The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has announced exciting Patient Care Assistant Internship Opportunities (Youth Development Programme) at Vredenburg Hospital in the Saldanha Sub-district. This opportunity is aimed at young people who are looking to gain valuable healthcare experience while earning a monthly stipend of R4 774.
A total of 10 positions are available, making this an excellent opportunity for unemployed youth who want to build workplace experience in the healthcare sector. Successful candidates will be employed on a contract ending 31 March 2027.
If you have a passion for helping people, enjoy working in a healthcare environment, and are looking for an opportunity to gain practical experience, this programme could be the ideal stepping stone into the health sector.
Quick Overview
| Opportunity | Patient Care Assistant Internship Programme 2026 |
| Employer | Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness |
| Facility | Vredenburg Hospital |
| Location | Saldanha Sub-district, Western Cape |
| Number of Posts | 10 |
| Monthly Stipend | R4 774 |
| Contract Duration | Until 31 March 2027 |
| Closing Date | 3 July 2026 |
| Age Requirement | 18 – 35 years |
| Minimum Qualification | GETC/Grade 9 (Standard 7) |
| Experience Required | Appropriate experience as a Community Health Worker |
| Preference | Candidates residing in the West Coast District |
Understanding the Patient Care Assistant Programme
South Africa’s healthcare sector continues to require dedicated support staff who assist nurses, doctors, and patients in hospitals and clinics.
Patient Care Assistants play an important role in ensuring that healthcare facilities function efficiently. While they do not perform professional nursing duties, they provide essential support services that improve patient comfort, safety, and overall hospital operations.
This internship programme forms part of the Western Cape Government’s Youth Development initiatives, which aim to create work opportunities and practical experience for unemployed young people.
Participants will work directly within a hospital environment, gaining exposure to patient care processes, teamwork, healthcare operations, and workplace professionalism.
For many successful candidates, this experience can become a foundation for future careers in:
- Healthcare support services
- Community health work
- Nursing studies
- Caregiving
- Hospital administration
- Public healthcare programmes
Monthly Stipend
Successful candidates will receive a monthly stipend of: R4 774 per month
The stipend is intended to assist participants with transport, meals, and other expenses while gaining workplace experience.
Although this is not a permanent employment position, it offers valuable practical exposure that can significantly strengthen a candidate’s CV.
Contract Period
The internship contract will run until: 31 March 2027
This provides several months of workplace experience within a public hospital environment.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for this opportunity, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Age Requirements
Applicants must be:
- Between 18 and 35 years old
Educational Requirements
Applicants must have:
- General Education and Training Certificate (GETC)
- Grade 9 (Standard 7) or equivalent
Experience Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Appropriate experience working as a Community Health Worker
Additional Requirements
Applicants should be able to:
- Perform physically demanding tasks
- Stand for long periods
- Work shifts
- Work weekends
- Work public holidays
- Assist in other departments when required
Competencies and Skills Required
The department is looking for candidates who possess strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Required competencies include:
- Good interpersonal skills
- Ability to work in a team environment
- Good verbal communication skills
- Good written communication skills
- Ability to function effectively within a healthcare setting
- Professional conduct
- Positive attitude towards patient care
Healthcare facilities rely heavily on teamwork, making these skills particularly important.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Successful interns will provide non-clinical support within Vredenburg Hospital.
Their responsibilities may include:
Patient Support
- Providing direct patient support under nursing supervision
- Assisting stable patients within the hospital
- Accompanying patients to different departments
Hospital Operations Support
- Maintaining a safe working environment
- Ensuring patient safety and security
- Supporting nursing staff with non-clinical duties
Patient Transport
- Assisting discharged patients
- Escorting patients to transport areas
- Helping patients move between departments
X-Ray Department Assistance
- Accompanying stable patients to and from X-ray departments
Cleaning and Equipment Support
- Cleaning equipment
- Supporting infection prevention practices
- Maintaining cleanliness standards
Meal Distribution
- Assisting with meal distribution during staff shortages
Queue Management
- Supporting patient flow management
- Acting as queue marshals where necessary
These duties provide exposure to many different aspects of hospital operations.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online here
Applicants must have access to the internet to complete the application process.
Those without internet access can make use of:
- Local libraries
- Thusong Service Centres
- Khanya Laboratories at government and public schools
- Western Cape Government Work-in Contact Centres
- Internet cafés
Only completed online applications received on or before the closing date will be considered.
Important Documents for Shortlisted Candidates
Candidates shortlisted for interviews will be required to provide:
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified qualifications
- Driver’s licence (where applicable)
- Proof of registration with relevant statutory bodies (if applicable)
Documents must not be older than six months.
Failure to provide the required documentation may lead to disqualification.
Preference Will Be Given To
The department has indicated that preference will be given to:
Candidates residing within the West Coast District of the Western Cape.
Applicants from the area are therefore strongly encouraged to apply.
Selection Process
Successful applicants should note that further verification processes may be conducted, including:
- Security clearance
- Qualification verification
- Criminal record checks
- Credit record checks
- Previous employment verification
These checks form part of standard public sector recruitment procedures.
Closing Date: 3 July 2026
Late applications will not be considered.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid technical issues.
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Edupstairs Advice
Healthcare support opportunities such as this one can open doors to long-term careers in the public health sector. Even if you only meet the minimum educational requirements, practical healthcare experience can significantly improve your employability.
Before applying:
- Update your CV
- Prepare your supporting documents
- Gather evidence of your Community Health Worker experience
- Apply as early as possible
- Practice common interview questions
- Ensure your contact details are correct
Remember that competition for government healthcare opportunities is often high, so submitting a complete and professional application can make a big difference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is this a permanent job?
No. This is an internship opportunity under a Youth Development Programme with a contract ending on 31 March 2027.
- How much is the stipend?
Successful candidates will receive a monthly stipend of R4 774.
- What qualification is required?
Applicants need a GETC certificate or Grade 9 (Standard 7) qualification.
- Is previous experience required?
Yes. Appropriate experience working as a Community Health Worker is required.
- Can candidates outside the West Coast District apply?
Yes, but preference will be given to applicants residing within the West Coast District.
- Is this opportunity open to people with disabilities?
Yes. Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
- Will I work shifts?
Yes. Successful candidates must be willing to work shifts, weekends, and public holidays.
- What hospital is offering the internship?
The opportunity is available at Vredenburg Hospital in the Saldanha Sub-district.
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Disclaimer
Edupstairs is sharing this opportunity for informational purposes only. We are not the recruiting organisation and cannot influence the selection process. Applicants should verify all information and submit applications through the official Western Cape Government recruitment platform.
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