The Western Cape Department of Health is seeking applicants for its 2026 Pharmacist Internship Programme. Twenty positions are available across various institutions in the province. The application deadline is set for 29 June 2026.
Internship Structure And Placement
The internship programme will run for 12 months and is managed by the Chief Directorate: Emergency and Clinical Support Services. Successful candidates will be assigned to Medicine Management, Bloods and Laboratory Services Support units at different facilities. The annual remuneration for each intern is R457 836.
Interns will be placed at a range of institutions, with the department reserving the right to allocate candidates based on availability. Applicants are required to indicate five preferred institutions in their cover letter, and those who do not comply will not be considered.
Eligibility Criteria And Application Requirements
To qualify, candidates must hold a basic qualification accredited by the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) that enables registration as a Pharmacist Intern. Applicants must either be registered with the SAPC or provide proof of application and payment for registration if applying for the first time. This concession is only available to health professionals seeking initial registration.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate knowledge of pharmacy legislation and the ability to adhere to both national and provincial health policies. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, as well as computer literacy, are essential for all candidates.
Key Responsibilities And Professional Development
Interns will work under the direct supervision of a pharmacist, performing duties such as pharmaceutical care, prescription evaluation, and medication dispensing. They will also provide information to support patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes.
Additional responsibilities include assisting with medicine supply management to ensure safe procurement, storage, and distribution of pharmaceuticals. Interns are expected to follow established policies and procedures, and contribute to the training and development of pharmacy staff and other healthcare workers.
Compliance And Assessment Procedures
Candidates must comply with regulated norms and standards, occupational health and safety controls, and good pharmacy practices. The department notes that no payment is required to apply for these posts.
All shortlisted applicants will be required to complete a technical competency test. Interviews will be conducted online via Microsoft Teams, and no accommodation will be provided during the internship period.
Application Process And Documentation
Applicants must submit a cover letter listing five preferred institutions, a comprehensive CV, three referral letters, and certified copies of their Matric Certificate, Identity Document, university academic record for three years, and SAPC student registration certificate.
Applications must be submitted online through the Western Cape Government Health Jobs portal, ensuring all documents are uploaded and the correct post number, POST 20/318, is indicated. The department emphasises that late applications will not be accepted.
Commitment To Employment Equity
The Department of Health and Wellness states its commitment to promoting equal opportunities and fair treatment in employment.
“The department aims to eliminate unfair discrimination in line with its Employment Equity Plan.”
This approach is intended to foster a more inclusive and representative workforce within the provincial health sector.