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Secondary Health Services Manager Career in South Africa

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

OFO Code2021-134204
Trade occupationNo
Green occupationNo
Related qualifications2

Occupation overview

Plans, organises, directs, controls and coordinates secondary health services.

What does a Secondary Health Services Manager do?

A Secondary Health Services Manager plans, organises, directs, controls and coordinates secondary health services. The role focuses on bringing different service activities together, setting priorities and guiding the work needed to support effective health-service delivery. Possible areas of focus include allied health services, pharmacy, physiotherapy and speech pathology.

Specialisations

Director Allied Health ServicesDirector of PharmacyDirector of Physiotherapy ServicesDirector of Speech Pathology

How to become a Secondary Health Services Manager in South Africa

  1. Build a foundation in health services, administration, management or a related area through relevant study.
  2. Consider a National Certificate: Health Sciences and Social Services: Development Services or a National Certificate: Financial Services Management as possible education pathways for developing relevant knowledge.
  3. Seek opportunities to take on increasing responsibility in health-service or administrative workplaces, because management roles commonly involve workplace progression as well as education.
  4. Develop experience in planning, organising, directing, controlling and coordinating service activities.
  5. Confirm current qualification, provider and assessment details with SAQA or an accredited provider before enrolling.

Edupstairs Preparation Guidance

Relevant education can support entry into the field, but management roles commonly also involve workplace progression and increasing responsibility. Choose learning that strengthens your understanding of health or service administration and develop practical experience in coordinating people and activities. The listed certificates are possible pathways, not a universal statement that one specific qualification is required.

Useful school subjects

  • English
  • Business Studies
  • Life Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • Mathematical Literacy
  • Computer Applications Technology

Skills that may help

  • Planning and organisation
  • Coordination
  • Leadership
  • Decision-making
  • Communication
  • Service management
  • Ability to direct and monitor activities
  • Ability to work with different health-service areas

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.