Celebrating VUT’s dedicated cleaning staff
11 October 2024 | STORY .Puleng Maphisa . PHOTO VUT.
Thank Your Cleaner Day is a special day observed annually to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of cleaners. Celebrated globally on the third Wednesday of October, it acknowledges the vital role cleaners play in maintaining clean, safe, and hygienic environments. This year, the day falls on Wednesday, 16 October 2024.
At the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), we have decided to honor our hardworking cleaners ahead of time. The celebration took place on Friday, 4 October 2024 where more than one hundred cleaners received certificates of appreciation for the critical work that they do to keep our spaces hygienic and healthy.
On behalf of VUT management, Dr. Martin Tsiliso Lerata expressed his heartfelt gratitude: “We would like to take this opportunity to extend our sincere thanks to all the individuals who keep our workplaces, facilities, and buildings spotless, safe, and hygienic. Your unwavering dedication and loyalty, even in the face of challenges, do not go unnoticed. You perform your duties with diligence and efficiency, often under difficult circumstances. Today, we come together to say thank you for all that you do.”
Dr. Lerata also announced the introduction of a new Performance Management Initiative, which forms part of VUT’s broader change management strategy. This initiative is designed to create an enabling environment for all employees to perform at their best. Training for the initiative will commence on 1 November 2024, and Dr. Lerata encouraged all service workers to participate. The training will focus on several key areas:
Improved Employee Engagement: Helping everyone feel more connected and motivated in their roles.
Strengthened Manager-Employee Relationships: Fostering trust and collaboration between managers and team members.
Improved Organizational Alignment: Ensuring that individual efforts contribute meaningfully to the university’s goals.
Increased Organizational Productivity: Enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of our operations.
As we celebrate this internationally recognized day in advance, VUT once again extends a huge thank you to all the cleaners. Their work is essential, and deeply appreciate the commitment and effort they bring to the institution each day.
Let us continue to work together to maintain a clean, healthy, and vibrant environment at VUT. Thank you, cleaners, for your invaluable contributions!