In the buzzing corridors of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), where textbooks and stethoscopes are the norm, final-year Nursing and Midwifery student Sisonke Vilakazi is quietly redefining what it means to be a student entrepreneur. Through her start-up, Sisonke Cleaning Services, Vilakazi has turned a simple bucket of cleaning products into a tool for empowerment, healing and self-reliance.
“I grew up being the one cleaning after my younger brother and my tired, working mother,” Vilakazi shares. “She used to say, ‘You’ve always had a knack for organisation’. That stuck with me. I knew I could turn these skills into something meaningful — not just for myself, but for others too.”
In January 2023, driven by a desire to blend passion with profit, Vilakazi took her first step into the world of entrepreneurship. Armed with little more than determination, a bucket, and a few cleaning products, Sisonke Cleaning Services was born. What started in her student residence has now become a respected service on campus — with a unique model tailored for students, by a student.
“I lived in a male-dominated residence,” she explains. “I’d often see posts in the group chat like ‘I’ll pay someone to do my dishes.’ That’s when the lightbulb went off — my target market was right here.”
Vilakazi says the SMU community played a vital role in the growth of her business. “I’ve always had a supportive res community. Seeing fellow entrepreneurs on SMU Marketplace doing so well really inspired me to keep going.”
What truly sets Sisonke Cleaning Services apart is not just affordability, but a deeply personal commitment to ethics and customer care. “I offer a wide range of services using my own products so students don’t have to worry,” she says. “And because I clean private spaces, I operate on values of mutual respect, confidentiality and privacy. I see… everything,” she laughs, “so trust is non-negotiable.”
Vilakazi’s motto, A Clean Room = A Healthy Mind, captures the heart of her mission. “I understand how living in a clean space improves study habits, sleep, and mental health. It’s more than just cleaning — it’s about wellness.”
Running a business while studying nursing and midwifery hasn’t been easy. From dealing with challenges in the Nurses’ Home to balancing academic pressures, she’s had her fair share of challenges. “Time management is everything,” she said. “I’m always transparent with clients about my schedule. We work out times that suit us both.”
Despite these hurdles, her commitment to excellence remains unshaken. “I ask clients to rate my service and give feedback. If something can’t be done, I tell them upfront and only accept payment when the job is done.”
While expansion isn’t currently on the cards, Vilakazi dreams of upgrading her tools and one-day gifting clients with complimentary cleaning goodies. “For now, I’m happy with what I can manage. But I’d love to get better gadgets and maybe one day surprise my customers with small products.”
Looking ahead, Vilakazi envisions herself more in hospitals than homes. “In five years, I’ll probably be focused on my career as a postpartum nurse. But these skills — cleaning, nurturing, organising — they’ll still be useful. I want to help new mothers settle into motherhood in a clean, safe environment.”
Her advice to fellow SMU students? “GO FOR IT! Don’t be embarrassed about your beginning. I used to carry a bucket of cleaning products on my head — with my head held high — because I believed in my purpose.”
Vilakazi carries a story of strength, compassion and purpose. “I didn’t choose SMU,” she says. “SMU chose me. And it gave me the platform to build something beautiful — not just for myself, but for others too,” she concludes.
By Tumelo Moila
