The Department of Tourism (NDT) is a national government entity tasked with developing, regulating, and promoting the tourism sector to drive economic growth and job creation in South Africa. Internally, the department is divided into key areas such as Destination Development, Tourism Research, and Sector Support Services, all of which rely on Administrative Clerks to manage documentation and logistical workflows.
Key Responsibilities
The duties of an Administrative Clerk vary slightly depending on the specific unit (e.g., HR, Finance, or Compliance), but generally include:
- General Clerical Support: Recording, capturing, and retrieving correspondence and data for various stakeholders.
- Documentation Management: Maintaining a robust filing system, updating registers, and ensuring document movement is tracked and recorded.
- Logistical Support: Arranging meeting venues, coordinating travel and accommodation for officials, and handling diary management.
- Procurement Assistance: Obtaining quotations, completing procurement forms for office stationery/equipment, and maintaining the unit’s asset register.
- Personnel Administration: Maintaining leave and attendance registers for the specific component.
Minimum Requirements
- Education: A Grade 12 certificate (Matric) or equivalent is the standard requirement.
- Note: Certain specialist roles, such as the Internal Control and Compliance Clerk, require Grade 12 with Accounting as a passed subject.
- Experience: Often 0–1 year of experience, making this an ideal entry-level opportunity for youth.
- Core Skills: Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), strong verbal and written communication, and good telephone etiquette.
- Knowledge: Familiarity with Public Service acts, policies, and prescripts (e.g., PFMA or Treasury Regulations) is highly advantageous.
Salary & Benefits
- Standard Salary: Approximately R228,321 per annum.
- Contract Benefits: Many roles are advertised as 6-month contracts, which often include a 37% payment in lieu of service benefits (medical aid/pension).
Career Advice: The “Public Service” Standard
- Master the Z83 Form: Your application will be disqualified if the new Z83 form is not fully completed, initialed, and signed.
- Focus on Detail: In a clerical role, accuracy in data entry and filing is everything. Use your CV to highlight any experience where you managed records or inventory without errors.
- Understand the “Component”: When applying, research the specific unit mentioned (e.g., “Internal Control” or “Cabinet Coordination”) so you can discuss their specific documentation needs during the interview.
Possible Interview Questions
“How do you ensure confidentiality when handling sensitive departmental documents?”
- Answer: “I strictly follow the department’s information security policies, ensuring that documents are never left unattended on desks and are filed in secure, designated areas immediately after use.”
“How would you handle a situation where you have multiple urgent requests from different managers?”
- Answer: “I would use a priority matrix to categorize tasks by deadline and impact. If priorities conflict, I would communicate with the managers to clarify which task is the most critical for the directorate’s immediate goals.”
How to Apply
- Method: Applications must be submitted via email
Recruitment226@tourism.gov.zawith the correct reference number in the subject line. - Required Docs: Z83 form and a comprehensive CV only (certified copies are only required for shortlisted candidates at the interview stage).