Reference Number: UMKH 07/2026
Number of Posts: 1F
Employment Type: Full-Time | Permanent
Sector: Public Service | Human Resource Management | Labour Relations
Job Overview
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health invites suitably qualified, experienced, and dedicated Human Resource professionals to apply for the position of Senior Human Resource Practitioner: Labour Relations, based at the uMkhanyakude Health District Office.
This role plays a critical governance and advisory function in ensuring sound labour relations management within the District. The successful incumbent will be responsible for managing labour relations processes, supporting management with expert advice, ensuring compliance with labour legislation and public service prescripts, and promoting harmonious employer–employee relations.
The position requires strong knowledge of labour legislation, disciplinary and grievance procedures, collective bargaining processes, and conflict resolution within the public service environment. The role further demands analytical thinking, sound judgement, leadership capability, and the ability to function effectively under pressure in a complex organisational setting.
This opportunity is ideal for an experienced Labour Relations practitioner who is committed to fairness, compliance, organisational stability, and service delivery excellence within the public health sector.
Employer Information
Employer: KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health
Office: uMkhanyakude Health District Office
Province: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
The uMkhanyakude Health District Office provides strategic leadership, governance, and support to health facilities within the district. The office plays a vital role in ensuring effective human resource management, labour stability, and compliance with public service regulations to support quality healthcare service delivery.
Salary and Benefits
Annual Salary
- R359,517 per annum
Additional Benefits
- 13th Cheque (Service Bonus, in line with Public Service Regulations)
- Medical Aid (Optional)
- Housing Allowance (Employee must meet prescribed requirements)
- Pension benefits through the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF)
- Leave benefits in accordance with Public Service Regulations
Purpose of the Role
The primary purpose of the Senior Human Resource Practitioner: Labour Relations is to ensure the effective management of labour relations within the District by providing expert advisory, coordination, and operational support.
The role focuses on the application of labour legislation, managing grievance and disciplinary processes, promoting sound staff relations, monitoring compliance with policies, collecting labour relations statistics, and supporting management with decision-making and reporting.
Through effective labour relations management, the position contributes to organisational stability, employee engagement, and uninterrupted healthcare service delivery.
Minimum Requirements
Educational Requirements
- Senior Certificate / Grade 12
- Degree or National Diploma in Human Resource Management or Public Management
- A minimum of three (3) to five (5) years’ relevant experience within a Labour Relations component
- Valid Driver’s Licence
Knowledge, Skills, Training, and Competencies
Legislative and Policy Knowledge
- Public Service Act and Public Service Regulations
- Labour Relations Act (LRA)
- Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA)
- Grievance and disciplinary prescripts
- Collective bargaining frameworks
- Human Resource policies, procedures, and circulars
- Employee Performance Management and Development System (EPMDS)
Technical and Professional Skills
- Labour relations advisory and case management
- Investigation and presiding skills in disciplinary matters
- Grievance handling and dispute resolution
- Interpretation and application of HR policies
- PERSAL system knowledge and utilisation
- Compilation of labour relations reports and statistics
Behavioural, Leadership, and Interpersonal Competencies
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Analytical thinking and sound decision-making ability
- Presentation and reporting skills
- Leadership, coaching, and mentoring capability
- Ability to liaise effectively with management and stakeholders
- Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines
- Teamwork and collaboration skills
Key Responsibilities and Duties
1. Labour Relations Operations Management
- Manage the functioning of the Staff Relations component to ensure high-quality service delivery
- Ensure the consistent application of labour relations policies and procedures
- Promote sound employer–employee relations across the District
2. Grievance, Discipline, and Misconduct Management
- Manage and support grievance, disciplinary, and misconduct cases
- Ensure cases are handled in line with applicable legislation and prescripts
- Provide advisory support during disciplinary enquiries
- Promote orderly collective processes during disciplinary hearings
3. Policy Implementation and Compliance Monitoring
- Ensure adherence to the Labour Relations Act, BCEA, and related prescripts
- Monitor implementation of labour relations policies and guidelines
- Identify non-compliance and recommend corrective actions
- Implement and monitor departmental labour relations policies
4. Strategic Planning and Reporting
- Participate in the development of labour relations strategies and policies
- Prepare and submit labour relations reports to management
- Collect, analyse, and report on labour-related statistics
- Support management with evidence-based decision-making
5. Conflict Management and Advisory Support
- Provide efficient conflict management and dispute resolution support
- Advise management on labour relations matters and risk mitigation
- Support early intervention to prevent escalation of labour disputes
6. Training, Capacity Building, and Development
- Identify labour relations training gaps within the District
- Coordinate and support the implementation of in-service training programmes
- Promote awareness of labour relations policies and procedures
- Support employee performance and development initiatives
Professional Conduct and Values
- High ethical standards and professionalism
- Fairness, consistency, and integrity
- Accountability and transparency
- Respect for diversity and inclusivity
- Alignment with public service values and Batho Pele principles
Employment Equity Statement
- The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health is committed to Employment Equity.
- Appointments will be made in accordance with the Department’s Employment Equity Plan and operational requirements
- Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply
Security Clearance and Vetting
- Security checks and vetting
- Criminal record checks
- Credit record verification
- Citizenship verification
- Qualification verification
- Verification of current and previous employment experience
Application Process
Required Documents
- A completed and signed Application for Employment Form (new Z83 version)
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- No additional documents must accompany the application. Supporting documents will be required only from shortlisted candidates.
- Certified copy of Identity Document
- Senior Certificate / Grade 12
- Highest required qualification
- Driver’s Licence (where applicable)
- Proof of current and previous work experience endorsed and stamped by the Human Resource Manager (Certificate of Service and Service Record)
Submission Details
Postal Address
The Director: District Health Office
uMkhanyakude Health District Office
Private Bag X026
Jozini
3969
For Attention: Mrs N.W. Mdhluli – DD: HRMS
Enquiries: Mrs N.W. Mdhluli at Tel: 035 572 1328/90
Important Application Notes
- The reference number UMKH 07/2026 must be clearly indicated on the Z83 form
- Failure to comply with application instructions will result in disqualification
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
- No subsistence and travel (S&T) allowance will be paid for interviews
- The Department will not be liable for applications with incorrect or missing reference numbers
- Applicants who do not receive interview notification within three (3) months after the closing date should regard their application as unsuccessful
Closing Date: 02 March 2026
- Late applications will not be considered.
Why Work as a Senior Human Resource Practitioner: Labour Relations?
This role offers an opportunity to influence organisational stability, fairness, and effective service delivery within the public healthcare sector. As a Senior Human Resource Practitioner: Labour Relations, your expertise will directly support sound labour governance, conflict resolution, and compliance with labour legislation.
Your contribution will help foster productive workplace relationships, minimise disputes, and strengthen human resource management practices across the uMkhanyakude Health District.