Western Cape Department of Health Opens Patient Care Assistant Internship Opportunities for 2026
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has announced a new Patient Care Assistant Internship Programme at Vredenburg Hospital in the Saldanha Sub-district.
This Youth Development Programme offers unemployed young people an opportunity to gain valuable workplace experience in a public healthcare environment while earning a monthly stipend of R4,774.
A total of 10 internship positions are available, with successful candidates employed on a contract running until 31 March 2027.
For young people interested in healthcare careers, patient support services, and hospital operations, this internship provides practical experience that can open doors to future opportunities within the health sector.
Opportunity Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Patient Care Assistant Internship Programme |
| Employer | Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness |
| Facility | Vredenburg Hospital |
| Location | Saldanha Sub-district, Western Cape |
| Number of Posts | 10 |
| Monthly Stipend | R4,774 |
| Contract Duration | Until 31 March 2027 |
| Age Requirement | 18 – 35 Years |
| Minimum Qualification | GETC / Grade 9 (Standard 7) |
| Experience Required | Community Health Worker Experience |
| Preference | West Coast District Residents |
| Closing Date | 03 July 2026 |
About the Patient Care Assistant Programme
The Patient Care Assistant Internship forms part of the Western Cape Government’s Youth Development initiatives aimed at providing unemployed youth with practical workplace experience.
Patient Care Assistants support healthcare professionals and contribute to the smooth operation of hospital services. Although they do not perform professional nursing functions, they play a vital role in patient support, transportation, safety, and hospital operations.
Participants will gain exposure to:
- Public healthcare services
- Hospital operations
- Patient care support
- Workplace professionalism
- Infection prevention practices
- Teamwork in healthcare environments
This experience can serve as a foundation for future careers in healthcare and related fields.
Monthly Stipend
Successful candidates will receive:
R4,774 Per Month
The stipend is intended to assist with:
- Transport expenses
- Meals
- Communication costs
- Daily living expenses while participating in the programme
Contract Duration
Successful applicants will be appointed on a contract ending:
31 March 2027
This provides participants with several months of valuable workplace experience within a public healthcare facility.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Age Requirements
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
Educational Requirements
- General Education and Training Certificate (GETC)
- Grade 9 (Standard 7) or equivalent qualification
Experience Requirements
- Appropriate experience as a Community Health Worker
Additional Requirements
Applicants must be willing and able to:
- Perform physically demanding duties
- Stand for extended periods
- Work shifts
- Work weekends
- Work public holidays
- Assist in various hospital departments when required
Required Skills and Competencies
The department is looking for candidates with:
- Good interpersonal skills
- Strong communication skills
- Teamwork abilities
- Good verbal communication
- Good written communication
- Professional behaviour
- Positive attitude towards patient care
- Ability to work in healthcare environments
Related Opportunity
You may also explore
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Successful interns will assist with a range of hospital support functions.
Patient Support
Responsibilities include:
- Providing patient support under nursing supervision
- Assisting stable patients
- Accompanying patients to different hospital departments
Hospital Operations Support
Responsibilities include:
- Maintaining a safe working environment
- Promoting patient safety
- Supporting nursing staff with non-clinical duties
Patient Transportation
Responsibilities include:
- Assisting discharged patients
- Escorting patients to transport collection points
- Helping patients move between departments
X-Ray Department Support
Responsibilities include:
- Escorting stable patients to and from X-ray departments
Cleaning and Infection Prevention
Responsibilities include:
- Cleaning equipment
- Supporting infection prevention measures
- Maintaining cleanliness standards
Meal Distribution
Responsibilities include:
- Assisting with meal distribution when required
Queue Management
Responsibilities include:
- Managing patient queues
- Supporting patient flow within the facility
Required Documents Checklist
While applications are submitted online, shortlisted candidates will be required to provide:
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copies of qualifications
- Driver’s licence (where applicable)
- Proof of registration with relevant statutory bodies (where applicable)
Important:
All certified documents must be less than six months old.
