One of South Africa’s favourite topics of conversation revolves around domestic workers and how good they are, how bad; shocking stories and urban legends reverberate through book club teas, ladies lunching and dinner parties in the suburbs. Here, at Marvellous Maids, we think we have heard them all, until we are bowled over by yet another tale which demonstrates our reliance on the women (and men!) who free up our energies by cooking, cleaning and looking after our children. But why use an agency? Aren’t they very expensive?

 Yes, cost is certainly a factor; however, consider the cost of a bad placement, or an untried, untested and worst of all unknown person let loose in your home. At Marvellous Maids we have strict selection criteria, taking into consideration the worker’s past with special reference to honesty, reliability and attitude as well as domestic skills. Of the approximately 20 people who come into each of the Marvellous Maids offices each day, perhaps only 2, or 3 will be registered.

References are not only checked and scrutinized, but investigated as well. Referees are closely questioned and their truthfulness tested with the experience of years and years of registering and placing domestic workers. A tailor made data base alerts us to workers who have behaved dishonestly or badly in the past. Both applicants available for permanent placement and those on our char team are subjected to the same scrutiny.

In doing placements Marvellous Maids operates as any other recruitment agency and introduces you to suitable candidates and charges a fee. In addition we assist our clients with a placement package consisting of everything from the contract, an induction form, pay slip book, cleaning schedule and other information designed to make the employment process as easy and painless as possible.