Cleaner Vacancies
Healthcare isn’t just about doctors and nurses. It’s also about the unsung heroes who work behind the scenes to keep hospitals clean, safe, and functioning—cleaners. At one of Africa’s largest hospitals, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, cleanliness is not just important, it’s life-saving.
If you’re a hardworking, detail-oriented person seeking a stable and meaningful job in South Africa, the opportunity to join the cleaning team at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital could be your way forward. This article offers everything you need to know—from what the job entails, the requirements, how to apply, and why this opportunity matters.
About Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital
Located in Soweto, Johannesburg, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital is the third-largest hospital in the world. With more than 3,000 beds and thousands of patients served daily, this hospital is a vital hub in South Africa’s public health system.
It is also a teaching hospital, affiliated with the University of the Witwatersrand. As a result, it maintains some of the highest standards in medical care and operational hygiene.
Cleaners play a key role in keeping the hospital environment sterile, sanitary, and safe for patients, healthcare workers, and visitors.
Why Hospital Cleaning Jobs Are Crucial
Working as a cleaner in a hospital is not like cleaning a mall or office space. In a medical environment, even a small mistake can lead to serious infections or health hazards.
As a hospital cleaner, you become part of the infection prevention and control team. You’ll be responsible for:
• Keeping operating rooms sterile
• Disinfecting patient wards
• Safely disposing of hazardous waste
• Maintaining toilets, hallways, and public areas
• Supporting nurses and admin staff with general sanitation
Your job will literally help save lives every day by maintaining a healthy and clean environment.
Job Summary: Cleaner Positions at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital
Job Title:
Cleaner – Public Health Facility
Location:
Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Soweto, Johannesburg, Gauteng
Salary:
Approximately R8,000 – R12,000 per month, depending on experience, plus benefits including medical aid, pension contribution, and leave days.
Contract Type:
Permanent or 12-month renewable contract (depending on post)
Working Hours:
Full-time: Monday to Friday and rotational weekends/holidays (shifts may vary between day and night)
Key Duties and Responsibilities
As a cleaner at Chris Hani Baragwanath, you’ll be expected to perform the following:
• Cleaning of wards, theatres, clinics, corridors, bathrooms, and kitchens
• Use of cleaning equipment (mops, brooms, buffers, vacuums)
• Following infection control protocols
• Safe handling and disposal of medical waste
• Replenishing toilet paper, soap, hand towels
• Reporting breakages or maintenance issues
• Following safety procedures when using cleaning chemicals
• Supporting healthcare staff with cleanliness requests during shifts
• Ensuring patient comfort by keeping the hospital neat and tidy
You will work under the Environmental Health Unit and report to the Supervisor of Cleaning Services.
Minimum Requirements to Apply
To be considered for this job, you need to meet the following:
Basic Requirements:
• South African citizenship
• Grade 10/Standard 8 minimum (Matric preferred but not required for some roles)
• No criminal record
• Good physical health and ability to lift, mop, sweep, and stand for long hours
• Must be able to read and write in English
• Willingness to work flexible shifts, including weekends and holidays
Personal Qualities:
• Punctual and reliable
• Honest and trustworthy
• Attention to detail
• Team player
• Good hygiene and presentation
• Can follow instructions
• Understanding of confidentiality and respect for patients
Who Can Apply?
These posts are ideal for:
• Unemployed individuals in Soweto and surrounding areas
• Young adults looking to enter the job market
• Women and men of all backgrounds committed to doing essential public work
• People who care about health and cleanliness
• Matriculants or those with some basic schooling who are looking for work that matters
Note: Preference may be given to EPWP, Expanded Public Works Programme participants or youth as part of the hospital’s public service employment initiatives.
