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Personal Care Assistant Career in South Africa

Explore the official OFO occupation, common tasks, specialisations and approved South African qualification pathways.

OFO Code2021-532904
Trade occupationNo
Green occupationNo
Related qualifications3

Occupation overview

Provides routine personal care services to people in a range of health care facilities or in a person's home.Birth assistants who provide emotional support and general care and advice to women and families during pregnancy and labour

What does a Personal Care Assistant do?

A Personal Care Assistant supports people with routine personal care in healthcare facilities or in their homes. The work may include providing day-to-day assistance, offering emotional support and general care, and advising women and families during pregnancy and labour when working as a birth assistant or doula. Work settings can include private homes and a range of healthcare facilities.

Specialisations

Care AssistantCare GiverDoulaHealth AssistantHome AideHome NurseHome-based Personal Care WorkerNight Attendant

How to become a Personal Care Assistant in South Africa

  1. Learn about personal care work and the needs of people receiving support at home or in healthcare facilities.
  2. Consider a relevant pathway such as the Occupational Certificate: Home Based Personal Care Assistant, Occupational Certificate: Home Based Personal Care Worker or Diploma: Personal Assistant. These pathways are not stated to be universal entry requirements.
  3. Confirm the current qualification, provider and assessment details with SAQA or an accredited provider before enrolling.
  4. Build practical ability in routine personal care, emotional support and communication with people and families.
  5. Seek appropriate opportunities to gain supervised experience in a home-care or healthcare setting, and verify any current employer or workplace requirements.

Edupstairs Preparation Guidance

This career requires a caring and dependable approach, respect for people's dignity and the ability to support individuals in different settings. Education can help with preparation, but the appropriate pathway may depend on the type of personal care work and the workplace. Those interested in doula or birth-assistant work should also prepare for the emotional-support and general-care needs of women and families during pregnancy and labour. Confirm current qualification and workplace expectations with an accredited provider or relevant employer.

Useful school subjects

  • English
  • Life Sciences
  • Mathematical Literacy

Skills that may help

  • Compassion and empathy
  • Communication with people and families
  • Patience and emotional support
  • Respect for privacy and dignity
  • Reliability and responsibility
  • Ability to provide routine personal care
  • Adaptability between home and healthcare settings

Related Careers

Data source: Career information is based on South Africa’s Organising Framework for Occupations (OFO) and Edupstairs career guidance. Employer, training and professional requirements may vary and should be confirmed with the relevant organisation.