RECEPTIONIST: OFFICE OF THE REGIONAL MANAGER

This position offers an opportunity to serve as the front-facing receptionist within the Office of the Regional Manager at the Department of Higher Education and Training’s Limpopo Regional Office in Polokwane. Based in the Corporate Services component, the role is central to the smooth daily operation of the regional manager’s office, acting as the first point of contact for visitors, callers, and stakeholders. The incumbent will be expected to uphold a professional, welcoming environment while managing access, information flow, and a range of administrative and secretarial tasks that support the broader regional management function.

To be considered, applicants need at least a National Senior Certificate or Grade 12 Certificate, or an NCV Level 4 qualification. A bachelor’s degree or national diploma at NQF Level 6 in Administration, Management, or a related field will strengthen an application, as will one to two years of practical experience in reception, administrative, or secretarial support. The ideal candidate must be proficient in MS Office and typing, with strong written and verbal communication skills. Organisational and prioritisation abilities, customer care orientation, telephone etiquette, and sound document management practices are essential. The role requires someone who can work both independently and as part of a team, remaining composed and efficient when handling multiple requests and enquiries.

The duties are wide-ranging and include receiving and directing telephone and electronic calls and messages, liaising with clients, managers, and stakeholders, and welcoming visitors while maintaining an accurate daily visitor logbook. The receptionist is responsible for keeping the reception area clean and presentable, controlling access to the Regional Manager’s office, and arranging refreshments for visitors as directed. Beyond reception duties, the post involves substantial administrative support: receiving and administering the flow of information and documents, preparing and distributing documents, assisting with procurement of office equipment and stationery, filing and retrieving documents both electronically and manually, and processing claims for travel and accommodation. The role also extends to secretarial support, including assisting with leave administration for office staff, arranging meetings, organising logistics, preparing meeting documentation, and executing claims for travel, accommodation, and rental cars. The incumbent will help ensure an effective flow of information by directing submissions to relevant managers, safeguarding documentation, responding to internal and external enquiries as directed, and drafting documents when required.

All shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a relevant competency exercise as part of the selection process. The Department is committed to employment equity and affirmative action, and 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. Applicants with foreign qualifications must have them evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority. Successful candidates will be subjected to personnel suitability checks, including criminal record, citizenship, qualification verification, and previous employment verification, and may also be required to sign a performance agreement, disclose financial interests, and undergo security clearance. If no feedback is received within three months of the closing date, applicants should consider their application unsuccessful.