Hiring Now | Switchboard Operator: Supply Chain Management | Cape Town & Durban Regional Offices | Permanent Positions Available
The Department of Public Works is urgently hiring Switchboard Operators: Supply Chain Management at its Cape Town and Durban Regional Offices. If you hold a Grade 12 certificate and are looking for a stable, entry-level permanent government position in telecommunications and administrative support, this is your opportunity to join a leading national government department — with no prior experience required.
📞 Don’t miss this opportunity — vacancies are filling fast. Apply today.
Switchboard Operator: Supply Chain Management Job Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Switchboard Operator: Supply Chain Management |
| Industry | Telecommunications / Supply Chain Management / Government Administration |
| Job Type | Permanent |
| Salary | R201 093 per annum |
| Locations | Cape Town Regional Office & Durban Regional Office |
| Minimum Qualification | National Senior Certificate / Grade 12 or equivalent |
| Experience Required | None — no experience required |
| Closing Date | To be confirmed — apply immediately |
| Application Status | ✅ Open – Accepting Applications Now |
Available Posts
| Location | Reference Number | Number of Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Town Regional Office | 2026/226A | ×1 Post |
| Durban Regional Office | 2026/226B | ×1 Post |
⚠️ Important: A separate application must be submitted for each post, quoting the relevant reference number.
About the Role
The Switchboard Operator: Supply Chain Management is an entry-level position within the telecommunications and administrative support function at the Department of Public Works. In this role, you will manage the switchboard by facilitating all incoming and outgoing calls, assist technicians with the movement of telephone and fax lines throughout the building, certify work completed by technicians, open new telephone lines, check faulty lines and handsets before logging calls to telephone companies, and ensure that all invoices for telecommunication services and courier accounts are timeously paid. You will also capture monthly telephone data on Excel, download and distribute monthly telephone bills to staff, and provide a range of additional SCM unit support duties including capturing invoices at Registry and assisting with logistical and transport/fleet duties.
This is a client-facing, administratively varied role suited to a motivated Grade 12 graduate with a strong background in switchboard and telecommunications services, good customer etiquette, and solid computer literacy. Knowledge of Reapatala (invoice tracking) and Archibus (day-to-day maintenance services) will serve as an added advantage. Candidates must be able to serve both internal and external clients professionally and remain composed when working under pressure.
Key Responsibilities of a Switchboard Operator: Supply Chain Management
Switchboard & Telecommunications Management
- Manage the switchboard by facilitating all incoming and outgoing calls professionally and efficiently.
- Open new telephone lines for the office as required.
- Check faulty lines and telephone handsets before logging a call to telephone companies.
- Report faults to the information services appointed service provider timeously.
- Arrange telephone instruments for new employees joining the Department.
Technician Support & Fault Certification
- Assist technicians with the movement of telephone and fax lines throughout the building, including escorting technicians as required.
- Certify work completed by technicians when called in for services, confirming job completion against requirements.
- Log and track fault reports and follow up with service providers until resolution is confirmed.
- Maintain accurate records of all technician call-outs, certifications, and fault resolutions.
Invoice Processing & Telecommunication Accounts
- Ensure that all invoices for services rendered by technicians, telecommunication accounts, and courier services are timeously paid.
- Capture monthly telephone information and data on Excel accurately and consistently.
- Download and distribute monthly telephone bills to all relevant staff members.
- Demonstrate working knowledge of the Reapatala invoice tracking system where applicable.
Administrative Support & Record Keeping
- Open individual files for staff members as required.
- Maintain accurate records of all telecommunications activities, invoices, and correspondence.
- Capture invoices at Registry as part of broader unit administrative support duties.
- Assist with logistical and transport/fleet duties as per the requirements of the Unit.
Client Services & General Unit Support
- Serve internal and external clients professionally, demonstrating good customer etiquette and listening skills at all times.
- Perform other work scheduled in accordance with the various requirements of the Unit.
- Support the broader SCM unit with any additional duties assigned by the supervisor.
- Contribute positively to a well-functioning, client-focused office environment.
Minimum Requirements – Switchboard Operator: Supply Chain Management
Educational Qualifications:
- National Senior Certificate / Grade 12 or equivalent qualification (essential)
Experience:
- No experience required — this is an entry-level post open to recent matriculants
Knowledge Requirements:
- Strong background in switchboard and telecommunication services and administrative services
- Knowledge of switchboard systems and logistical services (advantageous)
- Knowledge of Reapatala invoice tracking system (advantageous)
- Knowledge of Archibus system for day-to-day maintenance services (advantageous)
Skills & Competencies:
- Good customer etiquette and listening skills
- Good writing skills and interpersonal skills
- Computer literacy — Microsoft Package (essential)
- Ability to work under pressure
Core Values We Look For in a Switchboard Operator: Supply Chain Management
✅ Professionalism & Customer Etiquette
As the first point of contact for all incoming calls, the Switchboard Operator represents the Department of Public Works to every caller. We value operators who answer every call with patience, courtesy, and professionalism — creating a positive first impression for both internal staff and external clients regardless of the volume or nature of calls received.
