Reference Number: HGNC 33/2026
Location: Harry Gwala Regional Hospital – Harry Gwala Nursing Campus, Plessislaer, KwaZulu-Natal
Employment Type: Full-Time | Permanent
Job Type: Public Service | Nursing Education | Academic Leadership
Number of Posts: 1
Salary and Benefits
Salary
- R645,720 – R745,425 per annum (OSD applicable)
Additional Benefits
- 13th Cheque (Service Bonus, subject to Public Service Regulations)
- 8% Inhospitable Area Allowance
- Medical Aid (Optional)
- Housing Allowance (subject to prescribed requirements)
- Pension benefits through the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF)
- Leave benefits in accordance with Public Service Regulations
Employer Information
Employer: KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health
Institution: Harry Gwala Regional Hospital
Campus: Harry Gwala Nursing Campus
Province: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Harry Gwala Nursing Campus operates under the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health and is responsible for the education and training of professional nurses in alignment with South African Nursing Council (SANC) and Council on Higher Education (CHE) standards. The Campus is committed to excellence in nursing education, clinical governance, and community-oriented healthcare training.
Duty Station (Centre)
Harry Gwala Nursing Campus
Plessislaer, KwaZulu-Natal
The successful candidate will serve within the academic and nursing education management structure of the Campus.
About the Role
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health invites suitably qualified and experienced nursing education professionals to apply for the position of Head of Department: Community Nursing Science (PN-D3).
This is a senior academic and clinical leadership role responsible for overseeing Community Nursing Science programmes and ensuring compliance with SANC, CHE, and Department of Health regulations. The incumbent will lead curriculum development, student supervision, academic governance, and quality assurance within the department.
The position requires a seasoned Professional Nurse with strong academic, administrative, and leadership expertise in nursing education and community health practice.
Purpose of the Role
The primary purpose of this role is to coordinate, manage, and lead the delivery of Community Nursing Science education and training programmes while ensuring academic excellence, regulatory compliance, and alignment with national healthcare priorities.
The Head of Department will oversee student clinical exposure, curriculum development, staff supervision, quality improvement initiatives, and implementation of new nursing qualifications in line with SANC and CHE requirements.
Key Responsibilities
1. Academic Leadership and Programme Management
- Coordinate education and training of student nurses in programmes R171, R425, and R635
- Develop, review, and implement nursing curricula across all categories of training
- Implement new nursing programmes in line with SANC and CHE regulations
- Maintain academic standards and ensure curriculum alignment with national frameworks
2. Clinical Learning and Student Support
- Manage and coordinate clinical learning exposure between Campus and clinical facilities
- Oversee supervision and assessment of student nurses
- Maintain accurate academic and clinical records
- Apply effective teaching, assessment, and evaluation methodologies
3. Governance and Quality Assurance
- Develop and implement quality improvement programmes
- Participate in governance structures of the College
- Support policy development, interpretation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and prescripts
4. Staff Supervision and Development
- Supervise departmental staff, including collaboration with the Psychiatric Department
- Implement employee management and development systems
- Participate in Continuous Professional Development (CPD) initiatives
- Promote professional conduct and academic integrity
5. Stakeholder Collaboration and Institutional Support
- Build and maintain sound relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Promote the mission and positive image of the College
- Contribute to strategic planning and institutional development
Requirements
Educational Requirements
- Senior Certificate (Grade 12)
- Diploma or Degree in Nursing (or equivalent qualification allowing registration with SANC as a Professional Nurse)
- Nursing Education (registered with SANC)
- Nursing Administration (registered with SANC)
Professional Registration
- Current registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a Professional Nurse
Experience Requirements
- Minimum of nine (9) years appropriate and recognisable nursing experience after registration as a Professional Nurse with SANC in General Nursing
- At least four (4) years appropriate and recognisable experience in Nursing Education after obtaining the one-year post-basic qualification in Nursing Education
Additional Requirements
- Valid unendorsed RSA Driver’s Licence (Code EB)
- Computer literacy
Verification Requirement
- Proof of qualifications, registration certificates, and driver’s licence will be required only from shortlisted candidates
Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies
Professional and Legislative Knowledge
- In-depth knowledge of Community Nursing Science
- Nursing Education programmes and curriculum development
- Relevant healthcare legislation, Acts, prescripts, and policy frameworks
- SANC and CHE regulatory requirements
Academic and Teaching Competencies
- Proficiency in teaching, assessment, and evaluation methodologies
- Strong curriculum development skills
- Policy interpretation and implementation expertise
Leadership and Management Skills
- Sound conflict management and decision-making ability
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong presentation skills
- Ability to supervise and mentor staff effectively
Why Join Harry Gwala Nursing Campus?
This is a strategic opportunity to lead Community Nursing Science education within a respected public nursing institution. As Head of Department, you will shape the next generation of nurses, contribute to national health priorities, and strengthen community-based healthcare delivery through academic excellence and regulatory compliance.
How to Apply
Required Documents (Application Stage Only)
- A completed and signed Application for Employment Form (Z83 – latest version)
- A comprehensive and detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) clearly indicating duties performed and full record of service (with dates written in full, e.g., 01/01/2026)
- Copies of qualifications, registration certificates, and driver’s licence must not be submitted at application stage. These will be requested only from shortlisted candidates on or before the interview date.
Application Submission
Postal Applications
The Chief Executive Officer
Harry Gwala Regional Hospital
Private Bag X509
Plessislaer
3216
Hand Delivery
Application Box – Main Gate (Behind Security Office)
For Attention: Mr. T.C. Manyoni
Enquiries: Mrs. R.T. Zondi at Tel: 033 392 7563
Important Application Notes
- The reference number HGNC 33/2026 must be clearly indicated on the Z83 form
- Applications must reach the office no later than 16h00 on weekdays
- Failure to comply with application instructions will result in disqualification
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
- Applications will not be acknowledged
- If no feedback is received within two (2) to three (3) months after the closing date, applicants should consider their applications unsuccessful
Security Clearance and Vetting
- State Security Agency (SSA) security clearance and vetting
- Criminal record checks
- Credit record verification
- Citizenship verification
- Qualification verification by SAQA
- Verification of previous employment
- CIPC verification
Employment Equity
Harry Gwala Regional Hospital is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.
Appointments will be made in accordance with Employment Equity targets to promote representivity across occupational categories.
Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Closing Date: 16 March 2026
- Late applications will not be considered.