Medical Officer Grade 1 to 3 (Forensic Pathology) (Permanent position)

A job opportunity exists for the right candidate in Western Cape

Employment Type:

Permanent

Reference No:

ECSS69/2026

Location:

Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Observatory Forensic Pathology Institute

REMUNERATION

Grade 1: R 1 041 402 per annum, Grade 2: R 1 188 255 per annum, Grade 3: R 1 375 245 per annum A portion of the package can be structured according to the individual's personal needs.

STARTING DATE

21 Aug 2026

CLOSING DATE

• PLEASE NOTE:

04 Sep 2026, 5:00 pm

EMPLOYMENT EQUITY

The Department of Health and Wellness is guided by the principles of Employment Equity. Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply and an indication in the regard will be appreciated.

Note: No payment of any kind is required when applying for any of the positions advertised by the Western Cape Government.

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 perfomr medico-legal autopsies in the examination of unnatural death admissions.

MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION

Appropriate qualification that allows registration with the HPCSA as a Medical Practitioner.

NOTE

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).

REGISTRATION WITH A PROFESSIONAL COUNCIL

Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a Medical Practitioner.

DUTIES (KEY RESULT AREAS/OUTPUTS)

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 (Iekram.Alli@uct.ac.za).

EXPERIENCE

Grade 1: None after registration as Medical Practitioner with the HPCSA in respect of SA qualified employees. 1-year relevant experience after registration as Medical Practitioner with a recognized 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’ experience Medical Practitioner with the HPCSA in respect of SA qualified employees. 6 years’ relevant experience after registration as Medical Practitioner with a recognized 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’ experience Medical Practitioner with the HPCSA in respect of SA qualified employees. 11 years’ relevant experience after registration as Medical Practitioner with a recognized 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.

NOTICE TO ALL

Candidates must comply with the advertised appointment requirements of the post by the closing date and time of the advert.Candidates may be subjected to a competency test. No payment of any kind is required when applying for this post. As directed by the Department of Public Service and Administration, applicants must note that further checks will be conducted once they are shortlisted and that their appointment is subject to positive outcomes on these checks, which include security clearance, qualification verification, criminal records and previous employment. All shortlisted candidates, including SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments. One will be a practical exercise to determine the candidate’s suitability based on the post’s technical and generic requirements, and the other will be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment.

It will be expected of shortlisted candidates to be:

available at the venue on the time and date as determined by the Department and

bring along recently (not older than 6 months) certified copies of your Identity Document (ID), driver’s license (if applicable for the post), qualification and/or proof of registration at relevant statutory body etc. Failure to adhere to the aforementioned may lead to his/her application being disqualified and not further considered.