Job Description

Various government departments and public institutions are inviting suitably qualified applicants to apply for Food Service Aid vacancies available in different government offices, hospitals, facilities and departments.

These entry-level government positions are suitable for applicants who have completed NQF Level 1 or 2, ABET Level 2, or an equivalent qualification.

No previous work experience is required for many of the available positions, making these vacancies suitable for job seekers who are looking for an opportunity to enter the public service.

Successful applicants will generally be responsible for supporting catering and food-service operations. Duties may include assisting with food preparation, serving meals, transporting food to relevant service areas, cleaning kitchen equipment and maintaining acceptable hygiene and food-safety standards.

Depending on the department and post, salaries may fall within the government Salary Level 02 range.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants should generally meet the following minimum requirements:

• NQF Level 1 or NQF Level 2 qualification.
• ABET Level 2 certificate or equivalent qualification.
• No previous work experience may be required.
• Basic literacy skills.
• Basic knowledge of food preparation and catering services.
• Knowledge of food-processing equipment.
• Understanding of basic health and safety requirements.
• Knowledge of hygiene and bacterial contamination control measures.
• Ability to operate basic food-processing equipment.
• Ability to measure ingredients and food quantities accurately.
• Ability to work in a clean and hygienic environment.
• Ability to follow instructions, menus and special dietary requirements.

Core Functions and Responsibilities

Successful candidates may be responsible for supporting the day-to-day food-service activities within government institutions and facilities.

Typical responsibilities may include following approved menus and special dietary plans when preparing meals.

Food Service Aids may assist with preparing ingredients required for meals, including washing, cleaning and cutting vegetables, as well as preparing meat, poultry and fish before cooking.

Candidates may also assist with processing and cooking prepared ingredients before meals are served.

Other duties may include:

• Serving prepared food using the appropriate crockery.
• Ensuring that correct food portions are served.
• Packing food-delivery trolleys.
• Delivering meals to relevant areas within the institution.
• Ensuring that the correct meals are delivered to the correct service areas.
• Collecting used cutlery and crockery.
• Checking that crockery and cutlery are returned to the kitchen.
• Washing and drying food-service equipment.
• Cleaning crockery and cutlery.
• Conducting basic quality checks after cleaning.
• Packing and storing clean food-processing equipment.
• Cleaning food-processing areas regularly.
• Maintaining cleanliness in kitchens and catering areas.
• Monitoring sanitation and food-safety standards.
• Identifying unsafe or unhygienic conditions.
• Reporting hygiene or safety concerns to the relevant supervisor.

Successful applicants will be expected to follow departmental procedures and maintain a safe, clean and hygienic food-service environment at all times.

Salary

Salary will depend on the specific government department and vacancy.

Some Food Service Aid positions may offer approximately:

R144 024 – R169 656 per annum

Salary Level: Level 02

How to Apply

Download appliction from

Applicants must apply according to the official application instructions provided for each government department or vacancy.

Applications may be submitted through the relevant department’s official online recruitment portal, e-Recruitment system or another approved application method indicated in the vacancy advertisement.

Applicants are advised to carefully read the full vacancy notice before applying and ensure that all required information and supporting documents are submitted correctly.

Applications should only be submitted through official government recruitment channels.

POST 31/71 / FOOD SERVICE AID — REF NO: FSA
SALARY: R170 226 per annum
CENTRE: Pretoria
REQUIREMENTS: NQF level 1 or 2 (ABET level 2 certificate or equivalent)
HOW TO APPLY: Department of Tourism, Private Bag X424, Pretoria, 0001 (hand delivery: Tourism House, 17 Trevenna Road, Sunnyside, Pretoria; email also accepted per source)
CLOSING DATE: 11 September 2026 by 16:30

POST 31/135 / FOOD SERVICE AID — REF NO: ECHEALTH/FSA/FTH/ES/12/08/2026 (X4 POSTS)
SALARY: R144 024 – R169 656 per annum (Level 02)
CENTRE: Buffalo City Metro, Frere Tertiary Hospital
REQUIREMENTS: NQF level 1 or 2 (ABET level 2 certificate or equivalent) with no experience
HOW TO APPLY: Hand deliver/courier to: Human Resource Office, Frere Tertiary Hospital, Amalinda Main Road, East London, 5200 (department-level instruction; no post-specific link/email stated)
CLOSING DATE: 11 September 2026

POST 31/473 / FOOD SERVICES AID
SALARY: R144 024 per annum
CENTRE: Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory
REQUIREMENTS: Basic numeracy and literacy
HOW TO APPLY: www.westerncape.gov.za/health-jobs (department-level, Western Cape Health)
CLOSING DATE: 11 September 2026, 17:00 (department-level, Western Cape Health)