Receptionist: Entry-Level Government Administration Position in Johannesburg
No previous work experience is required for a Receptionist position paying R201 093 per year at the Gauteng Department of Community Safety in Johannesburg.
The Level 4 post sits within the Directorate of Professional Services and combines front-desk customer service with telephone administration, visitor control, executive diary support and office records.
Applicants need Grade 12 or another valid NQF Level 4 qualification. Applications close on 9 November 2026.
What will you do as a Receptionist?
The Receptionist will manage the department’s front-of-house operations and provide support to visitors, officials and members of the public.
You can expect to:
- Welcome visitors and clients
- Direct people to the correct offices
- Answer incoming telephone calls
- Record and relay messages
- Maintain the visitor register
- Provide general departmental information
- Support executive appointment scheduling
- Receive and dispatch documents
- Operate front-office equipment
- Maintain an organised reception area
The role requires a professional approach because the reception desk is often the first point of contact with the department.
How will you work with visitors and members of the public?
Customer service forms a major part of the position.
You will need to welcome visitors professionally and help direct them to the correct office or meeting area.
This can involve interacting with:
- Members of the public
- Government officials
- Executive visitors
- Internal employees
- External stakeholders
You should be able to communicate clearly and remain polite when handling different types of enquiries.
Will you answer telephone calls?
Yes. Telephone administration is one of the core responsibilities.
You will need to:
- Answer calls promptly
- Use professional telephone etiquette
- Record accurate messages
- Transfer calls to the correct employees or units
- Communicate with internal and external stakeholders
Good listening and communication skills are important because information needs to reach the correct person accurately.
How does executive diary management fit into the job?
The Receptionist will assist with scheduling for the executive authority.
Responsibilities can include:
- Updating the executive diary
- Compiling daily appointment schedules
- Preparing weekly schedules
- Confirming meeting times
- Checking meeting venues
- Confirming participant details
This adds an executive support component to the front-desk role.
Will you manage visitor records?
Yes. The Receptionist will maintain the official visitor register.
Visitors must be recorded according to departmental security procedures.
Accurate visitor records support:
- Access control
- Security
- Accountability
- Front-office administration
You will therefore need to pay close attention to detail.
What other administrative work will you perform?
The role also includes routine office administration.
You may need to:
- Receive hand deliveries
- Log incoming documents
- Dispatch outgoing documents
- Handle mail packages
- Operate photocopiers
- Use scanners
- Work with multifunction printers
- Use fax equipment where required
Good organisation is important because documents and correspondence need to be managed accurately.
Who can apply?
Applicants need:
- Grade 12, Matric or another valid NQF Level 4 qualification
- Basic computer literacy
- Good communication skills
- Organisational ability
- Customer-service skills
No previous work experience is required.
This makes the position suitable for entry-level applicants who can demonstrate professionalism and strong administrative potential.
What computer skills will help you?
Applicants should have working knowledge of basic computer applications such as:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook or email
These tools can be used for correspondence, schedules, records and general office administration.
What personal qualities are important?
The role is suited to someone who is:
- Professional
- Reliable
- Presentable
- Punctual
- Organised
- Customer focused
- Self-driven
- Patient
- Confidential
- Calm under pressure
You should also be comfortable communicating with people from different backgrounds.
What screening requirements apply?
Applicants must be South African citizens and should be able to pass relevant personnel suitability checks.
These can include:
- Criminal record checks
- Credit checks
- Qualification verification
Shortlisted candidates may also be required to complete technical exercises and integrity assessments.
What are the vacancy details?
Employer: Gauteng Department of Community Safety
Directorate: Professional Services
Position: Receptionist
Reference: REFS/056955
Location: Johannesburg Head Office
Number of posts: 1
Job level: Level 4
Salary: R201 093 per year, including applicable Public Service benefits
Minimum qualification: NQF Level 4 / Grade 12
Experience: No previous work experience required
Closing date: 9 November 2026
What documents do you need?
Applicants need to submit:
- New Z83 Application Form
- Updated comprehensive CV
The Z83 form must be completed correctly, signed and dated.
Certified copies of qualifications and identity documents are not required during the initial application stage. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide certified supporting documents later.
Applicants applying as persons with disabilities should provide the required confirmation from a registered medical practitioner where applicable.
How do you apply?
Applications must be submitted online through the Gauteng Provincial Government recruitment portal.
Apply for the Gauteng Department of Community Safety Receptionist Vacancy
Hand-delivered, emailed and posted applications will not be accepted.
Who can you contact for enquiries?
For enquiries, contact Ms Tlalane Koenane or Ms Dolly Seboane on:
011 689 3845 / 3723 / 3847
Enquiries can be made during office hours from 08:00 to 16:00.
