SAFETY OFFICER REF NO: DHET 36/09/2026 Region: Limpopo Regional Office

This Safety Officer position is based in the Limpopo Regional Office of the Department of Higher Education and Training, operating within the Office of the Regional Manager. The role is central to establishing and maintaining a safe, legally compliant working environment across the regional office and supporting the broader Post-School Education and Training sector, including TVET and CET colleges, in meeting occupational health and safety standards. As a Level 08 post, it carries meaningful operational responsibility for the development, implementation and monitoring of the regional OHS management system, as well as for coordinating compliance and awareness initiatives.

Candidates must hold a recognised National Diploma at NQF Level 6 in Safety Management or a related qualification, together with two to three years of relevant experience in an administration environment. A sound understanding of Public Service legislation and policies, the PSET landscape, TVET and CET administration, the Higher Education sector, and corporate governance is essential. Practical knowledge of cost centre, budgetary, expenditure and cash flow management is also required, as is familiarity with the Employment Equity Act, Public Service Regulations, Public Service Act, Labour Relations Act and any other related legislation.

The duties are wide-ranging and hands-on. The successful candidate will identify potential hazards and potential major incidents by conducting a comprehensive Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment at the Regional Office on an annual basis and by organising occupational health and safety compliance audits with the appropriate authorities. They will develop, implement and monitor the OHS management system, conduct health and safety risk assessments in the regional office building, and ensure the effective maintenance and servicing of all fire equipment. The role also involves supporting CET and TVET colleges by coordinating OHS-related training and continuous educational programmes, including arranging and providing OHS induction for new employees and ongoing awareness and educational programmes for all staff. In addition, the Safety Officer will support the Regional Directorates in monitoring OHS compliance in the colleges, develop intervention strategies whenever required, and manage the human, financial and other resources of the unit, including assessing staff performance.

All shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a relevant competency exercise, and the selection process includes an integrity assessment. Preference will be given to candidates whose appointment promotes representativity in terms of race, gender and disability, in line with the Departmental Employment Equity Policy and applicable equity targets. Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to personnel suitability checks, including criminal record, citizenship, qualification and previous employment verification, and may be required to disclose financial interests and undergo security clearance. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority. Applicants who have not been contacted within three months of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful. This vacancy is advertised through the PSV Circular system, and interested applicants should follow the application instructions contained in the advertisement.