Housekeeper

Rhodes University Grahamstown, Eastern Cape Permanent Posted 15 June 2026 - Closing Date 17 June 2026

Division 3001 - Residential Operations Minimum experience Entry Level Company primary industry Higher Education Job functional area Operations

**Housekeeper (Grade 9)**Residential Operations, Housekeeping Services

The Division of Residential Operations, Housekeeping Services, invites suitably qualified candidates to join their team.

The Department Housekeeping Services is responsible for the cleanliness and hygiene of the university residences, departments, and all ancillary services. This includes Transit Housing, Janitoring Services, Laundry Services, Sewing Room, and Upholstery Services. The Housekeeping department primarily provides a complete hospitality experience to our students and guests. We are committed to providing support to all areas in our care to enhance the academic project at Rhodes University. This is an in-house staffed Division who are proud to be part of providing a conducive and effective teaching and academic learning environment.

Main Objectives Responsible for the supervision of staff cleaning all assigned areas within the University, falling under Housekeeping Services. This includes planning, leadership and co-ordination of cleaning services and staff within a particular residence Hall, to ensure an efficient and effective cleaning service to all residents or guests in the Hall. Also submits and follows up on all maintenance requisitions, furnishings, general upkeep of the buildings falling within the assigned area, and any other reasonable requests from the Line Manager.

The Requirements

Grade 12 with approximately 4 years’ relevant experience where such experience includes: -

• Minimum of 3 years’ cleaning experience in an industrial environment where specific hygiene and cleaning practices were implemented
• Previous administration experience within a computerized environment
• Previous exposure, of not less than 6 months, of having worked with stock control and basic record keeping
• Previous experience in having drafted daily schedules and related electronic correspondence
• At least 2 years’ in a supervisory or team leader position OR be in possession of a 1-year Staff Supervision Certificate plus 1 years’ supervision experience (which doesn’t have to be obtained concurrently)

Application Process It is essential that prospective candidates read the job profile for further information and ensure that all relevant documentation is submitted.The following documents are required:* A comprehensive CV and relevant qualifications, which should include the following: -

• Reasons for leaving your current and previous jobs.
• Referees who are and/or were your direct line manager, their title, name, designation, and contact information, which should be at least their contact number and email address.
• A strong and succinct motivation outlining your interest in the post and suitability relative to the job requirements.

Please note that no hand-written applications will be considered. Your application must be submitted via our website and online recruitment system. Failure to submit all documentation and respond to all the questions asked appropriately will result in an application being disqualified.

Any questions or enquiries regarding the submission of an application can be submitted to hrrecruitment@ru.ac.za.

Selection Process (provisional date, subject to change):* Short-listing meeting scheduled for 23 June 2026

• The selection process that will be followed for this post will include an assessment and/or presentation and an interview.
• Shortlisted candidates will be informed of the assessment and interview date. Remuneration per annum (Grade 9): Basic Pensionable Salary per annum: R324 203 Cost to Company per annum (Approximately): R445 208

All applications will be treated in strict confidence. This post is advertised as permanent post, but the University may opt to appoint on a fixed-term contract of not less than three-years. The University reserves the right not to proceed with the filling of the post. An application does not entitle the applicant to an interview. Employment checks will be conducted on recommended candidates.

Closing Date: 17 June 2026

This advertisement may be closed before the indicated closing date if a high number of applications are received. To ensure your application is considered, please submit it as soon as possible

If you are not contacted within 30 days from the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Recognising that diversity is important in achieving excellence. Rhodes University strongly encourages South African members of underrepresented designated groups as well as persons with disabilities to apply. Spouses and partners of existing staff members are also encouraged to apply. Please note all appointments are made in line with the requirements of the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, as amended, the Immigration Act 13 of 2022 and Rhodes University's Recruitment and Selection policies. Our core values and principles are the foundation of our commitment to creating a positive, supportive, and enabling environment. These values guide our decisions, actions, and how we engage with each other as we work to achieve our vision and mission.

These values are:

Diversity; Integrity; Respect; Excellence; Collegiality and Compassion

Underpinning these values is the moral duty of accountability and courage: we acknowledge that we are answerable to each other, our Council and ultimately, the South African society for the decisions we make and the actions we take. We are committed to openness and transparency in our governance, our decision-making and in the execution of our responsibilities and in demonstrating courage in confronting those who violate the values for which we stand.