How to Apply
Step 1
Access the official online application system.
Step 2
Complete all required personal and educational information.
Step 3
Review your application carefully before submission.
Step 4
Submit your application before the closing date.
Step 5
Monitor your email and phone for communication regarding shortlisting and interviews.
Alternative Internet Access Options
Applicants without internet access may use:
- Public libraries
- Thusong Service Centres
- Khanya Laboratories
- Western Cape Government Work-in Contact Centres
- Internet cafés
Preference Will Be Given To
The department has indicated that preference will be given to:
Candidates Residing Within the West Coast District
Applicants living within the district are strongly encouraged to apply.
Selection Process
Successful applicants may be subjected to:
- Security clearance
- Qualification verification
- Criminal record checks
- Credit record checks
- Previous employment verification
These processes form part of standard public sector recruitment procedures.
Closing Date
03 July 2026
Late applications will not be accepted.
Applicants are advised to submit their applications early to avoid technical difficulties close to the deadline.
Why You Should Apply
This internship offers several valuable benefits:
- Monthly stipend of R4,774
- Practical healthcare experience
- Exposure to hospital operations
- Professional skills development
- Enhanced employability
- Public sector work experience
- Valuable addition to your CV
- Opportunity to build professional networks
Career Pathways After Completion
Experience gained through this programme may support future careers in:
Healthcare Support Services
- Patient Care Assistant
- Hospital Support Worker
- Healthcare Assistant
Community Healthcare
- Community Health Worker
- Outreach Worker
- Health Promotion Assistant
Nursing and Caregiving
- Nursing Assistant
- Caregiver
- Home-Based Care Worker
Healthcare Administration
- Hospital Clerk
- Healthcare Administrator
- Patient Services Assistant
Related Opportunity
You may also explore
Youthscope
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this a permanent position?
No. This is an internship opportunity under the Youth Development Programme with a contract ending on 31 March 2027.
How much is the monthly stipend?
Successful candidates will receive R4,774 per month.
What qualification is required?
Applicants must have a GETC certificate, Grade 9 (Standard 7), or an equivalent qualification.
Is previous experience required?
Yes. Applicants must have appropriate experience working as a Community Health Worker.
Can applicants outside the West Coast District apply?
Yes. However, preference will be given to applicants residing within the West Coast District.
Are people with disabilities encouraged to apply?
Yes. Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Will interns work shifts?
Yes. Successful candidates must be willing to work shifts, weekends, and public holidays.
Which hospital is offering the internship?
The internship is based at Vredenburg Hospital in the Saldanha Sub-district of the Western Cape.
Expert Guidance (E-E-A-T – Mbalizuke Nkosi)
According to Mbalizuke Nkosi, a South African careers and opportunities researcher, healthcare support internships remain one of the most effective pathways for unemployed youth seeking workplace experience. Opportunities such as the Patient Care Assistant Programme provide practical exposure to hospital operations while helping participants develop transferable skills including teamwork, communication, patient support, and workplace professionalism.
Applicants should ensure that they clearly demonstrate their Community Health Worker experience, submit applications early, and prepare thoroughly for possible interviews and screening processes.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is based on the official opportunity advertisement available at the time of publication. Applicants are encouraged to verify all programme requirements, application procedures, and closing dates through the official Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness recruitment platform before applying. We are not affiliated with the recruiting institution and cannot guarantee selection, placement, or employment outcomes.
Mbalizuke Nkosi is the editorial voice behind YouthScope.co.za, a South African youth-focused platform dedicated to providing reliable information on opportunities, education, and career development. The platform serves students, graduates, job seekers, and young professionals by delivering accurate, timely, and easy-to-understand content.
Through informative and professionally curated content, YouthScope.co.za aims to equip young people with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions about their education and future careers.
For inquiries or support, please contact admin@youthscope.co.za.