Medical Officer and Registrar Vacancies 2026
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has advertised Medical Officer and Medical Registrar vacancies across several government healthcare facilities.
These Medical Officer and Registrar Vacancies 2026 include opportunities in Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, General Surgery, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Public Health Medicine and trauma services.
The positions are advertised in DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular 38 of 2026, issued on 23 October 2026.
Across the advertisements highlighted below, there are 21 Registrar posts and 5 Medical Officer posts, giving a combined total of 26 advertised positions.
Applications close on Monday, 9 November 2026 at 17:00.
Medical Officer and Registrar Vacancies 2026: Overview
| Job information | Details |
|---|---|
| Employer | Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness |
| Available positions | 26 |
| Registrar positions | 21 |
| Medical Officer positions | 5 |
| Province | Western Cape |
| Main locations | Cape Town, Observatory, Khayelitsha, Parow, George |
| Registrar starting salary | R1,041,402 per annum |
| Medical Officer annual salary | R1,041,402–R1,375,245 depending on grade |
| Sessional Medical Officer rate | R501–R662 per hour |
| Professional registration | HPCSA |
| Closing date | 9 November 2026 at 17:00 |
| Application method | Online |
1. Registrar Vacancies 2026 – 21 Posts
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has advertised eight Registrar vacancy groups covering multiple medical specialties.
| Medical specialty | Available posts | Hospital or centre | DPSA post number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Medicine | 4 | Groote Schuur Hospital | 38/577 |
| Emergency Medicine | 4 | Groote Schuur and Mitchells Plain District Hospital | 38/578 |
| Public Health Medicine | 4 | Head Office, Cape Town | 38/579 |
| Ophthalmology | 2 | Groote Schuur and George Hospital | 38/581 |
| General Surgery | 2 | Groote Schuur Hospital | 38/582 |
| Dermatology | 2 | Tygerberg Hospital | 38/583 |
| Emergency Medicine | 1 | Emergency Medical Services | 38/584 |
| General Surgery | 2 | Tygerberg Hospital | 38/585 |
| Total | 21 |
Internal Medicine Registrar – 4 Posts
Hospital: Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory
Post number: 38/577
Contract: 4 years
Annual salary: R1,041,402
Applicants require an appropriate medical qualification and HPCSA registration as a Medical Practitioner in Independent Practice.
The advertisement also identifies appropriate clinical experience, including Internal Medicine rotations, and FCP (SA) Part 1 among the required competencies.
Successful candidates will provide clinical care, participate in teaching, research and professional development, and undertake hospital service duties.
Emergency Medicine Registrar – 4 Posts
Hospitals: Groote Schuur Hospital (3), Mitchells Plain District Hospital (1)
Post number: 38/578
Contract: 4 years
Annual salary: R1,041,402
Applicants require HPCSA Independent Practice registration, completion of FCEM (SA) Part 1 and a valid Code B/EB driver’s licence.
The responsibilities include emergency patient care, clinical governance, supervision, teaching, research and participation in specialist training.
Public Health Medicine Registrar – 4 Posts
Centre: Western Cape Head Office, Cape Town
Post number: 38/579
Contract: 4 years
Annual salary: R1,041,402
This position is particularly relevant to medical practitioners interested in public health, health systems, epidemiology, health policy, research and service management.
The advertisement requires HPCSA registration in Independent Practice, a Code B/EB driver’s licence and registration for the MMed in Public Health Medicine at the University of Cape Town.
A relevant postgraduate public health qualification is preferred.
Ophthalmology Registrar – 2 Posts
Centres: Groote Schuur Hospital (1), George Hospital (1)
Post number: 38/581
Contract: 5 years
Annual salary: R1,041,402
Applicants require an appropriate medical qualification and HPCSA registration as a Medical Practitioner in Independent Practice.
Advertised competencies include ophthalmology experience, proficiency in basic cataract surgery and FC Ophth (SA) Part 1A.
The roles involve clinical service, teaching, professional development and research.
General Surgery Registrar – 2 Posts at Groote Schuur
Centre: Groote Schuur Hospital
Post number: 38/582
Contract: 5 years
Annual salary: R1,041,402
This opportunity is intended for practitioners with appropriate surgical experience and a commitment to postgraduate surgical training.
