Not long ago, I didn’t even have my own bed. I was sleeping on a friend’s couch, ashamed and scared.

I felt like life had closed every door. I couldn’t find work, my son was hungry, and each day blurred into the next. I had no qualifications, no fancy connections—just a heart full of worry.

Then I typed something simple on my phone: “urgent housekeeping jobs near me.” That moment changed my story.

I didn’t have airtime to call anyone, but I found a free online form for a cleaning job in Durban. No long CV needed, just my name, my age, and my will to work.

Within 48 hours, I received a call. A hotel near the beachfront needed help. A housekeeper had resigned suddenly, and they needed someone to start the next day. I said yes, and prayed I wouldn’t fail.

When I arrived, they handed me a clean uniform, a staff room to sleep in, and three hot meals a day. I almost broke down.

That’s when I understood what people meant by “housekeeping jobs with accommodation.” I wasn’t just earning, I was rebuilding.

No one judged me for not knowing how to fold towels hotel-style. They trained me. They showed me. And I learned.

I came early, left late, and treated each guest like they were family. My supervisor noticed.

Soon, she recommended me for a live-in maid job in Pretoria. They needed someone trustworthy. I moved, scared but hopeful. The family I worked for treated me well. They gave me Sundays off, a room of my own, and R9,000 per month — with groceries and transport covered.

My son now eats three meals a day. He smiles again. So do I.

When people ask how I found these opportunities, I say: I looked. Every day. I checked private housekeeping job sites, I followed up on interviews, and I joined housekeeping recruitment agencies in South Africa that helped me polish my application.

I never gave up — even when I got no replies or the job went to someone else.

What’s Next? Cape Town Calls.

A former colleague moved to Cape Town for seasonal hotel work. She now earns over R9,500 monthly with tips included.

She told me there’s more demand during holidays, and employers are offering live-in contracts. I’m preparing my application this week. Because I know what I’m capable of now.

You don’t need a degree. You don’t need to speak perfect English. You just need to start.

There are cleaning jobs with no experience required, maid jobs with accommodation, and housekeeping positions hiring now in South Africa. Your new life could begin with one simple click.

I used to hide my phone because creditors were calling. Now I answer with a smile — it's my son asking what’s for dinner.

We have dinner. We have peace. And we have plans. If I, Lerato, could rise from nothing with one housekeeping job, then so can you. Don’t wait. Start today.

If cleaning isn’t your thing but you still want flexible shifts and good pay, restaurant jobs are a great choice. Positions like servers, cashiers, or kitchen staff require little to no experience, offer meal perks, and have clear paths for advancement.

Find out more in our full review of restaurant job openings—your next role might be just a click away!