The National Department of Health has announced senior management job opportunities for qualified professionals who are passionate about transforming the health sector in South Africa. The department aims to promote equity, diversity, and representivity in the public service in line with its Employment Equity Plan, particularly encouraging applications that support improved representation in terms of race, gender, and disability.
These positions are part of the Management Echelon and offer competitive remuneration packages along with the opportunity to contribute to national health policy and service delivery.
Application Details
Applications must be submitted to:
The Director-General
National Department of Health
Private Bag X399
Pretoria, 0001
Applications may also be:
- Hand delivered at: Reception (Brown Application Box),
Dr AB Xuma Building, 1112 Voortrekker Road, Pretoria, Townlands 351-JR - Emailed to: recruitment@health.gov.za
(Quote the reference number in the email subject line)
For Attention: Ms M Shitiba
Closing Date: 30 March 2026
Important Application Notes
Applicants should take note of the following requirements:
- Applications must be submitted on the new Z83 form, available from any public service department.
- The application should include only a comprehensive CV detailing previous experience.
- The Z83 form must be fully completed, otherwise the application will be disqualified.
- Applicants do not need to submit certified copies of qualifications or documents initially. These will only be requested during the final stages of the selection process.
- If submitting by email, all documents must be combined into a single PDF file.
- Late applications or those that fail to meet the requirements will not be considered.
Applicants with foreign qualifications must ensure they are evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority.
Shortlisted candidates will undergo pre-entry assessments, including:
- A technical/practical assessment
- An integrity (ethical conduct) assessment
For Senior Management Service (SMS) posts, candidates will also undergo a generic managerial competency assessment as required by the Department of Public Service and Administration. Successful candidates will be subject to security vetting and personnel suitability checks.
Management Echelon Vacancies
1. Director-General: Health
Reference Number: NDOH 23/2026
Contract: Five-year contract
Location: Pretoria
Salary
R2 352 642 per annum (all-inclusive remuneration package).
Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Grade 12 qualification
- NQF Level 8 qualification in Health Science or a related field recognized by South African Qualifications Authority
- At least 10 years of senior managerial experience, including 5 years at SMS level in the public service
- SMS Pre-entry Certificate
- Strong leadership, communication, liaison, and negotiation skills
- Proven ability to innovate
- A valid driver’s license
Key Responsibilities
The Director-General serves as the Accounting Officer responsible for the overall leadership and administration of the National Department of Health. Responsibilities include:
- Implementing the Presidential Social Compact for transformation of the health sector
- Aligning departmental strategies with the Government of South Africa priorities and the National Development Plan
- Overseeing financial management, supply chain, legal services, and governance processes
- Providing strategic leadership to improve health outcomes
- Supporting the implementation of National Health Insurance
- Strengthening health infrastructure and human resource management
- Accelerating programmes addressing HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and other communicable diseases
- Improving maternal, child, and youth health outcomes
- Strengthening research and development in the health sector
- Advising the Minister of Health on policy matters
- Promoting national and international collaboration in health services
2. Deputy Director-General: Hospital Tertiary Services and Human Resource Development
Reference Number: NDOH 24/2026
Location: Pretoria
Salary
R1 813 182 per annum (all-inclusive remuneration package).
Requirements
Candidates must have:
- Grade 12
- NQF Level 8 qualification in Health, Public Health, or Social Sciences
- Minimum 8 years’ experience at Senior Management level
- Knowledge of hospital management, tertiary health services, and human resource development
- Strong communication, leadership, and computer skills
- Ability to work under pressure and travel frequently
- Valid driver’s license
- SMS Pre-entry Certificate
Key Responsibilities
The Deputy Director-General will:
- Facilitate governance of hospitals within a National Health Insurance system
- Lead policy development for human resource management in the health sector
- Support training and development of health professionals
- Develop policies guiding Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Forensic Pathology Services
- Strengthen nursing education and practice
- Coordinate the planning and modernization of health infrastructure
- Oversee the provincial health facility revitalisation grant
- Ensure adequate skilled personnel to deliver quality health services
- Improve hospital management systems and healthcare quality standards
Enquiries
For further information about these positions, contact:
Ms Q Gambu
Tel: (012) 395 8413
Conclusion
These vacancies provide a significant opportunity for experienced professionals to contribute to strengthening South Africa’s healthcare system. The National Department of Health seeks visionary leaders capable of guiding strategic reforms, improving service delivery, and advancing equitable healthcare for all South Africans.
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before 30 March 2026 to be considered for these prestigious leadership roles in the public health sector.