The advertisement specifies HPCSA registration in Independent Practice and surgical college examination requirements, including the FCS (SA) primary examination.
Successful candidates will participate in operative care, patient management, clinical governance, teaching and research.
Dermatology Registrar – 2 Posts
Hospital: Tygerberg Hospital, Parow Valley
Post number: 38/583
Contract: 4 years
Annual salary: R1,041,402
Applicants require HPCSA registration as a Medical Practitioner in Independent Practice and a valid Code B/EB driver’s licence.
The responsibilities include dermatology outpatient services, inpatient consultations, specialist training, clinical care and after-hours duties.
Relevant dermatology experience and academic preparation may strengthen an application.
Emergency Medicine Registrar – EMS
Centre: Emergency Medical Services
Post number: 38/584
Contract: 4 years
Annual salary: R1,041,402
This position requires HPCSA Independent Practice registration, completion of FCEM (SA) Part 1 and a valid driver’s licence.
The advertisement also specifies emergency medicine experience, including work in an Emergency Centre under specialist supervision, and relevant emergency care and ultrasound competencies.
General Surgery Registrar – 2 Posts at Tygerberg
Hospital: Tygerberg Hospital, Parow Valley
Post number: 38/585
Contract: 5 years
Annual salary: R1,041,402
Candidates require HPCSA registration as a Medical Practitioner in Independent Practice, a valid Code B/EB driver’s licence, and the ability to participate in commuted overtime and emergency calls.
This specialist training opportunity involves surgical service delivery, operative care, teaching and postgraduate training.
2. Medical Officer Vacancies 2026 – 5 Posts
In addition to Registrar training positions, the department has advertised Medical Officer opportunities in trauma, surgery and orthopaedics.
| Position | Hospital | Posts | DPSA reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Officer Grade 1–3: Trauma Centre | Groote Schuur Hospital | 1 | 38/580 |
| Medical Officer Grade 1–3: Surgery and Orthopaedics | Khayelitsha District Hospital | 1 | 38/586 |
| Medical Officer Grade 1–3: Sessional Surgery | Khayelitsha District Hospital | 3 | 38/622 |
| Total | 5 |
Medical Officer – Groote Schuur Trauma Centre
Post number: 38/580
Contract: 1 year
Location: Observatory, Cape Town
Annual salaries:
- Grade 1: R1,041,402
- Grade 2: R1,188,255
- Grade 3: R1,375,245
Applicants must have an appropriate medical qualification and HPCSA registration as a Medical Practitioner.
Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) certification is an inherent job requirement.
The successful candidate will participate in trauma care, resuscitation, theatre services, after-hours duties, teaching and clinical governance.
Medical Officer – Khayelitsha Surgery and Orthopaedics
Post number: 38/586
Hospital: Khayelitsha District Hospital
This position is intended for medical practitioners with appropriate surgical and orthopaedic experience.
Applicants require the relevant HPCSA registration and must meet the clinical competency, driving licence, CPD and overtime requirements specified in the advertisement.
Medical Officer – Sessional Surgery (3 Posts)
Post number: 38/622
Hospital: Khayelitsha District Hospital
Contract: Until 31 March 2029
Advertised arrangement: 20 sessions per week
Hourly remuneration:
- Grade 1: R501
- Grade 2: R572
- Grade 3: R662
The positions are for doctors with appropriate surgical skills and HPCSA registration.
Responsibilities include surgical patient assessment, operative and peri-operative care, clinical governance, teaching and research.
The advertisement also specifies FCS Part 1 enrolment and additional professional requirements.
3. General Requirements for Medical Officer and Registrar Vacancies 2026
Requirements differ depending on the vacancy and specialty. Applicants should not assume that meeting the general criteria qualifies them for every post.
Common requirements include:
- An appropriate medical qualification.
- HPCSA registration in the required category.
- Registration in Independent Practice where specified.
- Appropriate clinical experience.
- Relevant professional knowledge and clinical competency.
- Participation in after-hours duties or commuted overtime where required.
- Teaching, research and professional development where applicable.
- A valid driving licence for positions where advertised.
Certain Registrar posts require specified College of Medicine examinations or postgraduate study registration.
