“The Dollar Changes Everything”: American in SA Raves About Paying Gardener With the Mighty Dollar

• An American couple living in Johannesburg shared how they can afford to pay their gardener far above the usual rate
• The businessman explained how one South African worker does the job of three specialists back in America
• South Africans welcomed the couple's approach of treating workers with dignity, inviting them to meals and paying them what their work is truly worth

An American couple who moved to Johannesburg has got Mzansi talking after sharing how the mighty US dollar allows them to pay their gardener generously for his incredible work.

Content creator @kenyabktrading and her partner posted a heartfelt video on the 14 of August explaining the massive difference between hiring help in South Africa versus back home in America.

The businessman recorded his gardener at work and compared the experience to what would happen in the United States. In his video, he explained how back home he'd need to call three different specialists for garden landscaping, pool cleaning and barbecue area maintenance, each with their own skill set and hefty bill.

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"Here in South Africa, it's different," he said in the video. "Here, one man arrives with quiet confidence and a work ethic that speaks louder than words. He trims the hedges, shapes the lawn, skims the pool, checks the filters, deep cleans the barbecue pit, scrubs the patio until the concrete breathes again."

The American was amazed that this level of skill and range would be rare and expensive in the States, but here it's normal. He explained that the exchange rate means he can pay far above the usual rate, enough for his worker's family groceries, school fees and whatever else he needs.

"When I do that, that's not charity, it's honour. It's paying what the work is truly worth," he said. The couple even invited their gardener inside for a meal to learn about cultural differences, discussing Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr.

South Africans praise American couple's approach

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@meonx_ gushed:

"What you did by inviting him in and making him food is so South African 🙏🏽🤌🏽"

@Kiki 🇿🇦 suggested:

"I think outside of payment, maybe purchase tools to make his job easier so he can do even better and finish up quicker. He'll appreciate that so much. Like a power washer, so that he doesn't have to get on his knees or bend down to scrub the concrete and patio furniture. I love that you invited him in... Because UBUNTU ❤️"

@Farwi praised:

"You are the best 👌 May God continue to bless you and your beautiful family."

@I'm here for the tips added:

"I bet you he is actually from Zim. They have a great work ethic."

@Kgosi Motsamai appreciated:

"I appreciate the humility with which you want to contribute."

@survivingiswinning711 celebrated:

"This was beautiful! ❤️I love seeing us come together and stand united as one.☝🏾 🥰❤️BK Community For Life! ❤️🥰"

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@Gerry 🇨🇦🏳️‍🌈🇿🇦 WYSIWYG welcomed:

"It's our way. The African way, all over Mama Africa. We are one. Welcome home."

What makes the US dollar so powerful

According to experts at Investopedia, three main factors drive the US dollar's strength. Supply and demand play the biggest role. When America exports products or services, it creates demand for dollars because customers need to pay in US currency. The dollar is also seen as a safe haven during global economic uncertainty, which keeps demand high even when America's economy faces challenges.

Market sentiment and political stability also affect the dollar's value. Investment banks analyse trends and often determine economic sentiment, which can drive markets more than actual supply and demand fundamentals.

Watch the TikTok clip below:

3 Other stories of Americans and SA

• Briefly News recently reported on American woman Nasirah Exume, who shared the incredible benefits of being in Mzansi with her husband and three children, but her shocking announcement about moving permanently had South Africans rolling out the red carpet.
• A US man went viral discussing South Africa's maths team that placed 38th out of 110 countries at a global competition, but his controversial comments about the team's racial makeup sparked fierce debate among proud South Africans.
• An American woman who moved to South Africa explained why Pep became her favourite store over US retailers, but her unexpected reason for choosing local shopping had Mzansi feeling incredibly proud of their rainbow nation.

Source: Briefly News