How to Apply for Cleaner Jobs at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Before applying, ensure you have certified copies of:
• South African ID
• Highest school qualification (Grade 10 or Matric certificate)
• Updated CV with contact details
• Proof of residence (to show you’re local, if required)
• Reference letter (if available, even from a community leader)
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Applications may be submitted in one of the following ways (depending on the vacancy announcement):
Online via Gauteng Government e-Recruitment Portal
Search for “Cleaner – Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital”
Physical Drop-off:
Some posts require walk-in submissions to:
Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital Human Resources Department
Chris Hani Road, Diepkloof, Soweto, Johannesburg
Clearly mark the envelope with:
Application for Cleaner Post – REF: [use official reference if given]
Step 3: Follow-Up
If you haven’t received a response within 3 months of the closing date, consider the application unsuccessful. You can reapply when new posts are advertised.
What to Expect After Applying
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for:
• Interviews (one-on-one or panel)
• Possible cleaning practical test
• Background and reference checks
• Medical evaluation (due to physical nature of the job)
If successful, you’ll be issued a contract of employment and undergo basic training in hospital cleaning and safety procedures.
Career Growth and Opportunities
Many people think cleaning jobs are dead-end work. But at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, there are opportunities to grow if you show dedication and reliability.
Possible paths include:
• Senior Cleaner / Team Leader
• Supervisor of Cleaning Services
• Training to become an Infection Control Officer
• Applying for other roles in administration or logistics in the public health sector
The experience gained in this role can also help you move into private cleaning jobs, contract cleaning companies, or cleaning in corporate environments.
Why This Job Matters
By becoming a hospital cleaner, you:
• Support patient recovery
• Help prevent the spread of infections
• Create a respectful and dignified space for sick people
• Help nurses, doctors, and healthcare professionals focus on treatment
• Play a part in protecting vulnerable people during health crises (like COVID-19)
Common Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I apply without Matric?
A: Yes. Some posts only require Grade 10, especially if you have experience.
Q: Do I need previous cleaning experience?
A: Not necessarily. Training is provided, but experience in hospitals, hotels, or schools is an advantage.
Q: Will I get benefits like pension or medical aid?
A: Permanent government jobs come with benefits. Contract posts may vary.
Q: Can I apply if I’m older than 35?
A: Yes. Unless specified, most posts don’t have age limits.
Q: Is there a fee to apply?
A: No. Government applications are free. Never pay anyone to apply for a job.
Final Words: Apply with Confidence
Being a cleaner may not be glamorous—but it’s vital. It’s about dignity, hard work, and doing something that truly matters.
If you live in Soweto or surrounding areas and want to build a stable, honest life—this could be your opportunity. With government jobs becoming more competitive, don’t miss your chance.
Start preparing now, keep an eye on job updates, and apply the moment a post opens. Your future may begin with a mop—but it doesn’t end there.
Tips for Applying Successfully
- Read the entire post carefully to make sure you meet all the requirements.
- Prepare your documents in advance – usually includes your updated CV, certified ID copy, and any qualifications.
- Apply as early as possible – many opportunities close before the official deadline if slots fill up.
- Double-check that your application form is fully completed – incomplete forms are often disqualified.
- Use the correct reference number or position code if provided.
- Email submissions: Use a clear subject line and attach files in PDF format if not told otherwise.
- Follow instructions exactly – whether it’s emailing, hand delivery, or applying online, each opportunity has its own method.
- Scan and upload clean, legible documents – avoid blurry photos from phones.
- Keep a copy of your application and proof of submission (like email sent receipts or application tracking codes).
- Use an active phone number and email address — this is how you’ll be contacted if shortlisted.
What Happens After You Apply?
- Your application is reviewed by the HR or recruitment team.
- Shortlisting begins, where candidates who meet all requirements are selected.
- If shortlisted, you may be contacted via email, phone, or SMS for further assessments, interviews, or document verification.
- Some government or learnership programs require verification of documents or background checks.
- Final selection may take weeks — check your email and phone regularly.
- If you don’t hear back, it usually means you were not selected — but don’t be discouraged! Keep applying to new opportunities.
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