18 October 2020

THE long-awaited opening of the brand new 500-bed Dr Pixley KaIsaka kaSeme Memorial Hospital (DPKISH) is now a step closer, following the advertisement of the first batch of posts this weekend

This regional hospital, which will ultimately be staffed by 1513 people, will provide much-needed specialist health services to patients referred to it by neighbouring lower-level healthcare facilities.

KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Ms Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu says the new hospital will provide equitable and better-resourced health infrastructure to people in the north of the district. As part of efforts to cut costs and improve access to care throughout the province, MEC Simelane-Zulu is also championing a radical process to upgrade several rural district (smaller) hospitals elsewhere in the province, equipping them to offer a regional (and more specialised) package of services

MEC Simelane-Zulu says the DPKISH is unique in that all auxiliary services such as cleaning, security, and catering, will be in-sourced - in line with a policy conference resolution of the African National Congress

The MEC has re-iterated that no Government posts are for sale, and also urged the public to report any unscrupulous individuals seeking to solicit money in exchange for jobs.

"The Dr Pixley KaIsaka Seme Memorial Hospital will be the fourth regional hospital in Ethekwini District, adding to the current RK Khan, Addington and Prince Mshiyeni hospitals. We are very excited that the hospital is now completed, and we've reached a stage whereby we are working on the staffing aspect," says the MEC.

"From this weekend, we have issued advertisements explaining the various staffing categories that we are advertising for. We have opted to do it in a staggered fashion so that we are able to manage the process because we are expecting large number of applications to come through."

"What I'd like to emphasise is that not a single person should ever have to pay any money to work at the hospital. If someone comes and says, 'Pay a certain amount so you can get a job,' that's a criminal. We need to understand that if someone asks you to pay 'cold-drink' money… that makes you an accessory to crime. You, too, can be arrested." "We're aware that some people have started soliciting money from the public. We've referred those cases to the police and they're being investigated."

MEC Simelane-Zulu has also provided clarity on how the community of Inanda, Ntuzuma, and KwaMashu (INK) and surrounds will benefit from the hospital. MEC Simelane-Zulu has also provided clarity on how the community of Inanda, Ntuzuma, and KwaMashu (INK) and surrounds will benefit from the hospital.

"Yes, the hospital is in the INK area, but it’s a hospital for the greater eThekwini area. Yes, local people will receive priority for the lower-level posts, but for professional posts, we will look across the province of KwaZulu-Natal."

How the job advertisement and application process will unfold:

• From now onwards, posts will be advertised in a staggered process (new batch of posts each week), in reputable newspapers, and on the Department's official website www.kznhealth.gov.za.
• Notices about the adverts may also be shared on the Department’s social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram)
• The application process is open for 14 days. There is no need to rush or stand in long queues to drop off applications.
• Acceptance of applications will strictly be from Monday to Friday.
• Application is open to one person per post.
• All applications for posts that are below Level 6 (general orderlies [cleaners], security officers, messengers, porters, and food service aids) can be dropped-off at the hospital, where drop-off boxes will be placed outside the facility for this purpose.
• Advertisements for these posts will also be erected on notice boards at public health facilities, Sizakala Customer Care Centres, local health facilities, local magistrate court, and at Bridge City.
• Applications may also be dropped off at the eThekwini district office (Physical Address: 83 Jan Smuts Highway Mayville Durban). The drop-off facility will open at 07h30 and close at 16h00.
• Applicants will be expected to have their own Z83 forms and staplers.
• All applicants for posts above Level 6 are to post their applications to Head office (Postal Address: P/Bag X9051 Pietermaritzburg 3200), or drop them off at the district office;
• All applications for posts above Level 6 should be addressed to: The Chief Director: Human Resource Management Services KZN Department of Health Private Bag X9051 Pietermaritzburg 3200 OR Hand delivered to: 330 Langalibalele Street Natalia Building, Registry, Minus 1:1 North Tower.
• The recruitment process is expected to be concluded by February 2021, due to the expected high number of applications.

ENDS Issued by the KZN Department of Health