Department of Health Vacancies in South Africa (2025): Roles, Requirements & Salaries

Overview of the Department of Health

The Department of Health in South Africa is a cornerstone of public welfare, committed to improving health outcomes through illness prevention, effective disease management, and promoting sustainable healthy lifestyles. Its mission, as outlined on the government website, centers on ensuring access, equity, efficiency, quality, and sustainability in healthcare delivery.¹ In 2025, the Department is at the forefront of tackling pressing public health challenges, such as non-communicable diseases (e.g., diabetes, hypertension), maternal and child health, and infectious diseases like TB. By spearheading innovative programs, including digital health solutions and workforce development, it strengthens the nation’s healthcare infrastructure to meet growing demands.

• Role: Manages an extensive network of public hospitals, primary care clinics, and community outreach programs, ensuring comprehensive healthcare access across urban centers and remote rural regions, bridging gaps in service delivery.
• Services: Provides primary care, emergency medical services, specialized treatments (e.g., oncology, cardiology, orthopedics), and community health initiatives, including vaccination drives, HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns, and mental health support programs.
• Importance in 2025: The rollout of the National Health Insurance (NHI) underscores the critical role of government healthcare jobs in achieving universal health coverage, particularly in underserved rural areas where access to quality care remains a pressing priority.
• Initiatives: Drives digital health advancements like telemedicine and electronic health records, while investing in training healthcare workers to meet global standards, enhancing service delivery and patient outcomes nationwide.
• Community Impact: Partners with local communities to promote health education, disease prevention, and early intervention, empowering citizens to take charge of their well-being.

The Department’s commitment extends to fostering strategic partnerships with private sectors, NGOs, and international health organizations, ensuring a collaborative approach to addressing complex health challenges. These efforts align with South Africa’s broader goal of building a resilient healthcare system. Interested in other healthcare careers? Explore our homepage for more opportunities or check our guides on Netcare Vacancies 2025, Mediclinic Vacancies 2025, or PathCare Vacancies 2025 for private sector roles. For more career insights, visit our career blog.

Source: South African Government

Popular Job Roles & Vacancy Types

The Department of Health offers diverse roles to support its mission, categorized by skill level and function, based on vacancy listings from provincial departments like Eastern Cape and Western Cape.^2,3

Medical & Clinical Roles

• Registered Nurses: General, ICU, Psychiatry, and more, providing patient care.
• Medical Doctors & Interns: Diagnosing and treating patients, including community service roles.
• Pharmacists & Pharmacy Assistants: Managing medication dispensing and patient counseling.
• Dentists, Radiographers, Lab Technicians: Specialized roles in diagnostics and treatment.

Administrative & Support Roles

• Ward Clerks: Managing patient records and ward logistics.
• HR Officers & Admin Clerks: Handling recruitment, payroll, and office tasks.
• Procurement & Finance Officers: Overseeing budgets and supplies.

Operational & Facility Support

• Cleaners, Porters, Drivers: Ensuring facility hygiene and patient transport.
• Security Personnel: Maintaining safety in healthcare facilities.
• Groundskeepers: Upkeeping hospital grounds.

Looking for other government roles? Check out our guide on Government Jobs in South Africa 2025. For facility support roles like security, explore Security Jobs in South Africa 2025.

Sources: Eastern Cape Department of Health, Western Cape Government

Basic Requirements for Most Roles

To qualify for Department of Health positions, candidates must meet specific criteria, as detailed on the Free State Department of Health careers page.⁴

• Citizenship or Permanent Residence: South African citizenship or permanent residency is required.
• Relevant Qualifications: NQF levels, diplomas, or degrees (e.g., nursing diplomas, medical degrees).
• Registration with Professional Bodies: HPCSA or SANC registration for medical roles.
• Police Clearance or Background Checks: Mandatory for safety and trustworthiness.
• Medical Fitness Certificates: Required for physically demanding roles like nursing or portering.

Need help with certifications? Explore our Top Learnerships in South Africa 2025 guide. Ready to apply? Create a professional CV with our free CV maker to showcase your qualifications effectively.

