What started with a simple introduction — “My name is Mbali Nhlapo, and I’m a housekeeper” — has become one of South Africa’s most recognisable statements of pride and purpose!
Through her practical cleaning advice and commitment to restoring dignity to domestic work, Mbali has transformed a profession often overlooked into a movement that celebrates skill, professionalism and empowerment.
As the founder of Sisters@Work Cleaning Services, employer, entrepreneur and creator, Mbali has spent more than a decade building a business that creates opportunities while challenging long-held stereotypes about housekeeping.
In this edition of TJR 100 Creators, The Joburg Reporter speaks to Mbali Nhlapo about building a business from the ground up, the sacrifices behind her success, changing perceptions through social media, and why she believes every housekeeper deserves to be recognised with dignity and respect.
‘’My name is Mbali Nhlapo, and I’m a housekeeper!’’ is more than just a sign-off—it feels like a statement of pride. How did you come up with it, and what does it mean to you today?
My son came up with this statement, when I started doing the Tiktok videos he said I need to introduce myself as people do not know who I am. That’s how the statement came about, and today it signifies who I am and explains me more than words can ever describe me.
Many people view housekeeping as just a job, but you’ve built a movement around dignity, empowerment, and opportunity. Why is that mission so important to you?
It is important to me to kill the stigma around housekeeping that says a housekeeper is a housekeeper because they are poor. Gone are the days whereby people think that when you work as a housekeeper it is because of poverty, Even Ramaphosa can take cleaning as a profession if he loves to clean.
What are some of the biggest misconceptions people have about domestic work and the people who do it?
People think that when you are a housekeeper it is because you are poor and you are doing it for money, yes we do need money, however it is possible for a housekeeper to be a housekeeper because she enjoys and loves cleaning and finds happiness in helping others have clean spaces.
Social media has become a powerful tool for your brand. How has sharing your expertise online helped change perceptions about housekeeping and household management?
Household owners now understand that housekeeping is a profession and not just a person doing it just for the sake of money.
Building a business while creating opportunities for others comes with challenges. What has been the most difficult obstacle you’ve had to overcome as an entrepreneur?
In household cleaning, we have a problem with staff turnover.
You’ve created employment opportunities for many people over the years. Is there a success story that stands out and reminds you why you started this journey?
When I started my sisters@work cleaning services, it was not easy at all, I had a lady who was working with me and we went to the clients premises together. Our Company is 10 years old now and seeing her grow as a person and seeing her love what we do as much as I do lifts my spirit up every day, and I will forever cherish her.
The Housekeepers High Tea has become a platform for recognition and empowerment. What inspired you to create it, and what impact has it had on the people who attend?
The mission with housekeepers high tea is to appreciate housekeepers and their work, it is to motivate not only housekeepers but people who see other jobs as not worthy to be called a profession. Housekeepers high tea has helped housekeepers to take pride in their jobs and love their jobs.
People see the success of your business today, but what sacrifices have you had to make to build the life and career you have now?
I made a lot of sacrifices done to build the life I have today. At some point I had to sell my car to keep the business running.
When the uniforms are packed away, the business calls have stopped, and social media is quiet. Who is Mbali Nhlapo beyond the entrepreneur and content creator?
Mbali Nhlapo is a mother, a wife, a sister, and an aunt to my beautiful nephews and nieces. I am very family orientated and every small chance that I get I make sure I spend time with my family.
The Joburg Reporter 
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