Department of Health: Messenger (Pharmacy) 2026
The Gauteng Department of Health is recruiting three (3) Messengers for the Pharmacy Department at Steve Biko Academic Hospital. These roles are essential for the smooth logistical operation of the hospital’s pharmaceutical services, ensuring that medications and vital documents are moved securely and efficiently between departments.
1. Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Employer | Gauteng Department of Health |
| Position | Messenger (Pharmacy) |
| Number of Posts | 03 |
| Location | Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria |
| Closing Date | 29 April 2026 |
| Salary | R131,265 – R154,611 per annum (Level 2) + Benefits |
| Reference No. | SBAH 024/2026 |
2. Minimum Requirements
The department seeks reliable and organized individuals who can maintain the integrity of medical supplies:
Education: Grade 10 or 12 (Matric).
Experience: Previous experience in a hospital environment or as a messenger/courier is an advantage but not mandatory.
Skills: * Basic literacy and numeracy skills.
Good communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to follow strict instructions and safety protocols.
Attributes: * Physical fitness (the role involves significant walking and carrying/pushing items).
High level of honesty and reliability.
Ability to work under pressure in a high-traffic academic hospital.
Willingness to work shifts, including weekends and public holidays if required.
3. Key Responsibilities
Messengers are the physical link between the pharmacy and the hospital's clinical wards:
Collection & Delivery: Safely transporting medications, intravenous fluids, and medical supplies from the pharmacy to various wards and departments.
Document Management: Collecting and delivering pharmacy-related documents, including scripts, files, and reports, to the relevant offices.
Stock Assistance: Assisting with the offloading of stock from suppliers and the movement of bulk supplies within the pharmacy stores.
Cleaning & Maintenance: Assisting in keeping the pharmacy delivery area and storage spaces clean and organized.
Compliance: Ensuring that sensitive medications (like scheduled drugs) are handled according to hospital security and safety standards.
4. How to Apply
Applications for provincial health roles must be submitted through the official Gauteng recruitment channels.
Application Form: You must use the New Z83 Form (2021 version). It must be fully completed, signed, and dated.
Submission Method:
Hand Delivery: Applications can be submitted at Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Cnr Malherbe & Steve Biko Road, Main Entrance at Level 3.
Online: Register and apply via the
Gauteng Professional Job Centre .
Required Documents:
A detailed CV.
A copy of your ID and highest qualification (certification is only required for shortlisted candidates).
Reference Number: Ensure you quote the reference number SBAH 024/2026 on your Z83 form.
5. Important Advice for 2026
The "Academic Hospital" Context: Steve Biko is a major tertiary facility. In your interview, highlight that you understand the urgency of medical deliveries—a delay in moving medicine can directly impact patient care.
Safety Protocols: Be prepared to discuss how you would handle fragile or temperature-sensitive items. Mentioning that you would "never leave medicine unattended" shows you understand the responsibility.
Punctuality: Messengers operate on tight schedules to ensure wards are stocked before shift changes. Emphasize your reliability.
Z83 Accuracy: Double-check that you have signed your Z83. Unsigned forms are one of the most common reasons for automatic disqualification in government roles.
6. Why Join Steve Biko Academic Hospital?
Government Benefits: Includes a 13th cheque (bonus), housing allowance, medical aid (GEMS) subsidy, and pension via the GEPF.
Stable Career: Working for the Department of Health provides long-term job security and a structured environment.
Community Service: You are part of a team that provides life-saving healthcare to the people of Gauteng.
Growth: Experience in a pharmacy environment can lead to future opportunities as a Pharmacy Assistant if you pursue further studies.
Tip: When describing your experience, use words like "logistics," "distribution," and "record-keeping." Even if your previous experience was not in a hospital, showing that you can manage a delivery schedule is key!
