from the editor Looking forward to an industrious new year While we are currently in a lull period reflecting low infection rates following the severe third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of the role that effective hand hygiene plays in controlling the spread of the virus should not be taken for granted. Keeping this in mind and following a challenging year, we maintain the momentum of effective hand hygiene and relevance of choosing the correct soaps and sanitisers for the workplace in one of the main features. As we look toward next year for signs of green shoots and the much-anticipated return to normal in one way or the other, it was encouraging to note that several major industry trade shows took place during the latter part of this year in Europe and the US. After all, and especially during these challenging times, the professional cleaning industry is perfectly poised to offer innovative solutions to maintain public health. The African showcase for the industry remains on track for 12–14 October 2022 in Johannesburg and promises to exceed all expectations. We at African Cleaning Review want to thank you for your continued support and wish you a safe and pleasant December holiday period. We look forward to sharing industry news, educational aspects, the latest developments, and more exciting announcements during the run up to the 2022 Cleantex Africa exhibition and SAPCA Cleantex executive summit. Enjoy the read, #StaySafe, and #VaccinateToSaveSouthAfrica
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New association aims to be the official custodian of the cleaning industry The COVID-19 pandemic has had a wide-ranging health and socioeconomic impact on all parts of society, and health-security will continue to be a predominant factor during the pandemic and beyond. With this in mind, it is imperative to realise that cleaning as we knew it has changed completely. Now the emphasis will be on cleaning for health as the new normal and the professional cleaning sector will be at the forefront in combatting disease and pandemics that spread with the speed and scale of COVID-19.
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his changing landscape has, therefore, necessitated the need for a fresh approach to the way a cleaning industry association should meet and address current and future challenges, as the health of this country depends on an industry body’s competencies. Considering my experiences in the cleaning industry, the impact of the pandemic on the workplace created the need for an innovative, visionary, progressive and continuously evolving industry association to shape the future of the professional cleaning industry in South Africa. In order to address the above adequately, the Cleaning Association of South Africa (CASA) was established and will be formally launched on 1 December 2021 as a non-profit organisation.
• CASA aims to be a unifying and regulatory body for employers in the cleaning industry, as well as chemical and equipment suppliers and inhouse cleaning departments, in the public, private and parastatal sectors. • CASA will collaborate with global cleaning associations, media publications and various other stakeholders to form official alliances and partnerships. • CASA aims to be the official custodian of the South African cleaning industry, engaging with government, corporate South Africa and labour organisations. • The focus of CASA also aims to bring standardisation to the business cleaning sector, by integrating into the circular economy, especially focusing on sustainability. Real membership benefits will, for instance, include representation at government level, advocating the benefits of outsourcing/professional cleaning practices, and providing suppliers to the industry with a platform to address their various issues. Chairpersons of every portfolio committee will constitute the National Executive Committee (NEC). The elected chairperson and his/her committee of subject experts will address members’ issues of common interest.
