Finding a permanent government administration job can be highly competitive, especially when the position only requires a Grade 12 qualification. The Gauteng Department of Health has announced 15 Administration Clerk: Patient Affairs (Level 5) vacancies at Tambo Memorial Hospital, giving job seekers an opportunity to build a long-term career in the South African Public Service.
While many people think an Administration Clerk simply captures information on a computer, this role is much broader. Successful candidates become the first point of contact for thousands of patients entering the hospital. They help ensure patient records are accurate, admissions run smoothly, medical files are available when needed, and hospital services continue efficiently throughout the day and night.
If you enjoy administration, working with people, and maintaining accurate records under pressure, this could be an excellent opportunity to enter or grow within government healthcare administration.
Quick Overview
- Position: Administration Clerk: Patient Affairs (Level 5)
- Reference Number: refs/055907
- Employer: Gauteng Department of Health
- Hospital: Tambo Memorial Hospital
- Number of Posts: 15
- Salary: R237 453 per annum plus applicable government benefits
- Minimum Qualification: Grade 12 / National Senior Certificate / NQF Level 4
- Experience: Public Service experience in Patient Administration is an added advantage
- Closing Date: 05 August 2026
- Application Method: Online only
What Does an Administration Clerk in Patient Affairs Do?
According to the official advertisement, successful candidates will work within the Patient Affairs Directorate.
Their responsibilities include:
- Registering patients
- Capturing patient information electronically and manually
- Retrieving patient files
- Filing medical records
- Updating patient information
- Handling patient enquiries
- Managing hospital documentation
- Collecting patient fees where applicable
- Performing cashier duties
- Handling patient valuables according to prescribed procedures
- Managing hospital records accurately
- Rotating between different administration functions
- Answering telephone enquiries
- Working with official hospital registers and prescribed forms
This means applicants should enjoy administrative work while remaining professional when dealing with patients who may be sick, stressed or emotional.
Official Requirements
The following information comes directly from the Gauteng Department of Health advertisement.
Applicants must have:
- Grade 12, National Senior Certificate or NQF Level 4 qualification
- Computer literacy
- Good communication skills
- Good interpersonal skills
- Ability to work under pressure
- Flexibility
- Understanding of Batho Pele Principles
- Willingness to work shifts
The Department states that the following will serve as an added advantage:
- One year of Public Service experience in Patient Administration
The advertisement also confirms that successful applicants will be expected to work:
- Night shifts
- Weekends
- Public holidays
This shift requirement is compulsory.
Edupstairs Application Guidance
The following guidance is not part of the official advertisement but is intended to help applicants better understand what employers typically look for.
Even if you have never worked in a hospital before, you can still demonstrate transferable administrative skills on your CV.
Examples include experience with:
- Reception duties
- Filing systems
- Data capturing
- Customer service
- Telephone etiquette
- Cash handling
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Email communication
- Record management
- Front desk administration
If you have volunteered at a clinic, municipality, NGO, school office or any organisation where you handled documents or assisted members of the public, include this experience clearly on your CV.
Skills That Could Strengthen Your Application
Although not specifically required, employers generally value candidates who can demonstrate:
- Strong attention to detail
- Accuracy when capturing information
- Professional communication
- Confidentiality
- Time management
- Organisation
- Teamwork
- Reliability
- Problem-solving
- Customer service skills
Healthcare administration environments require employees who remain calm during busy periods.
Understanding the Batho Pele Principles
The advertisement specifically mentions understanding the Batho Pele Principles.
Batho Pele means “People First.”
These principles guide service delivery within the South African Public Service.
Applicants should understand concepts such as:
- Courtesy
- Access
- Transparency
- Consultation
- Service standards
- Accountability
- Value for money
Interview panels often ask candidates how they would provide good customer service while following Batho Pele.
Reading about these principles before attending an interview can be beneficial.
Understanding Shift Work
Many applicants overlook this requirement.
According to the official advert, shift work is compulsory.
This means you could work:
- Morning shifts
- Afternoon shifts
- Night shifts
- Weekends
- Public holidays
Hospital administration never stops because hospitals operate 24 hours a day.
Applicants should only apply if they are genuinely willing to work rotating shifts.
Salary and Benefits
The advertised salary is: R237 453 per annum
This is before applicable deductions.
The advertisement also states that the package includes government benefits.
The advert does not specify which benefits apply, but permanent Public Service employees generally receive benefits according to applicable government employment conditions. Applicants should refer to official government employment policies for detailed benefit information.
Official Duties
According to the Department of Health, successful candidates will perform duties including:
- Patient administration
- Records management
- Data capturing
- Filing patient records
- Collecting patient fees
- Updating patient information
- Managing hospital forms
- Telephone enquiries
- Handling patient valuables
- Working with hospital information systems
- Following patient administration policies
- Maintaining accurate records
These duties demonstrate that accuracy is one of the most important aspects of the position.