4. Medical Officer and Registrar Vacancies 2026 Salaries
Registrar positions in these advertisements offer an annual starting salary of R1,041,402.
This is approximately R86,783.50 per month before deductions.
Full-time Medical Officer Grade 1–3 advertisements show annual salaries from R1,041,402 to R1,375,245, depending on grade.
The three sessional Surgery Medical Officer positions pay the advertised hourly rates instead of the full-time annual salaries.
Remuneration and benefits depend on the relevant employment conditions and appointment type.
5. How to Apply for Medical Officer and Registrar Vacancies 2026
Step 1: Visit the Western Cape Health Jobs Website
Open the official recruitment website:
https://www.westerncape.gov.za/health-jobs
Select the online applications option.
Step 2: Search for the Vacancy
Use the job title, specialty, hospital or DPSA post number to identify the appropriate advertisement.
Make sure you select the correct Medical Officer or Registrar position.
Step 3: Check All Requirements
Carefully review the professional registration, clinical experience, college examinations and additional requirements.
Some specialty training positions have entry requirements beyond ordinary medical registration.
Step 4: Prepare Your Application
Have your updated CV, medical qualifications, HPCSA registration information and evidence of relevant clinical training or examinations available.
Follow the specific supporting-document instructions displayed on the recruitment platform.
Step 5: Complete the Online Application
Provide accurate personal, professional and employment information.
Make sure you apply for the correct vacancy and follow the instructions on the official portal.
Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline
Closing date: Monday, 9 November 2026 at 17:00.
Submit your application before the deadline and retain your application confirmation where available.
6. Important Information for Registrar Applicants
Registrar positions are specialist training appointments and are not identical to permanent Medical Officer posts.
The advertisements specify four- or five-year training contracts depending on the specialty.
Successful applicants may be required to register for postgraduate specialist training with the relevant university and participate in rotations across approved hospitals.
Candidates must review the training, academic registration, bursary obligation and pension implications described in the particular vacancy advertisement.
7. Frequently Asked Questions about Medical Officer and Registrar Vacancies 2026
How many Registrar vacancies are advertised in Circular 38 of 2026?
The eight highlighted Western Cape Registrar advertisements contain 21 posts.
How many Medical Officer positions are included?
The three highlighted Medical Officer advertisements contain five positions, including three sessional Surgery posts.
Can a Medical Officer apply for a Registrar position?
Yes, provided the practitioner meets the specialty-specific requirements, including HPCSA registration and any required clinical experience or examinations.
Is HPCSA registration compulsory?
The advertisements specify HPCSA registration requirements. Certain notices contain limited provisions for applicants in the process of obtaining or changing registration, subject to documentary proof and specific conditions.
Are Registrar vacancies permanent?
No. The advertised Registrar positions are fixed-term training contracts of four or five years.
Which hospitals are recruiting?
The highlighted opportunities include Groote Schuur Hospital, Tygerberg Hospital, Khayelitsha District Hospital, Mitchells Plain District Hospital, George Hospital and relevant Western Cape provincial services.
What is the closing date?
Applications close on 9 November 2026 at 17:00.
Where should I apply?
Applications must be made through the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness official online recruitment system.
8. Official Application Links
Apply online:
https://www.westerncape.gov.za/health-jobs
Official DPSA Circular 38 of 2026:
https://www.dpsa.gov.za/dpsa2g/documents/vacancies/2026/PSV%20CIRCULAR%2038%20of%202026.pdf
The highlighted Western Cape Medical Officer and Registrar advertisements appear in Annexure AA of the official vacancy circular.
Final Reminder
The Medical Officer and Registrar Vacancies 2026 provide opportunities for doctors pursuing clinical employment, postgraduate specialist training and professional development in the Western Cape.
Before applying, check the relevant post reference, HPCSA registration category, examination requirements and application instructions.
Closing date: 9 November 2026 at 17:00.
For more Medical Officer jobs, hospital vacancies, healthcare careers and government employment updates, visit ZA Vacancies.
Disclaimer: ZA Vacancies is an independent employment-information platform and is not affiliated with DPSA or the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness. Applicants should verify all requirements and application details against the official advertisements.
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Last Updated: October 23, 2026