PHYSIOTHERAPIST: GRADE 1-2 (X3 POSTS)

Three physiotherapist posts are available within the Limpopo Department of Health, based at Lebowakgomo Hospital, Seshego Hospital and St. Ritas Hospital. These positions offer qualified practitioners the opportunity to work in a public hospital environment and are structured at Physiotherapist Grade 1 and Grade 2 levels, meaning both recently qualified therapists and experienced professionals are encouraged to apply. The posts also attract a rural allowance under the public service bargaining council arrangements, reflecting the rural location of the facilities.

Applicants must hold a National Senior Certificate or Matric, together with an appropriate qualification in physiotherapy that permits registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, and they must be currently registered with the HPCSA as physiotherapists. For appointment at Grade 1, no experience after registration is required, making this a suitable route for newly qualified graduates. For Grade 2, candidates must have a minimum of ten years of appropriate and recognisable experience gained after registration with the HPCSA.

The role involves managing and coordinating physiotherapy services within critical care units and general wards, and the department has set out several inherent requirements. A willingness to work night shifts, weekends and public holidays is essential, as physiotherapy cover must be maintained beyond ordinary working hours. Candidates must also be able to function in an intensive care environment where pressure is constant and patients are highly dependent, and they must be prepared to work in infectious areas while applying strict infection control measures to protect patients, fellow health workers and themselves. Computer literacy is another inherent requirement, covering MS Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as proficiency with virtual meeting platforms for remote collaboration and administrative communication.

The successful candidates will be responsible for delivering professional physiotherapy services to patients, including the general care and safety of those in their charge. The work demands thorough theoretical and practical knowledge of physiotherapy, the ability to work independently, and the capacity to cope with heavy workloads in a demanding clinical setting. Report-writing skills are important, as accurate documentation is required, and applicants should possess good interpersonal relations to work effectively within multidisciplinary health teams. A sound understanding of public service procedures is also necessary for those entering the state health system.

Candidates should be aware of the department's special conditions. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews and must then produce certified copies of all relevant qualifications, proof of current HPCSA registration and an identity document. Those with foreign qualifications are responsible for having them evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority and for providing proof of that evaluation. In addition, all shortlisted candidates will be required to undertake pre-entry assessments, which include a practical exercise and an integrity assessment, and these are scored as part of the selection process. Applications must be submitted using the fully completed new Z83 form accompanied by a comprehensive CV, with the department specifying that online applications must attach the CV in PDF format.