How to Apply
According to the official advertisement, applications must be submitted online.
Applications may be submitted through:
Applicants must submit:
- Fully completed new Z83 Application Form
- Recently updated detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
The official advertisement states that applicants are not required to submit certified copies of qualifications, certificates or supporting documents at the application stage, in accordance with DPSA Circular 19 of 2022.
Only shortlisted candidates will later be requested to submit certified documents.
Important CV Tips
Your CV should include:
- Full employment history
- Employer names
- Job titles
- Start dates
- End dates
- Duties performed
- Contact information
The advertisement specifically states that experience should be listed chronologically.
Ensure that the information on your CV matches your Z83 exactly.
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Any inconsistencies could result in disqualification.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Disqualification
Many government applications are rejected before shortlisting because applicants fail to follow basic instructions.
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Leaving sections of the Z83 incomplete
- Forgetting to sign or initial the Z83
- Using an outdated Z83 form
- Submitting an incomplete CV
- Dates on the CV not matching the Z83
- Applying after the closing date
- Applying through incorrect channels
- Providing inaccurate employment history
Always review your application carefully before submitting it.
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What Happens After You Apply?
According to the official advertisement:
- Applications will be screened.
- Shortlisted candidates may be asked to submit certified supporting documents.
- Personnel Suitability Checks and verification checks will be conducted.
- Practical assessments may be used during recruitment.
- Medical surveillance may apply where required.
- If you are not contacted within three months after the closing date, your application should be regarded as unsuccessful.
Career Growth Opportunities
Although this vacancy is for an Administration Clerk Level 5, government administration careers often provide opportunities for progression.
With experience, further qualifications and strong performance, employees may become eligible to apply for positions such as:
- Senior Administration Clerk
- Administrative Officer
- Patient Administration Supervisor
- Records Supervisor
- Hospital Administration Officer
- Administrative Manager
Career progression depends on available vacancies, qualifications and departmental recruitment processes.
Tools you may find useful:
- RDP / BNG Housing Eligibility Checker
- SASSA Grant Eligibility Checker
- SAPS / Metro / Traffic / DCS Eligibility Checker
- Youth Employment Eligibility Checker
- SA Bursary & NSFAS Eligibility Checker
- UIF Benefits Eligibility Checker and Payment Estimator
View Other Employment Opportunities here
Need Help?
Edupstairs Advice
Competition for Grade 12 government administration posts is usually extremely high. Many vacancies receive hundreds or even thousands of applications.
To improve your chances:
- Submit your application well before the closing date.
- Read every instruction carefully.
- Ensure your Z83 and CV contain matching information.
- Highlight any customer service, administration or data capturing experience.
- Demonstrate professionalism throughout your application.
- Familiarise yourself with Batho Pele Principles and basic hospital administration concepts before attending any interview or assessment.
Remember that employers are not only looking for someone who can capture data—they are looking for someone who can represent the Department professionally while handling confidential patient information accurately and respectfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How many vacancies are available?
The Gauteng Department of Health has advertised 15 Administration Clerk posts.
-
What qualification is required?
Applicants must have Grade 12, National Senior Certificate or an NQF Level 4 qualification.
-
Is previous experience compulsory?
No. The advertisement states that one year of Public Service Patient Administration experience is an added advantage, not a mandatory requirement.
-
Is this a permanent government job?
The salary package and post level suggest a permanent appointment. The advertisement does not indicate that the positions are temporary or contract-based.
-
Will I work weekends?
Yes. The official advertisement states that shift work, including weekends and public holidays, is compulsory.
-
Do I need to submit certified qualifications?
No. According to DPSA Circular 19 of 2022, certified copies are only required from shortlisted candidates.
-
Can applicants with foreign qualifications apply?
Yes. However, shortlisted applicants with foreign qualifications must provide a SAQA evaluation certificate.
-
Where will successful candidates work?
Successful applicants will work at Tambo Memorial Hospital under the Patient Affairs Directorate.
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Disclaimer
This article is an independent educational guide prepared by Edupstairs to help applicants better understand the advertised opportunity.
Official recruitment decisions, requirements, selection processes and employment conditions remain the responsibility of the Gauteng Department of Health. Applicants should always rely on the official vacancy advertisement and official application portals when submitting applications.
Editorial Integrity
At Edupstairs, our goal is to explain opportunities using official information while adding practical guidance that helps applicants prepare stronger applications.
We clearly distinguish between:
- Official Requirements, which are taken directly from the vacancy advertisement.
- Edupstairs Application Guidance, which provides independent career advice, interview preparation tips and application best practices.
Where information has not been specified in the official advertisement, we say so rather than making assumptions or presenting speculation as fact.
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