GAUTENG DEPARTMENT CELEBRATES UNSUNG HEROINES IN CLEANING SERVICES

By Tshepo Motholo

• In honour of Women’s Month, the Gauteng Department of Social Development is highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of women in cleaning services, whose efforts are vital to the smooth running of public institutions.
• These women, like 25-year-old Dionah Catelynn Jones from Eldorado Park, embody resilience and dedication, working tirelessly to maintain clean and safe environments despite facing stigma and misconceptions.
• The department’s recognition of these women underscores the importance of valuing their work and the need for greater appreciation of their essential roles in society.

In celebration of Women’s Month, the Gauteng Department of Social Development is honouring the invaluable contributions of women in cleaning services—an often overlooked group essential to the smooth operation of public institutions. These dedicated women work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure our environments are clean, safe, and welcoming. Today, the Department shines a spotlight on their hard work, resilience, and the critical roles they play.

One such inspiring individual is Dionah Catelynn Jones, a 25-year-old cleaner from Eldorado Park, south of Johannesburg. Catelynn embodies the spirit of determination and kindness that defines so many women in this field. Driven by a desire for independence and the need to provide for her family, she has faced challenges head-on, including the stigma and misconceptions often associated with her profession.

Rather than letting negativity weigh her down, Catelynn responds with kindness and grace, demonstrating exceptional communication and leadership skills. Her advice to young women aspiring to join the cleaning services is to cultivate patience and endurance. She also seeks to dispel the myth that cleaners are uneducated, emphasising the dignity and value of their work.

“My future goal is to return to school,” says Catelynn, underscoring her unwavering commitment to personal growth and self-improvement.

As Women’s Month continues, Catelynn’s message resonates: “Let us acknowledge and appreciate the vital role women like me play in maintaining the cleanliness and organisation of our public institutions. Our dedication and perseverance deserve recognition and respect.”

The Gauteng Department of Social Development proudly celebrates these unsung heroines, whose contributions are essential to creating a healthy and positive environment for all.