South Africans understand the meaning of ‘ubuntu’ – that profound truth that we are who we are because of others. Perhaps nowhere is this more evident than in our prestigious school hostels, where professional cleaning staff transcend their job descriptions to become surrogate mothers, confidantes, and gentle guardians to our daughters. From the corridors of DSG in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) to boarding houses across the country, these remarkable women create homes away from home, turning sterile spaces into sanctuaries of care.
While their primary role involves maintaining pristine environments – crucial for the health and wellbeing of hundreds of young residents – their true impact reaches far deeper into the fabric of hostel life. Studies show that positive adult relationships outside of teaching staff can significantly impact students’ emotional wellbeing, with 68% of boarding school students reporting that support staff play a crucial role in their adaptation to hostel life.
These relationships flourish in small, everyday moments: a sympathetic ear after a difficult test, a birthday remembered and celebrated, a familiar face offering comfort when homesickness strikes. At DSG, cleaning staff aren’t just maintaining spaces; they’re maintaining spirits, offering the kind of nurturing presence that anxious parents hope their daughters will find when away from home.
The professional cleaning teams become integral members of the school community. Their inclusion in school celebrations isn’t mere courtesy – it’s a recognition of their vital role in the educational ecosystem. When photos of these women appear on school social media feeds, proudly standing alongside ‘their girls’ at valedictory services or house celebrations, it reflects a beautiful truth: that excellence in education isn’t just about academic achievement, but about creating environments where young people feel genuinely cared for.
These relationships often endure well beyond school years. Many alumni maintain connections with these maternal figures who helped shape their formative years. It’s common to hear stories of past pupils returning to visit ‘their’ cleaning staff, sharing news of university successes or introducing their own children to these special women who once helped mother them.
In an era where educational success is often measured in metrics and rankings, these profound human connections remind us that the most valuable aspects of boarding school life often can’t be quantified. They’re found in the gentle wisdom, unwavering support, and genuine love that turns professional cleaners into second mothers, and school hostels into true homes.
The real impact of these unsung heroes might not appear in any official school prospectus, but it lives forever in the hearts of the thousands of young women they’ve helped guide towards adulthood.