Source: Free State Department of Health Careers

Where to Find & Apply for Vacancies

Vacancies are advertised through multiple official channels to ensure accessibility.⁵

• National Department of Health Website: www.health.gov.za/vacancies
• Public Service Vacancy Circular: www.dpsa.gov.za
• Provincial Department Websites: Gauteng (link), Western Cape (link), KwaZulu-Natal (link).
• Job Portals: PNet, Careers24, LinkedIn.
• Hospital Notice Boards & HR Departments: Check local hospitals for listings.

Want to apply for other public sector jobs? See our DPSA Vacancies 2025 guide or explore teaching roles with Online Teaching Jobs in South Africa 2025 for flexible career options.

Source: South African Government

Average Salaries by Position

Salaries vary by role, experience, and location, with a 5.5% cost-of-living adjustment effective April 2025, as per DPSA.^6,7

For more healthcare salary insights, check our Lancet Vacancies 2025 guide. For high-paying roles in other sectors, explore Sanlam Careers in South Africa 2025.

Sources: PayScale, Indeed

Application Tips

Applying for Department of Health jobs requires precision and preparation.⁸

• Z83 Form: Complete accurately with job title, department, and qualifications; attach certified ID, qualifications, and registration proof.
• Provincial Submissions: Check specific provincial processes, often requiring online applications.
• Documents: Include certified ID copy, qualifications, professional registration, police clearance, and references.
• Avoid Scams: Apply only through official sources like www.health.gov.za.

Perfect your application with our Perfect CV Guide for South Africa 2025 or use our free CV maker to stand out. Need interview tips? Check our Job Interview Preparation Guide for South Africa 2025.

Source: Work for Gov

Opportunities for Youth & Interns

The Department of Health is committed to empowering young professionals through structured programs designed to build skills and launch healthcare careers.⁹ These initiatives provide practical experience, financial support, and pathways to permanent roles, particularly for South African youth eager to contribute to public health.

• Learnerships: 12-month programs in nursing or health sciences, blending theoretical training with hands-on practice in hospitals and clinics, leading to recognized qualifications.
• Community Service: Mandatory 12-month service for health professionals like doctors and nurses, essential for independent practice registration, with placements in diverse healthcare settings.
• Internships: 24-month medical internships for graduates, offering supervised clinical experience in public hospitals, paving the way to community service.
• Bursaries: Financial support for medical and health science studies, often tied to a service commitment in underserved areas, fostering long-term career growth.

These programs are accessible through provincial health departments and national portals, making them ideal for motivated youth. Explore more youth opportunities in our Top Learnerships in South Africa 2025 guide or check our SARS Careers 2025 guide for alternative public sector roles for young professionals.

Source: National Department of Health ICSP

Provincial Job Trends

Job demands vary by province, reflecting healthcare needs.¹⁰

• Gauteng: High demand for administrative and support roles in metro hospitals.
• KwaZulu-Natal: Need for rural nurses and community health workers.
• Western Cape: Focus on specialized medical and administrative roles in metro areas.
• Eastern Cape: Opportunities in rural and urban settings for nurses and medical officers.

Looking for jobs in a specific city? See our How to Get a Job in Johannesburg 2025 guide. For operational roles like drivers in healthcare settings, check Driving Jobs in South Africa 2025.

Source: BMJ Global Health

Final Advice

To secure a Department of Health position, act early before deadlines, as vacancies close quickly.⁵ Tailor your CV to highlight relevant qualifications and use the Z83 form correctly. Prepare for interviews by researching the department’s mission and practicing common questions. Networking on LinkedIn with healthcare professionals can provide valuable insights.

• Visit www.health.gov.za/vacancies regularly.
• Check provincial websites for localized opportunities.
• Use our Job Interview Preparation Guide for South Africa 2025 to ace your interview.

Join South Africa’s healthcare sector today and make a difference. Start with our Ultimate Guide to Landing Your Dream Job in South Africa 2025 or create a standout CV with our free CV maker.

Source: South African Government

Sources

1. Health | South African Government
2. Eastern Cape Department of Health - Vacancies
3. Western Cape Government Health Jobs
4. Free State Department of Health Careers
5. Government Jobs | South African Government
6. PayScale - Department of Health Salaries
7. Indeed - Department of Health Salaries
8. Work for Gov - Z83 Form Guide
9. National Department of Health ICSP
10. BMJ Global Health - Health Workforce Study