DBE Telecom Operator Position Opens Government Customer Service and Switchboard Experience in Pretoria
Applicants with a Senior Certificate or equivalent qualification can apply for the Department of Basic Education’s Telecom Operator position in Pretoria, with a salary of R237,453 per annum at Level 05.
The position sits within the Department’s Finance and Administration environment and focuses on telephone services, customer communication, switchboard operations, public enquiries and administrative support.
Applications close on 5 October 2026.
What will you do as a Telecom Operator?
You will help manage incoming calls and make sure callers are connected to the correct section or directorate.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Answering incoming telephone calls
- Directing calls to the correct section or directorate
- Providing information about departmental services
- Maintaining records of incoming calls
- Providing internal telephone-directory information
- Taking and conveying messages
- Providing contact details for provincial and district offices
- Keeping the switchboard operational
- Supporting an efficient telephone service
The role combines customer service with day-to-day government administration.
How does switchboard work fit into the role?
The switchboard is one of the main contact points between the Department and people who need assistance.
You will need to identify what a caller needs and connect them to the correct office or official.
That requires clear communication and a good understanding of how different sections of the organisation are structured.
Will you deal directly with the public?
You will regularly assist members of the public who contact the Department.
This can include providing information about services or giving callers the contact details of provincial and district offices.
Good public-relations and customer-service skills are therefore important.
What happens when an official is unavailable?
Part of your work can include providing basic secretarial support when officials are not in their offices.
You may need to take messages and make sure the relevant information reaches the correct person.
Accuracy is important because missed or incorrect messages can delay communication.
Will you keep records of telephone calls?
You will be responsible for maintaining records of incoming calls.
This adds an administrative and document-management element to the position.
Accurate records can help the Department track communication and maintain an organised telephone service.
Who can apply?
You need a Senior Certificate or equivalent qualification.
The position does not require a university degree.
You should also have:
- Good written communication
- Good verbal communication
- Computer literacy
- Microsoft Office skills
- Good interpersonal skills
- Public-relations skills
- Problem-solving ability
- Customer-service skills
- Document-management ability
How important is computer literacy?
Computer literacy is one of the requirements.
You should be comfortable using Microsoft Office and basic digital tools used in an administrative workplace.
Even though the position is centred on telephone communication, you may also need to work with records, contact information and administrative documents.
What kind of person will suit the position?
You should be comfortable dealing with different people throughout the day and working under pressure.
Useful qualities include:
- Patience
- Clear communication
- Professionalism
- Reliability
- Customer focus
- Organisation
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving ability
You also need to be able to maintain a professional manner when dealing with difficult or high-volume enquiries.
What experience can this position build?
The role can build practical experience in:
- Government administration
- Switchboard operations
- Customer service
- Public enquiries
- Telephone communication
- Records management
- Office administration
- Stakeholder communication
These skills can support future work in reception, administration, contact centres, customer support and broader public-sector operations.
How much does the position pay?
The advertised salary is:
R237,453 per annum
The position is graded at Salary Level 05.
Where is the position based?
The position is based in Pretoria, Gauteng.
Reference: DBE/72/2026
Branch: Finance and Administration
Directorate: Supply Chain Management
Closing date: 5 October 2026
What do you need to submit?
You need to submit:
- The latest approved Z83 application form
- A detailed and updated CV
You do not need to submit certified copies of your qualifications and other supporting documents with the initial application. These will be requested from shortlisted candidates before or on the day of the interview.
Make sure you clearly indicate:
Position: Telecom Operator
Reference: DBE/72/2026
Centre: Pretoria
How do you apply by post?
Send your application to:
Private Bag X895
Pretoria
0001
Where can you hand-deliver your application?
Applications can be delivered to:
Department of Basic Education
222 Struben Street
Pretoria
The Department’s official contact page confirms 222 Struben Street as its Pretoria physical address and Private Bag X895 as its postal address.
Can you apply by email?
Email applications can be sent to the Department using one of the following addresses:
These application addresses are listed for the current Department of Basic Education vacancy intake.
When do applications close?
Applications close on 5 October 2026.
Your completed Z83 and CV must reach the Department by the closing date.