✅ Accuracy & Timely Administration
Capturing monthly telephone data, processing invoices timeously, and maintaining individual staff files all require consistent accuracy and attention to detail. We value operators who approach every administrative task — however routine — with care and precision, understanding that accurate records underpin the Department’s financial and operational compliance.
✅ Technical Curiosity & Systems Proficiency
Working with switchboard systems, Reapatala, Archibus, and Microsoft Excel requires a willingness to learn and adapt to new platforms. We value operators who approach unfamiliar systems with confidence and curiosity, building their technical proficiency steadily and contributing to a more capable and self-sufficient unit.
✅ Composure & Performance Under Pressure
A busy government switchboard demands the ability to remain calm, focused, and professional during periods of high call volume or competing administrative priorities. We value operators who manage pressure with composure — maintaining service quality and accuracy regardless of the demands placed on them throughout the working day.
✅ Flexibility & Team Support
This role extends well beyond the switchboard — including invoice capturing, logistical support, fleet duties, and general unit assistance. We value operators who embrace a broad scope of responsibilities, support their colleagues willingly, and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the SCM unit with a positive, can-do attitude.
Career Growth Opportunities in Government Administration & Supply Chain Management
Starting as a Switchboard Operator: SCM in a national government department is a strong foundation for a long-term career in public sector administration and support services. For motivated individuals, progression is clear:
- Switchboard Operator: SCM → Administration Clerk: Supply Chain Management
- Administration Clerk: SCM → Administration Officer: Supply Chain Management
- Administration Officer: SCM → Assistant Director: Supply Chain Management
- Assistant Director: SCM → Deputy Director: Supply Chain Management
Your career path is in your hands.
Frequently Asked Questions – Switchboard Operator: SCM Jobs
What qualifications are required for these posts? A National Senior Certificate / Grade 12 or equivalent qualification is the only minimum requirement. No tertiary qualification is required. These posts are specifically accessible to matriculants and recent school leavers looking to enter the government administration environment.
Is any prior experience required? No. These are entry-level posts and no prior work experience is required. Candidates with a background in switchboard or telecommunication services and administrative support will have an advantage, but it is not compulsory.
Where are these posts based and how many are available? There is one post at the Cape Town Regional Office (Ref: 2026/226A) and one post at the Durban Regional Office (Ref: 2026/226B). If you wish to be considered for both, you must submit a separate application for each post, quoting the correct reference number in each application.
What systems should I be familiar with? Knowledge of Reapatala (invoice tracking system) and Archibus (day-to-day maintenance services) is listed as advantageous. Solid proficiency in the Microsoft Office Package — particularly Excel for capturing monthly telephone data — is an essential computer literacy requirement.
Will I only be doing switchboard duties? No. While switchboard management is the primary function, this role includes a range of additional responsibilities — including invoice capturing, distributing monthly telephone bills, assisting with logistical and transport/fleet duties, and performing other tasks as required by the SCM unit. Candidates must be flexible and willing to support the broader unit.
What is the closing date and how do I apply? No closing date has been specified in the advertisement — apply immediately to avoid missing this opportunity. Use the correct email address for your preferred office location, quote the relevant reference number in all correspondence, and direct any enquiries to the contact person listed for that office.
How to Apply for This Switchboard Operator: SCM Job
Ready to start your government career at the Department of Public Works? Applications are open now. Quote the relevant reference number for your preferred office in all correspondence.
| Location | Email Address |
|---|---|
| Cape Town Regional Office (Ref: 2026/226A) | RecruitCPT26-57@dpw.gov.za |
| Durban Regional Office (Ref: 2026/226B) | RecruitDBN26-07@dpw.gov.za |
📞 Cape Town Regional Office — Ms P Bambela: Tel: (021) 402 2193 📞 Durban Regional Office — Mr BH Khanyeza: Tel: (031) 314 7038
⚠️ A separate application must be submitted for each post. Ensure the correct reference number — 2026/226A for Cape Town or 2026/226B for Durban — is clearly quoted in all correspondence.
⚠️ No closing date has been advertised — submit your application immediately to avoid missing this opportunity.
Apply early — government vacancies close quickly.
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