Things people ask.

Is this an agency?

No. Hermanus Helpers is a booking platform, not an employment agency. Households find and book helpers here, then agree the rate with them and pay them directly. We never take a cut of a helper's pay, and we don't employ anyone.

Is it only for Hermanus?

No. We're based in Hermanus and cover the Overberg around it, like Hawston, Fisherhaven, Kleinmond, Stanford and Gansbaai. Each helper's profile shows the areas they can get to. Past employers who give a reference can live anywhere.

How is this different from posting on Facebook?

A Facebook post gets you a flood of replies from people you know nothing about. Here, every helper has references from past employers who'd hire them again. We check them ourselves, you can read them, and each helper has a calendar that shows when they're free.

How do you check helpers?

We look at every helper ourselves before they're listed, and not everyone gets in. Past employers confirm the dates, the work and whether they'd hire them again. Profiles only show what has been confirmed.

What don't you check?

We don't do police clearance, Child Protection Register or ID checks yet. We also don't check work permits, or whether someone is allowed to work in South Africa.

Each profile lists what we have checked, under "Checked by Hermanus Helpers". If something isn't listed there, we haven't checked it. Please meet a helper and make your own checks before you leave them alone with your children or in your home. Hiring, including any paperwork, is between you and your helper.

Do I need an account?

Yes, a free household account. It lets you see who's free, save helpers you like and book.

What does it cost?

One fee per booking, from R59 for a day of childcare and R39 for a day of cleaning. There are no monthly fees, even for ongoing work. See pricing →

Can I book a babysitter for one evening?

Yes. Pick a free evening on a babysitter's calendar and book it, for one fee of R59. You can book from 48 hours to 2 months ahead. More about babysitting →

Can I cancel?

Yes. It's free up to 24 hours before the booking starts, and your fee comes back as credit.

What if something goes wrong?

If your helper cancels, your fee comes back as credit. If they don't turn up, we refund your fee and follow it up. If regular work isn't the right fit, tell us within the first 2 weeks and the whole fee comes back as credit. The full details are in our Terms.

Are you responsible for contracts or employment?

No. You agree the rate, hours and any contract with your helper directly. For ongoing work, they work for you, so leave and UIF are part of it. Our guide What's fair to pay? links to the official sources.

I'm looking for work. How do I join?

Sign up on our helper page. It's free, and we never take a cut of your pay. Nannies, au pairs, house and pet sitters, and cleaners can join now (we're taking cleaners a few at a time). Other helpers can still sign up, and we'll be in touch when we open their kind of work. Join as a helper →

Do helpers pay anything?

No. Helpers are listed for free.