I know that this may be a very oppurtunistic question, but here goes:

What is the likelyhood in finding a nanny that is also Afrikaans speaking in Zurich? Are there perhaps South African Expats that know if we may recruit a nanny from South Africa?

I don't know how much luck you will have with Afrikaans. But if that proves difficult then another option would be a Dutch or Belgian (from the northern Flemish part of Belgium) nanny. The languages are a bit different, but close enough that most people I have met who speak Afrikaans find that they have very little difficulty understanding Dutch.

Thanks. Yes it is true. Been to the Netherlands and Belgium and the Flemish language resembles Afrkaans the closest. I have found if I just roll my "R" a bit the Dutch almost understands me, but not quite.

It might be worth contacting a few SA based Aupair companies like http://www.handyhelpers.co.za/ they may be able to help you with an International placement, but it goes without saying that they would probably need to speak German aswell?

You could also try contacting http://www.damelin.co.za/ , they would definitely be able to find someone interested (and qualified) to help you.

Perhaps I should begin a playschool for SA expats instead... Create opportunity rather than expecting opportunity....

I'd go for that!!

I think it would be a headache going through the "Red Tape" to register as such, else somebody would have done it already I'm sure.

Would have to investigate the procedures, (for that I need to touch up on my school level German)don't know if the authorities would think I'm qualified as I am a lawyer by profession in South Africa and the nearest qualification to childcare is being a mother myself...

I recon that qualifies you!! I am a mother of an eight month old baby girl who is just starting to learn how to get what she wants, so I know I dont have the patience to become a day mother!!

Good luck!

Hey!
I am from the flemish part of Belgium.
I allready have an au pair job, but indeed afrikaans and flemish is quite similar, you can ofcourse always give it a try of look on www.aupair-world.net it's a free site and you can browse the au pairs :P
x Jana

I believe that one of the rules for au-pairs is that he or she (hey, I'm equal opportunity) should speak a different first language to the family.

Your best bet as pointed out is to look at Dutch Belgians (I heard that Belgians were trying to sell the French half and the Flemish half to their neighbours - is this correct?) and real Dutchies - this also overcomes many permit issues

jah halloooo!!
selling us to the netherlands, I think NOT!
lol
We had political disagreements because in the flemish part everyone needs to learn french, so we speak both flemish and french, but in the south (french speaking) they do not learn flemish, or very little...
In Flemish schools it is standard to learn french...so that's why even I am annoyed by it! :P
And I hereby state That I would never want the flanders to be part of the netherlands and I do not think that I am the only one with this thought
As for an au pair speaking another language then the family, there are families who especially want an au pair who speaks the same language especially when they live in a foreign country, this to maintain the children's mother language...
So the language doesn't matter that much...
I speak Dutch (and flemish), french, english and german, you try to find an au pair family who doesn't speak any of those :P
x Jana
By the way, our chocolate still rules

I agree that the nanny should be speaking one of the local languages so she could help teaching my youngster (and me hopefully)the lingo. But I believe that finding afrikaans ones are nearly zero. Maybe we should look at Flemish as good alternative.

But we will settle in first and see how things are. Was a bit concerning to read that kids are treated as outsiders just because they are from a different side of the world. I would be very sad if my little boy wouldnt be able to make friends with swiss children. He loves playmates and he would really be depressed if he is alone all the time. He is an only child so that makes friends even more important.

I don't know how old your child is, but I really wouldn't be concerned that he won't have any Swiss friends. Children are fantastic at making new playmates (some you wouldn't have chosen yourself) and TBH, kids don't really need to be able to speak the same language. Our daughter has made several friends here in our flats, depite her German being marginally worse than ours. Be prepared to smile and call the other Mums Frau Greutzi though.No first names for at least 12 months. Another thing that will probably surprise you is how independant children are here. Walk 20 minutes to school or get the bus on their own from the age of about 5 as far as I have seen. Not something I would let our girl do. Dolly Daydream would probably get lost or try to find an adventure - she is addicted to secret seven.

Whats this all about?

Just that first names are not encouraged. I have observed women with children who are playing together call each other Mrs Smith and Mrs Jones rather than Sharon and Tracey. Merely a cultural difference.

Very good to know!! Do you think it is the same in the French speaking regions?

I am Afrikaans speaking (moving to Winterthur in June 2008) and I suggest ask on the SA forums. I am sure you will be successful finding help there.
www.saaustralia.org www.sacanada.org www.sausa.org
You will also meet wonderful helpful SA people.

But believe me, it is so annoying. Many years ago when I worked in Switzerland I tried very hard to get the people to call me on my first name, but after 2 years I was still Frau... I was only in my 20's (married) and it made me feel OLD. I eventually gave up. But do not forget, they want to be Frau so and so, and Herrn. so and so. No first names. It is like it is an insult to them, don't ask me why, not sure why it is like that.

Gooie More!
How I wish I could help you. From Randburg, Jo-ies living across the water from Lausanne. Long way from Evian to Zuerich! Pity. Hamba Gahle!

HI MIEKIE

My name is Wendy en ek is South Afrikan. My eerste taal is Engalse maar ek can Afrikaans praat.

I would like to know if you have found anyone yet?
What area you are staying and what type of work is it concerning.

I await your responce.
kind Regards,
Wendy