Medical Officer Grade 1 to 3

As printed in Circular 35 of 2026 · page 172 · open the PDF

POST 35/254: MEDICAL OFFICER GRADE 1 TO 3 (Contract Till 31 March 2027) Emergency and Clinical Support Services
SALARY: Grade 1: R1 041 402 per annum Grade 2: R1 188 255 per annum Grade 3: R1 375 245 per annum (A portion of the package can be structured according to the individual's personal needs.)
CENTRE: Observatory Forensic Pathology Institute (OFPI), Forensic Pathology Service
REQUIREMENTS: Minimum educational qualification: Appropriate qualification that allows registration with the HPCSA as a Medical Practitioner. Registration with a professional council: Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a Medical Practitioner. Experience: Grade 1: None after registration as a Medical Practitioner with the HPCSA in respect of SA qualified employees. 1-year relevant experience after registration as a Medical Practitioner with a recognised foreign Health Professional Council in respect of foreign qualified employees, of whom it is not required to perform Community Service as required in South Africa. Grade 2: A minimum of 5 years’ appropriate experience after registration as a Medical Practitioner with the HPCSA in respect of SA qualified employees. 6 years’ relevant experience after registration as a Medical Practitioner with a recognised foreign Health Professional Council in respect of foreign qualified employees, of whom it is not required to perform Community Service as required in South Africa. Grade 3: A minimum of 10 years’ appropriate experience after registration as a Medical Practitioner with the HPCSA in respect of SA qualified employees. 11 years’ relevant experience after registration as a Medical Practitioner with a recognised foreign Health Professional Council in respect of foreign qualified employees, of whom it is not required to perform Community Service as required in South Africa. Inherent requirements of the job: Valid Code B/EB driver's license and ability to drive manual and automatic cars and bakkies. Appropriate experience in trauma related cases. Knowledge of the functioning of Forensic Pathology Service as defined in the Regulations for Rendering of Forensic Pathology Service. Exposure to Post-mortems, autopsy work and dissection. Ability and willingness to perform duties outside of normal working hours and away from base of employment. Able to deliver expert testimony in court proceedings clearly and provide opinions to prosecutors and investigators. Competencies (knowledge/skills): Above-average computer and software literacy and knowledge of MS Office. Above average ability to communicate clearly and discreetly in person and in writing. Ability to teach post graduate students, Forensic Pathology Officers and guide administrative support staff in post-mortem services and related activities. Good interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills. Knowledge of effective service delivery in a public health context. Basic Knowledge of forensic toxicology, histopathology and ancillary forensic investigation processes. Ability to produce accurate, legally defensible medico-legal documentation. Very good administration and file management skills. Ability to prepare and register to write Diploma in Forensic Pathology within stipulated timeframes. Ability to function in high stress environments with challenging workloads. Ability to perform medico-legal autopsies in the examination of unnatural death admissions.
DUTIES: To perform medico-legal post-mortem examinations, complete all related investigations and documentation, and finalise post-mortem reports within a 12-week turnaround period. Compile and complete post-mortem reports and all related medico-legal documentation accurately and timeously. Provide conclusion of causes of death based on ancillary investigation reports, as well as efficient expert evidence in court related to all autopsied above cases, including formulating forensic second opinions as requested by the Department of Justice. Attendance of and examination of incident cases. Support to the Heads: Clinical Unit and Department, Medical Specialists and Safe Practices. Personal development and academic contributions: Assist with teaching and training of medical and forensic students, forensic pathology officers in medico-legal autopsies and related investigations.
ENQUIRIES: Dr. IH Alli, email: (Iekram.Alli@uct.ac.za)
APPLICATIONS: Applications are submitted online via www.westerncape.gov.za/health-jobs (click “online applications”).
NOTE: No payment of any kind is required when applying for this post. Candidates who are not in the possession of the stipulated registration requirements may also apply. Such candidates will only be considered for appointment on condition that proof of application for registration to register with the relevant council and proof of payment of the prescribed registration fees to the relevant council are submitted on or before the day of the interview. This concession is only applicable on health professionals who apply for the first time for registration in a specific category with the relevant council (including individuals who must apply for change in registration status).
CLOSING DATE: 16 October 2026, 17:00 PM