Apply for Cleaner Positions in Johannesburg: Pay, Benefits, and Tips

The Cleaner Career in Johannesburg

The city of Johannesburg offers good opportunities to work as a cleaner and take care of homes and people, with salaries even above average!

Johannesburg is dynamic and provides a variety of job opportunities, especially in the cleaning sector.

Neighborhoods like Sandton, Rosebank, and Bryanston host companies, hotels, and high-end residences that frequently hire cleaning professionals.

What is the work like?

Working as a cleaner in Johannesburg involves different tasks depending on the workplace. Among the duties, you will find:

• General cleaning of homes, offices, or commercial establishments
• Washing and ironing clothes
• Meal preparation
• Childcare or eldercare
• Organizing spaces

Working hours vary according to the employer, and can be part-time or full-time. Some positions offer flexible schedules, which can be advantageous for those with other responsibilities.

Main Job Opportunities

The most common place to work as a cleaner in Johannesburg is in private homes, especially in neighborhoods like Sandton, Rosebank, Bryanston, Melrose, Greenside, Hyde Park, and Morningside.

In addition to residences, there are opportunities in hotels, offices, schools, and outsourced cleaning companies, mainly in commercial areas such as Johannesburg Central, Rivonia, and Fourways.

Some vacancies also appear in hospitals and clinics, and even in restaurants and small businesses throughout the city.

Salaries vary depending on experience and type of employment:

• Private homes: between R25 and R40 per hour
• Hotels and companies: around R30 per hour, possibly including benefits like meals or transport.

Who Can Work?

The job market offers positions for different profiles of women. Although previous experience is not always mandatory, it can be valued.

Good references, even without much experience, can help demonstrate work ethic and reliability, which are among the most important qualities for these jobs.

Knowledge of cleaning techniques, organization, and in some cases cooking skills are important.

Being able to understand and follow instructions, as well as communicate clearly, is essential. In addition, valid identification and, in some cases, proof of residence are required.

How to Apply

To apply for cleaner positions in Johannesburg:

1. Search for vacancies: Use job sites like Indeed, PNet, and Adzuna to find updated opportunities.
2. Prepare your CV: Highlight previous experiences, skills, and references. Even without formal experience, mention cleaning tasks you’ve done before.
3. Submit your application: Apply directly through job sites or contact specialized recruitment agencies.
4. Prepare for interviews: Be punctual, dress appropriately, and be ready to answer questions about your experience and skills.

Tips to Find Jobs

• Use keywords: When searching, use terms like “cleaner,” “housekeeper,” “general worker,” and “domestic worker.”
• Filter by location: Focus on areas close to you, such as Sandton, Rosebank, and Bryanston, where demand for cleaning professionals is higher.
• Register on job sites: Create alerts to receive notifications of new vacancies.
• Networking: Talk to acquaintances who can indicate opportunities or recommend you to employers.

Currently, there are various cleaner vacancies in Johannesburg, such as the cleaner position requiring basic knowledge at Inspired.

Clinix Health Group offers a Laundry Assistant position, where the professional will be responsible for following sanitation and infection control guidelines while cleaning, sorting, and washing clothes and linens.

The City of Ekurhuleni has a General Worker position for company tasks, but it is temporary.

Main Challenges of a Cleaner Career

Although working as a cleaner offers opportunities, it also presents challenges, such as long working hours and physically demanding tasks.

In some areas, there may be safety concerns, especially when working at night. Some positions are temporary or short-term contracts, which can affect job security.

Working in private homes may not include as many benefits as working in a company, being mostly limited to the salary.

At the same time, some positions may provide meals on-site or even housing. And precisely this variety depending on the vacancy is a challenge.

In any case, working as a cleaner in Johannesburg can be an excellent opportunity for women seeking to enter the job market or supplement family income.

Written by

Gabriel Gonçalves