“I Don’t Take It Lightly”: KZN Hospital Cleaner Wins Hearts After Rejecting Shame Over His Job

• KwaZulu-Natal hospital cleaner Dlamini Luvuyo Mthokozisi says he takes pride in work others have tried to shame him for
• After five years in the job, he says hospital cleaning helps to protect both patients and visitors
• South Africans praised his dedication, calling housekeeping vital to safe, clean healthcare facilities

A hospital cleaner from KwaZulu-Natal is winning hearts online after speaking out about the pride he takes in a job that others have tried to shame him for.

Dlamini Luvuyo Mthokozisi works as a cleaner at Ngwelezane Hospital through a company called Samabane Multi Projects. On 28 September 2026, he took to Facebook to share his story, and the response he received was overwhelming.

In his post, Mthokozisi recalled a moment that stayed with him. A man visiting a family member at the hospital watched him mop the floors and said:

"Angeke ngisebenze umsebenzi wabafazi mina" ["I would never do women's work"].

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Rather than feel embarrassed, Mthokozisi said the comment strengthened his resolve. He chose to stay true to himself and see his work as a calling, not a compromise.

A job that keeps patients safe

With five years of experience in cleaning, Mthokozisi says he takes health and safety seriously. He believes a clean environment directly affects the wellbeing of patients and the people who visit them. He wrote:

"I don't take lightly what I do."

He added that he commits to every task with honesty and integrity.

He closed his post with a Zulu phrase:

"Sizozabalaza koze kulunge" — meaning, "We will keep fighting until things are right."

View the Facebook post below:

South Africans respond with praise

People across South Africa rallied behind him in the comments on his page:

Anusha Birijbal wrote:

"As a nurse, let me tell you, you and the work you do are so valuable and appreciated. The healthcare facility could not function without housekeeping staff. And remember, your present situation is not your final destination. Someday, you may own a cleaning company."

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Jabulisile Mabuza said:

"Male cleaners are very good and gym facilities like Virgin Active use a lot of men. The salaries are not as bad as people think. These guys earn more than most cashiers. Keep up the good work young man!"

Amy Ferreira added:

"Your job is probably one of the most important, sir! A hospital that is clean creates an environment where people can heal! Keep doing what you do so well, well done!"

Gaby Lopes Pereira noted:

"One of the most important jobs is to keep the hospital clean and safe from bacteria. Some people just have no clue of that importance."

Malibongwe Sibitane joked:

"But you look like a doctor, sir. 🥰🥰"

Fikile Barbara Moleele added:

"May God bless you in abundance and may all that you wish for be achieved. Blessings to be poured until they overflow."

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Source: Briefly News