Safety

AuPairMatch is an online noticeboard. We don’t check anyone: not their identity, references, qualifications or criminal record. Before you hire someone or accept a job, do your own checks.

For families

• Have a video call first, then meet in a public place before inviting anyone home.
• Check their South African ID or passport in person.
• Call at least two childcare references yourself.
• Ask for a police clearance certificate. They can apply at their local police station.
• If they will drive your children, check their driver’s licence and do a test drive.
• Consider a paid trial day before you commit.
• An au pair you hire is your employee. Give them a written contract, pay at least the national minimum wage, and register them for UIF and the Compensation Fund (COIDA).

For au pairs

• Meet the family in a public place first, and tell someone you trust where you are going.
• Never pay anyone to get a job. Au pairs never pay on AuPairMatch.
• Ask for a written contract before you start. You are entitled to at least the national minimum wage and UIF.
• If something feels wrong, you can say no and leave.

Scams

We will never ask for your password, or ask you to pay outside our website. Be careful of anyone who asks you to send money, pay for “training” or “transport”, or move the conversation off the site before you have met.

Report a problem

If a listing looks fake, someone behaves inappropriately, or you are worried about a child’s safety, email hello@aupairmatch.co.za with the word “Report” in the subject and a link to the listing. We can hide a listing straight away while we look into it. We report suspected crimes against children to the police, as the law requires.

In an emergency

• Police: 10111
• Childline (free, 24 hours): 116
• Gender-Based Violence Command Centre: 0800 428 428