Hiring Now | Food Preparation & Dietary Support | Level 2 | 7 Vacancies in Bloemfontein & Pretoria

The Department of Defence (DOD), through the South African Military Health Service (SAMHS), has officially opened applications for entry-level support positions for Food Services Aids (Salary Level 02). A total of 7 vacant posts are available across prominent military medical installations and training commands in Bloemfontein (Free State) and Pretoria (Gauteng). The core mission of these roles is to ensure safe, hygienic, and highly organized food preparation, portion serving, and dietary delivery for patients, staff, and military personnel within institutional kitchens, hospital wards, and field training environments.

These positions require a minimum of an ABET qualification and require no previous formal work experience, presenting an exceptional employment pathway within the South African public service. If you possess basic culinary knowledge, maintain excellent hygiene standards, and demonstrate strict daily punctuality, apply before the upcoming closing date.

Post Overview & Institutional Breakdown

Post Details	Total Posts & Reference Numbers	Workplace Centres & Contact Details
POST 24/36	1 Post Available Ref No: SG 01/24/26/25 Salary: R144 024 – R169 656 p.a.	Centre: 3 Military Hospital, Bloemfontein Enquiries: Maj L. Tshita — Tel: (051) 402 2213
POST 24/37	6 Posts Available Ref No: SG 01/24/26/26 Salary: R144 024 – R169 656 p.a.	Centre: Military Health Training Formation HQ, Pretoria Enquiries: Maj A.V. Teka / WO2 M.M. Motjopi — Tel: (012) 674 6125/6221

Core Duties & Responsibilities

The successful candidates will manage a varied portfolio of catering, ward distribution, and workplace sanitation tasks:

Food Preparation & Portioning

• Operate commercial kitchen appliances safely, including large-scale ovens, steam cookers, industrial mixers, and food warming units.

• Prepare nutritional meals and snacks meticulously according to approved military ration scales and the daily menu template.

• Assist with the portioning and dishing up of meals to ensure correct, standard quantities are maintained.

• Assist with vital food preparation during field exercises, supporting mobile military units with nutritional needs in outdoor deployment zones.

• Control and verify all food portions before leaving the kitchen, ensuring specialized therapeutic diets match patient medical profiles and that the correct total count is delivered.

Ward Services & Patient Care Support

• Fetch bulk meals from the main kitchen using heavy-duty, insulated food warming trolleys to maintain food safety.

• Lay out bed tables cleanly for clients and patients within medical wards to facilitate comfortable dining.

• Clean meal presentation trays systematically within hospital wards after food delivery.

• Serve tea, coffee, and light refreshments to patients, visitors, and military personnel at scheduled daily intervals.

• Collect dirty dishes, plates, and utensils after meal times and wheel transport trolleys safely back to the central kitchen.

• Wash clients’ water bottles and supply them with fresh drinking water on a mandatory daily basis.

• Ensure that updated patient diet lists are compiled and taken to the kitchen in time to avoid distribution errors.

Kitchen Cleanliness & Sanitation

• Mop the kitchen floor thoroughly following the completion of each individual meal service to maintain structural safety and hygiene.

• Wash, scrub, and sanitize kitchen cupboards, storage racks, and walls on a rigorous weekly schedule.

• Wash, dry, and keep a clean inventory of kitchen utensils, pots, pans, and cutlery according to standard health codes.

Minimum Appointment Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the following organizational criteria on the day of application to be considered for shortlisting:

• Educational Profile: A minimum of an Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) qualification or an equivalent basic school-leaving certificate.

• Experience Level: Entry level — no prior formal work experience is required. Full practical orientation is provided by the department.

• Language Capabilities: Proven ability to communicate effectively and follow complex dietary instructions in English (verbal).

• Technical Knowledge: Basic understanding of public health, personal hygiene, and safety requirements within a professional catering space.

• Functional Awareness: Basic knowledge of food preparation methods and the safe handling of standard kitchen appliances.

• Operational Flexibility: Absolute willingness to work structural shift hours, weekend rotations, or public holidays as required by the operational roster.

• Interpersonal Attributes: Excellent interpersonal relations, a reliable team player mindset, and an exceptional level of personal punctuality.

• Legal Compliance: Must be a South African citizen with a valid identity document and a clean criminal record.

How to Apply

A unique and separate New Z83 Application Form must be submitted for each individual post you apply for. Incorrect reference numbers may lead to automated application disqualification.

Essential Documentation Checklist

1. A fully completed, signed, and dated New Z83 Form (effective 1 January 2021, obtainable via any state department). The job title (Food Services Aid) and matching Ref No (e.g., SG 01/24/26/25) must be clearly written.

2. A comprehensive, updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) displaying your schooling history, personal details, and reachable phone numbers.

3. Note: Certified copies of your educational certificates and ID document do not need to be attached for initial application screening. These will be formally verified by the human resource unit if you are shortlisted for an interview.

Submission Methods & Addresses by Centre

1. 3 Military Hospital (Bloemfontein / Tempe Base)

• Postal Route: Department of Defence, 3 Military Hospital, Private Bag X40003, Brandhof, 9324.

• Hand Delivery: 3 Military Hospital, Furstenberg Road, Tempe Military Base, Bloemfontein.

• Email Submissions: 3milHR@dod.mil.za

2. Military Health Training Formation HQ (Thaba Tshwane / Pretoria)

• Postal Route: Department Defence, South African Military Health Service, Human Resource Service Department, Military Health Training Formation, Private Bag X1022, Thaba Tshwane, 0143.

• Hand Delivery: Military Health Training Formation, 09 Voortrekker Road, Thaba Tshwane, Pretoria.

• Email Submissions: Andisa.Teka@dod.mil.za

Find More Public Sector Positions

Looking to explore alternative hospital support careers, access municipal general openings, or download the latest official Z83 templates? Use the career channels below:

• ✅ Browse General Assistant & Food Services Jobs in South Africa

• ✅ View Latest Department of Defence (DOD) Openings

• ✅ Download Official New Z83 Government Application Forms