Department of Health General Worker: Medical Warehouse and Stock Handling Work

The Department of Health and Wellness is offering a General Worker: Stores position at the Cape Medical Depot, with duties focused on receiving, moving, packing and handling stock in a healthcare warehousing environment.

The role is suited to applicants with basic literacy and numeracy skills and relevant experience in a stores, warehouse or similar stock-handling environment.

The position pays R144 024 per year, and applications close on 16 October 2026.

What will you do as a General Worker: Stores?

Your main responsibility will be to support the movement and handling of stock inside the Cape Medical Depot.

Your duties include:

• Receiving stock from the bulk store
• Moving goods between warehouse sections
• Transporting stock with a pallet jack
• Using goods lifts
• Assisting with forklift or Hyster movement where applicable
• Packing stock into boxes
• Maintaining warehouse housekeeping
• Supporting safe stock handling

The role combines physical warehouse work with basic stock-control and distribution support.

How does the role support healthcare supply operations?

The Cape Medical Depot handles stock used within the healthcare system.

By receiving, moving and packing goods correctly, you will help support the flow of supplies through the depot.

This makes accurate and safe stock handling important because warehouse operations form part of the wider healthcare supply chain.

Will you need to lift heavy items?

Yes. Applicants must be physically capable of lifting heavy boxes.

You should be comfortable with work that involves:

• Lifting
• Carrying
• Packing
• Moving stock
• Working around warehouse equipment

The position is therefore best suited to candidates who can handle regular physical duties.

Will you use a pallet jack?

Yes. You must be able to operate a loaded pallet jack within normal operating limits.

Pallet jacks are used to move stock efficiently through warehouse and stores environments.

You will need to follow safe operating procedures when moving goods.

Do you need forklift experience?

Previous forklift or Hyster experience is not listed as a compulsory requirement.

You must, however, be willing to undergo training to operate a Hyster or forklift if required.

This can help you build additional practical warehouse and materials-handling skills.

Who can apply?

You need:

• Basic literacy skills
• Basic numeracy skills
• Appropriate experience in a stores or warehouse environment
• Physical ability to lift heavy boxes
• Ability to operate a loaded pallet jack
• Willingness to undergo forklift or Hyster training
• Willingness to work overtime when required

The position does not list a formal Grade 12 requirement.

What previous experience is useful?

Experience in any of the following environments can be relevant:

• Warehouses
• Stores
• Stockrooms
• Distribution centres
• Logistics facilities
• Supply depots

The key requirement is practical experience working with stock and warehouse processes.

What skills will help you succeed?

Useful abilities include:

• Verbal communication
• Written communication
• Teamwork
• Ability to work independently
• Good interpersonal skills
• Ability to follow instructions
• Understanding of warehouse procedures
• Attention to safe stock handling

You should also be comfortable working in a practical and physically active environment.

How important is warehouse housekeeping?

Good housekeeping helps keep stock areas safe and organised.

You may need to help ensure that:

• Goods are packed correctly
• Walkways are kept clear
• Stock is handled safely
• Work areas are kept orderly
• Warehouse procedures are followed

A well-organised warehouse can reduce stock damage and workplace hazards.

What experience can this role build?

The position can strengthen practical experience in:

• Medical warehousing
• Stock handling
• Distribution operations
• Materials movement
• Pallet-jack operation
• Warehouse housekeeping
• Healthcare supply support

These skills can support future work in warehousing, logistics, stores, distribution and healthcare supply operations.

What are the employment details?

Employer: Department of Health and Wellness
Chief Directorate: Emergency and Clinical Services Support
Position: General Worker: Stores
Centre: Cape Medical Depot
Salary: R144 024 per year
Closing date: 16 October 2026

How do you apply?

Applications must be submitted online through the Western Cape Government Health Jobs portal.

Apply through the Western Cape Government Health Jobs portal

Select Online Applications and follow the instructions for the relevant vacancy.

Make sure all required information is completed correctly before submitting your application.

Who can you contact for enquiries?

For enquiries about the position, contact:

Ms C Buthelezi
Telephone: (021) 483-8804
Applications close on 16 October 2026.