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Department of Health Vacancies & Learnerships – Full Application Guide (2026)
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Your complete guide to Department of Health vacancies and learnerships in South Africa for 2026. Includes eligibility, how to apply, required documents, tips for success, lists of current opportunities, and external resources.
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Department of Health Vacancies & Learnerships
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Department of Health Vacancies & Learnerships – Full Application Guide
Introduction: Why This Guide Matters
Whether you’re a school leaver, graduate, unemployed youth, or someone looking to start or grow a career in the health sector, Department of Health Vacancies & Learnerships offer valuable pathways into healthcare and public service in South Africa. These roles can provide work experience, qualifications, financial stipends, and often a stepping stone to permanent employment in the public health system.
This detailed guide explains everything you need to know — from what types of vacancies and learnerships are offered, to how to apply, eligibility criteria, required documents, interview tips, and links to official resources.
What Are Department of Health Vacancies?
Department of Health vacancies range from professional roles to administrative and support positions. These opportunities are usually advertised by the National Department of Health or Provincial Health Departments across South Africa.
Some common categories include:
- Healthcare professionals (nurses, doctors, pharmacists, allied health staff)
- Administrative roles (clerks, assistants, personal assistants)
- Support services (groundskeepers, cleaners, general assistants)
- IT, change management, and technical support
- Internships and learnerships for graduates or youth
Types of Opportunities
1. Government Job Vacancies
The National Department of Health lists various jobs that are open for applications such as:
- Legal Administration Officer
- Personal Assistant
- Deputy Director positions (Change Management, Software Development)
These are usually advertised annually or quarterly and have specific closing dates. You must apply before the deadline.
Official source for listings:
🔗 Vacancies – National Department of Health — https://www.health.gov.za/vacancies/
2. Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Positions
In provinces like Gauteng, the Department of Health partners with the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) to create fixed‑term contract jobs such as administration clerks, cleaners, and groundskeepers. These positions are aimed at unemployed South Africans who’ve not previously benefited from EPWP.
3. Learnerships & Internships
Learnerships and internships blend work experience with training (often leading to a qualification registered on the National Qualifications Framework — NQF).
Examples include:
- Training Academy Internship Programmes – placements in administrative, technical and health fields with a monthly stipend and mentorship.
- TVET Internships – internship experience across various departments (e.g., financial management, public management).
- Pharmacy Internship Programme – for pharmacy graduates to complete the compulsory internship year.
Learnerships usually require a Grade 12 (Matric) or specific qualifications and can offer additional skills development and certifications.
What a Learnership Is (and Why It’s Valuable)
A learnership is a work‑based learning programme that leads to an NQF qualification. Learnerships are:
- Structured training agreements with employers and training providers.
- Designed to combine classroom learning with practical experience.
- Often funded by Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).
- Especially beneficial for young people aged roughly 16–35.
Benefits include:
- Work experience with mentoring
- A recognised qualification
- A learner allowance/stipend for expenses
- Improved employment prospects after completion
Who Can Apply?
General Eligibility for Vacancies
Most government roles require:
- South African Citizenship or Permanent Residency
- A valid South African ID
- The required educational level (Matric, diploma, degree, or relevant qualifications)
- A completed Z83 application form for government positions
Learnership Eligibility
Depending on the programme, you may need:
- A Matric certificate or equivalent
- Sometimes specific subjects (e.g., Maths, English)
- Proof of residence in some cases
- Sufficient age and residency status requirements
How to Prepare for Department of Health Applications
Step 1 — Gather Required Documents
Most applications (jobs or learnerships) require:
- A completed application form (like the government standard Z83 form)
- A CV (Curriculum Vitae) or resume
- Certified copies of your ID and qualifications
- Proof of residence
- Contact details of referees
Tip: Always attach certified documents (certification within the last 6 months is often required).
Step 2 — Writing a Professional CV
Your CV should include:
- Full name and contact details
- Educational history (subjects, grades, qualifications)
- Work experience (if any)
- Skills relevant to the role (e.g., customer service, health administration)
- References (with contact details)
Tip: Tailor your CV to match each opportunity’s requirements — highlight related skills.
Step 3 — Filling in the Application Form
For government roles:
- Use the standard Z83 application form
- Fill in every section neatly and accurately
- Include the reference number and job title for the position you’re applying for
Step 4 — Submitting Your Application
Different departments and provinces may require:
- Email submission
- Hand delivery to local offices
- Online portal submission for certain internships
Important: Always check the vacancy advertisement or official notice for the exact method — submissions that aren’t sent correctly may be rejected.
Interview and Selection Tips
If you’re shortlisted:
- Research the department and role you applied for (know what the Department of Health does and its mission)
- Practice interview questions — focus on your skills, passion for healthcare, and understanding of the job
- Dress neatly and professionally for the interview
- Show confidence, respect, and willingness to learn
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incomplete or unsigned application forms
- Missing certified documents
- Applying after the deadline
- Not tailoring your CV to the position
- Sending applications by the wrong method
Examples of Current or Recent Opportunities
Here are some specific openings or programmes you could research (verify dates + availability):
National Department of Health Positions
Various administrative and deputy director roles with specific closing dates (e.g., Legal Administration Officer, Personal Assistant).
EPWP Opportunities — Gauteng
Contract posts across Johannesburg Health District — administration, cleaning, groundskeeping.
DHS Training Academy 2026 Internship
Multiple streams for administrative, technical, and health support roles in provincial departments.
Pharmacy Internship Programme — Gauteng
Posts for pharmacy graduates to complete the internship year.
Here are official and helpful external links you can use to track opportunities and apply:
- National Department of Health – Vacancies page:
https://www.health.gov.za/vacancies/ - Official Provincial Department of Health careers pages (e.g., KZN, Gauteng)
- SETA Services (for SETA-managed learnerships) — Find accredited learnerships and support info.
Final Tips for Success
- Start early — applications may require time and research
- Keep documents organised in one folder
- Create a personalised email just for job/learnership applications
- Check deadlines carefully
- Use official sources — avoid scams or paid “guaranteed” job services
Conclusion
The Department of Health in South Africa offers a wide range of opportunities for job seekers — from permanent government roles to learnerships and internships. By understanding the application process, preparing your documents correctly, and following the instructions for each vacancy, you stand a much better chance of success.
This guide is designed to help you move forward — take action, stay organised, and keep applying to opportunities that fit your skills and career goals.
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