FAQ’s

VAISA stands for Virtual Assistants Institute of South Africa. We are a professional association that aims to promote and support the virtual assistant industry in South Africa and beyond. We welcome anyone who is working as a virtual assistant or aspiring to do so, as well as anyone who is interested in learning more about the field.

Yes, you can. Although VAISA is based in South Africa, we have members from other countries as well. We welcome any VA who shares our vision and values, and who wants to be part of our community.

VAISA is not just a group, but a professional association that sets and maintains the standards of the VA industry. All our members are vetted and adhere to our Code of Ethics, which ensures that they deliver quality work and uphold the values of professionalism, integrity and excellence. VAISA also provides support, guidance, workshops and sessions to upskill our members, as we understand the challenges and opportunities of being a VA and a small business owner. VAISA offers a safe space to ask questions, share experiences and learn from each other.

VAISA aims to meet the growing demand for reliable and professional virtual assistant services. Through a thorough vetting process and a commitment to a strict Code of Ethics, we strive to ensure that our members maintain high standards of work. While we cannot guarantee that every member will work to the same level of excellence, we continuously monitor and provide support to our members to deliver exceptional support and assistance to their clients. We are dedicated to resolving immediate administrative and operational challenges effectively and efficiently, and we strive to match clients with virtual assistants who possess the skills and qualities necessary to meet their specific needs, should potential clients request our assistance.

As a member of VAISA, you will enjoy a range of benefits that can help you grow and succeed in your career as a virtual assistant. Some of these benefits are:

1. Vetting: We ensure that all our members meet our standards of quality and professionalism by conducting an interview and checking their credentials.
2. Code of Ethics: We uphold the ethical principles of the VA industry and expect our members to do the same.
3. Community: We foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie among our members by hosting monthly coffee chat sessions, where you can network, share and learn from each other.
4. Credibility: We enhance your reputation and credibility as a VA by associating you with our brand and name. You can also receive a VAISA member email address, which shows your professionalism and commitment.
5. Member’s Only Portal: You will have access to our exclusive online portal, where you can find useful resources, templates, courses, newsletters,  and more.
6. Visibility: You will have the opportunity to showcase your profile and services on our website and social media platforms, which can attract potential clients. You will also need to give us your permission to comply with the POPIA regulations.
7. Mentoring/Coaching: You will receive guidance and support from our experienced mentors and coaches, who can help you overcome challenges and achieve your goals as a VA.
8. Training: You will have access to regular training workshops, as well as additional courses to upskill yourself and stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in the VA industry.

Joining VAISA is a smart decision if you want to grow and succeed as a VA. You will benefit from the credibility, visibility and community that VAISA offers. You will also have access to valuable resources, benefits and opportunities that can help you enhance your skills, network with other professionals, and find new clients or projects. You will also be part of a movement that promotes and supports the virtual assistant industry in South Africa and beyond.

To join VAISA, you need to follow these steps:

1. Fill out the application form on our website.
2. Wait for our invitation to an interview, where we will assess your suitability for membership.
3. Sign and return the Membership Contract and Code of Ethics documents that we will send you.
4. Pay the membership fee that we will invoice you upon acceptance.
5. Receive your VAISA Member email address (if applicable), Debit Order Mandate for monthly payments, and WhatsApp and Facebook group link from us.

The membership fee for VAISA is:

R1300 for 12 months to get full access to all that VAISA has to offer our members – community, support, upskilling and so much more.

Annual Payment: R1300 upfront for 12 months

Annual payments are made via EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer).

VAISA membership requires a 12-month commitment. Your membership runs for 12 months from your start date, regardless of which payment option you choose.

VAISA membership requires a 12-month commitment. At the end of your annual membership period, you have the option to renew or not renew your membership for the following year.

Your membership runs for 12 months from your start date. Approximately one month before your membership expires, we will contact you regarding renewal options. You can then decide whether you’d like to continue your membership for another year.

VAISA does not offer formal training programs. Instead, we focus on providing members with opportunities to upskill themselves and grow both personally and professionally. Through resources, events, and community support, our goal is to empower our members to thrive as individuals and business owners.

As a member of VAISA, you will have access to free short sessions that cover various topics related to the VA industry. You will also have the option to enroll in full courses that offer more in-depth knowledge and skills development. These courses are mostly offered at a members-only price.

While connecting our members with work opportunities is not the primary purpose of VAISA, we do occasionally receive requests from companies or business owners. When these arise, we share them with our members to ensure they don’t miss potential opportunities.

Thank you for your interest in working for VAISA. However, please note that VAISA does not currently offer paid employment for virtual assistants. The roles within our organisation are fulfilled on a voluntary basis by our Board of Directors. We are a professional association that provides support and training to our members who are already working as virtual assistants or aspiring to do so.

If you want to gain experience as a virtual assistant, we suggest that you join VAISA as a member and take advantage of our mentoring, coaching and training programs. You will also be able to network with other VAs and learn from their experiences and tips. You can also create your own website or portfolio and market your services to potential clients.

A Virtual Assistant (VA) is someone who provides various types of support services to their clients remotely, usually from their own home-based office. These services can range from general administrative tasks to more specialised or technical ones, depending on the VA’s skills and expertise.

One of the main reasons to become a VA is the flexibility and freedom it offers. You can work from anywhere, set your own hours and pace, choose your clients and projects, and balance your work and personal life. You can also earn a good income by charging competitive rates for your services.

If you are a business owner or entrepreneur, hiring a VA can be a smart move for your growth and success. A VA can take care of the tasks that are time-consuming, repetitive or outside your core competencies, allowing you to focus on the more important aspects of your business. A VA can also bring new skills, ideas and perspectives to your business, as well as save you money on overhead costs.

If you are looking for a VA to help you with your business or personal needs, you can contact us by filling out the contact form on our website, at the bottom of the “Home” page. Alternatively, you can fill out an RFP (Request for Proposal) form, available under the ‘Application Forms’ menu and navigating to ‘Looking for a VA’. When we receive the RFP we will upload it to our website and share with all our members. You can also reach out to us to assist you in finding the right VA for you. There is currently no cost involved in submitting a RFP.