“We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference.” – Nelson Mandela.  

The PMR.africa Business Excellence Awards were held on Monday, August 5th, at The Royal Johannesburg Golf Club. These awards celebrate excellence within business across a range of categories, with the purpose of enhancing excellence by setting a benchmark of achievement.

As part of its annual national survey on Outsourced Cleaning Companies in South Africa, a random national sample of 100 respondents were selected from those who deal directly with Outsourced Cleaning Companies on behalf of their companies, departments and institutions.

During March and April 2019, these respondents were interviewed telephonically utilising semi-structured questionnaires. Back-checks were also conducted at all stages of the fieldwork. The ratings were sourced from top decision-makers in order to identify the leaders in all major industries and professions based on client/customer/supplier ratings.    

The respondents rated the Cleaning Companies across a range of 26 attributes, including: attention to detail; attitude of staff (friendly, helpful); BEE compliance; competent and reliable staff; compliance with regulatory requirements; condition of equipment; cooperation of staff; delivery on promises; efficient communication (timeous communication and feedback); efficiency of services (efficiency and productivity of cleaners); environmentally friendly practices; ISO certification; offering customised cleaning solutions; professional appearance of cleaners/staff (i.e. dress code); punctuality of cleaning staff; quality of administration (e.g. correct invoicing); quality of products used; quality of work/services; regular introduction of new services/innovative ideas/workable solutions; reputation of company (i.e. perception of the company’s brand; integrity; CSI); safety awareness (e.g. compliance to regulations); supervision of staff; timeous completion of services; timeous delivery of cleaning stock; value for money; and variety of services and products offered.      

According to the winner of the ‘Outsourced Cleaning Companies in South Africa’ Award for Excellence in environmentally friendly cleaning and hygiene equipment/products: “It was such an honour to be considered for this award,” explains John J Coetzee, CEO of Green Worx Cleaning Solutions.

“Our mission has always been to provide excellent service and to ensure that our products contribute to a healthier and safer environment for all. Being recognised by PMR.africa truly acts as a further motivator to continue with the work that we are doing, and to strive for continuous improvement,” concludes Coetzee.

The existence of such awards not only celebrates excellence in business, but also acts as a force to improve and excel the South African business products and services. This benefits the South African economy as a whole and is achieved by instilling standards of achievement and motivators for future success.