want to work overseas so they can travel. No we are not racist and everyone can speak English. I am English speaking but all South Africans can speak English albeit with an accent. We do drive on the same side as Britain though and are not accustomed to driving in snow. I'm sure they are required to get an international drivers liscence though. No I do not have a pet lion or giraffe lol! Hope you find the nannies you are looking for even if they are not from South Africa.