The Mpumalanga provincial government has approved plans to phase out reliance on outsourced cleaning contracts and instead employ cleaners directly, in a move it says will create jobs, improve accountability and reduce dependence on private service providers.
The decision was taken by the provincial Executive Council (Exco), which this week adopted a report recommending the insourcing of cleaning services across provincial government departments, subject to budget availability and detailed cost-benefit analyses.
Benefits of insourcing
Exco spokesperson and Public Works, Roads and Transport MEC Thulasizwe Thomo said the report found that bringing cleaning services in-house would deliver both economic and operational benefits.
“The report signifies the benefits of insourcing of cleaning services through shifting away from contract reliance,” Thomo said.
“EXCO noted that insourcing will provide direct employment opportunities for the unemployed, thus restoring their dignity, provide job security, and fair remuneration to the workers who will maintain government facilities daily.”
The decision marks a significant shift in how the provincial government intends to maintain its offices and public facilities. For years, government departments across South Africa have relied on outsourced cleaning companies through tender processes, a system that has frequently come under scrutiny over allegations of inflated costs, procurement irregularities and poor service delivery.
Cleaning contracts have repeatedly featured in investigations by the Special Investigating Unit and the Auditor-General, with several departments nationally criticised for irregular procurement, weak contract management and poor oversight of multimillion-rand service providers.
Improve worker conditions, strengthen oversight
Against that backdrop, the Mpumalanga government believes employing cleaners directly will strengthen oversight while improving conditions for workers.
“It was further observed that insourcing strengthens in-house operational capacity and aligns routine support functions with public service values and accountability,” Thomo said.
Exco has instructed provincial departments to begin implementing the policy in accordance with available budgets and the outcomes of departmental cost-benefit assessments.
The decision forms part of a broader package of resolutions adopted by Exco to improve livelihoods and advance the priorities of the seventh administration, including job creation, reducing the cost of living and building what it describes as a capable, ethical and developmental state.
Approval of provincial research agenda
During the same meeting, Exco also approved the Mpumalanga Provincial Research Agenda for 2026 to 2030. The strategy identifies key research priorities in education, skills development, inclusive economic growth, energy and climate resilience.
With 12 of South Africa’s 30 power stations located in Mpumalanga, the provincial government said research into sustainable energy solutions and climate change adaptation would play a critical role in supporting future economic growth and responding to increasingly frequent natural disasters.
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- The Mpumalanga provincial government has approved plans to phase out outsourced cleaning contracts and directly employ cleaners to create jobs and improve accountability.
- The provincial Executive Council (Exco) adopted a report recommending insourcing cleaning services across government departments, contingent on budgets and cost-benefit analyses.
- Exco believes insourcing will provide direct employment, job security, fair remuneration, and strengthen operational capacity and public service accountability.
- This shift aims to address issues of inflated costs, procurement irregularities, and poor service delivery linked to outsourced cleaning contracts.
- Exco also approved the Mpumalanga Provincial Research Agenda for 2026-2030 focusing on education, skills development, inclusive economic growth, energy, and climate resilience.
