Operational Manager Nursing Grade 1 – Mapulaneng Hospital – Department Of Health

Join the Department of Health as an Operational Manager Nursing Grade 1 at Mapulaneng Hospital, a rewarding government job in South Africa

Published 6 October 2026
Closing Date 16 October 2026
Location
Type
Opportunity

About the Role

The Department of Health is seeking a dedicated Operational Manager Nursing Grade 1 for the General Unit at Mapulaneng Hospital, located in the Ehlanzeni District. In this pivotal role, you will be at the forefront of delivering high-quality nursing services that directly impact the health and well-being of the local community. Your leadership and management skills will be essential in ensuring that nursing practices meet the highest standards, and that your team is supported and motivated in providing exceptional care.

As an Operational Manager, you will engage with a diverse group of healthcare professionals and stakeholders, contributing to the development of best practices in nursing. Your work will not only enhance the operational effectiveness of the hospital but also foster a collaborative environment that prioritizes patient safety and satisfaction. This role is integral to the community, ensuring that residents have access to competent and compassionate healthcare services.

About the Department

The Department of Health is committed to providing comprehensive healthcare services across South Africa. Their mission is to ensure that all citizens have access to quality healthcare, focusing on prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. Working with the Department means you will be part of a vibrant team dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of individuals and communities, aligning with the values of public service and health equity.

What You’ll Do

  • Plan, organize, manage, and coordinate nursing services within the General Unit.
  • Develop and maintain constructive relationships with nursing staff and other stakeholders.
  • Participate in the formulation and implementation of nursing guidelines and standards.
  • Manage the utilization of human, financial, and physical resources effectively.
  • Uphold professional growth and ethical standards while supporting nursing service development.
  • Supervise after-hours and weekend operations to ensure continuous care.
  • Implement the Norms and Standards and Ideal Hospital Framework.
  • Manage performance and development of nursing staff, including participation in management meetings.
  • Oversee discipline and grievance issues according to established policies.
  • Maintain data management within the unit and ensure timely reporting.
  • Identify and control risk management systems within the nursing unit.
  • Create a safe therapeutic environment in adherence to relevant health acts and regulations.
  • Implement and manage infection prevention and control protocols.
  • Promote the principles of Batho Pele and Patient Rights.

What You’ll Need

  • Senior Certificate / Grade 12.
  • Basic qualification accredited by the South African Nursing Council (e.g., Diploma or Degree in Nursing).
  • A minimum of seven years of experience in nursing after registration as a Professional Nurse with the SANC.
  • A Diploma or Degree in Nursing Administration and Management is an advantage.
  • Basic computer literacy and strong leadership capabilities.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work under pressure and manage time effectively.
  • Willingness to work shifts and standby as required.
  • Competence in report writing.

How to Apply

Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered.

Requirements

Senior Certificate / Grade 12 plus Basic qualification accredited with the South African Nursing Council in Terms of Government Notice 425, (i.

e.

Diploma / Degree in Nursing) or equivalent qualification that allows registration with the SANC as a Professional Nurse.

A minimum of seven (7) years of appropriate/recognizable experience in nursing after registration as a Professional Nurse with the SANC in General Nursing (2026).

A Diploma / Degree in Nursing Administration and Management will be an added advantage.

Knowledge/skills: Basic computer literacy, strong Leadership, Good communication and Sound Interpersonal skills.

Ability to work under pressure, manage own time, function as an effective leader of the nursing tea m.

Implement and manage change.

Willingness to work shifts and standby in accordance with the requirements of the unit and nursing services.

Report writing.

Job Duties

The candidate will be responsible for Planning, Organizing, Managing, and coordinating as well as maintaining optimal Nursing Services as an Operational Manager in General Ward.

Develop / establish and maintain constructive working relationships with Nursing and stakeholders (i.

e.

inter- Professional, inter–sectoral and multi – disciplinary team workers).

Participate in the analysis, formulation, and implementation of nursing guidelines, practices, Standards, and procedures.

Effectively manage the utilization of Human, Financial and Physical resources.

Maintain professional Growth / Ethical standards and self-development.

Deliver a supportive service to the Nursing Service and the institution by taking overall supervision after hours and on weekends.

Ensure implementation of Norms and Standards and Ideal Hospital Framework and develop Quality Improvement Plans.

Manage Performance and Development of staff as well as participating in the Managers scheduled meetings.

Exercise control of discipline, grievance and other labour related issues in terms of laid down policies or procedures.

Manage data in the unit and ensure submission to the facility information office.

Identity develops and control Risk Management Systems within the unit.

Provide safe therapeutic environment as laid by Nursing Acts, Occupational Health and safety Acts and all the applicable prescripts.

Implementation and management of Infection Prevention and Control protocols.

Uphold the Batho Pele and Patients Right Principles.

Salary

R571 161 - R654 285 per annum

How to Apply

Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered. Do not submit duplicate applications. If applying for multiple posts, submit separate applications for each post. Due to high volumes, the Department will not acknowledge receipt of applications. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If you have not heard from us within 3 months, please consider your application to be unsuccessful. Should, during any stage of the recruitment process, a moratorium be placed on the filling of posts, or the Department is affected by any process such as, but not limited to, restructuring or reorganisation of posts, the Department reserves the right to cancel the recruitment process and re- advertise the post at any time in the future. Important: DOA is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting representivity and affirmative action. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates. The Department reserves the right not to fill vacancies. By applying, you consent to the collection and processing of your personal information for recruitment purposes. Shortlisted candidates will be required to be available for assessments and interviews at a date and time as determined by the Department. Shortlisted candidates will undergo personnel suitability checks, security vetting and reference checks (including social media profiles). Applications must declare any pending criminal, disciplinary or any other allegations or investigations. Successful candidates must pass security clearance, sign an employment contract, sign an annual performance agreement and disclose financial interests. All applicants are required to declare any conflict or perceived conflict of interest, to disclose memberships of Boards and directorships that they may be associated with. Failure to disclose relevant information may result in disqualification or termination. ERRATUM: The position of Campus Manager Ref No: 3/3/1/49/2026 advertised in the Public Services Vacancy Circular no 24 of 2026 was published with the incorrect EE Targets; the correct EE Targets are African Males and Females, and persons with disability. Therefore, the submission of job applications will be accepted from 25 September 2026 until 09 October 2026 at 16:00 through the same application channels published under the Public Service Vacancy Circular 24 dated 10 July 2026. Withdrawal of Advertisement: The post of Senior Security Officer (reference: 3/3/1/83/2026), which was published in the Public Service Vacancy Circular number 32 dated 04 September 2026, closing 18 September 2026, has been withdrawn. 5 OTHER POSTS For Enquiries: Ms. Gugu Nkosi Tel No: (013) 766 3103 / Mr. Mxolisi Maseko Tel No: (013) 766 3351, Mr. Samson Nyoni Tel No: (013) 766 3087 and IT related queries: Help desk Tel No: (013) 766 3018.