Cleaning, Hiring & Domestic Services Sectors in South Africa
1. Cleaning Services Sector
About the Sector
The Cleaning Services sub-sector includes a wide range of services for individuals, households, and commercial businesses, such as contract cleaning. These services range from basic cleaning to specialised tasks and also include companies that supply cleaning equipment and consumables.
Maintaining high hygiene and sanitary standards is essential for health and wellbeing. This sector supports industries like Health, Agriculture, Chemical, Property, Tourism, and Hospitality.
Types of Services in the Cleaning Industry:
- General Cleaning Services
- Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
- Industrial Cleaning
- Pet Care Cleaning
- Healthcare Cleaning
- Vehicle Cleaning
- Aircraft Cleaning
- Trauma/Crime Scene Cleaning
- High-Rise Window Cleaning
- Cleaning Equipment & Product Supply
- Dry Cleaning & Laundering
- Garden Maintenance
- Domestic Cleaning Services
Qualifications Offered:
- GETC: Hygiene and Cleaning (NQF Level 1)
- National Certificate: Specialist Hygiene and Cleaning Services (NQF Level 2)
- National Certificate: Hygiene and Cleaning Supervision (NQF Level 3)
Recommended School Subjects:
- English (Home Language)
- Life Orientation
Career Opportunities:
- Cleaning Services Manager
- Domestic or Commercial Cleaner
- Healthcare Cleaner
- Dry Cleaner
2. Hiring Services Sector
About the Sector
The Hiring Services sector is a vital part of South Africa’s economy, providing businesses and individuals with access to equipment and machinery rentals. This includes plant hire for construction, event equipment hire, and more.
Hiring services support various industries, including Mining, Construction, Tourism, and Event Management.
Types of Services:
- Construction & Demolition Machinery Hire
- Furniture & Appliance Rental
- Office Equipment Hire (computers, printers, etc.)
- Function & Catering Hire (for weddings, events)
- Truck & Vehicle Hire
- Video & Media Equipment Rental
- Plant Hire (excavators, dozers, dump trucks)
- Miscellaneous Item Hire (sports equipment, portable toilets, etc.)
Qualifications Offered:
- National Certificate: Hiring Services and Support (NQF Level 3)
- FET Certificate: Hiring Operations (NQF Level 4)
- National Diploma: Hiring Operations Management (NQF Level 5)
Recommended School Subjects:
- English
- Mathematics Literacy
- Accounting
- Computer Literacy
Career Opportunities:
- Earthmoving Equipment Operator
- Backhoe Operator
- Bulldozer Operator
- Dump Truck Driver
3. Household Services Sector
About the Sector
This sub-sector mainly focuses on garden maintenance services. These services are essential for maintaining the aesthetic and health of gardens in both public and private spaces.
Gardening professionals may work in environments like private estates, housing associations, public parks, schools, care homes, and more.
Common Services Include:
- Lawn mowing and care
- Plant maintenance and pruning
- Indoor plant care
- Pesticide spraying and fertilising
- Tree lopping and general plant health
Qualifications:
Note: Qualifications for this sector are currently under development.
Recommended School Subjects:
- English (Home Language)
- Life Orientation
Career Opportunities:
- Garden Maintenance Worker
- Estate Gardener
4. Domestic Services Sector
About the Sector
The Domestic Services sub-sector involves work within private households and public institutions (e.g. hotels, boarding houses). Tasks typically include cleaning, childcare, cooking, and basic personal care.
Domestic workers are essential to maintaining clean, functional homes and facilities. Strong interpersonal, time management, and organisational skills are key.
Common Responsibilities:
- House Cleaning
- Cooking
- Childcare
- Light Gardening
- Elderly or Patient Care
Qualifications Offered:
- GETC: Domestic Services (NQF Level 1)
- National Certificate: Home Care Practices (NQF Level 2)
Recommended School Subjects:
- English (Home Language)
- Life Orientation
Career Opportunities:
- Domestic Housekeeper
- Nanny / Childcare Provider
Training & Development Support
The Services SETA supports the development of professionals in all of these sub-sectors through learnerships, skills programmes, and occupational qualifications. These initiatives help individuals gain formal recognition and improve employability in South Africa’s growing services sector.