King Cetshwayo District Municipality is inviting applications from suitably qualified candidates for the position of Safety Officer within the Technical Services Department. This is a permanent employment opportunity offering a competitive annual salary, attractive employee benefits, and the opportunity to contribute towards maintaining a safe and healthy working environment across municipal operations.
The municipality is looking for an individual with a strong understanding of occupational health and safety legislation, workplace compliance, and risk management. The successful candidate will assist in implementing and maintaining effective health and safety systems while ensuring that all municipal activities comply with applicable safety regulations and standards.
- Position Title: Safety Officer
- Department: Technical Services
- Job Type: Permanent
- Task Level: T9
- Location: Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Salary: R280,718.85 per annum (minimum, excluding benefits)
This opportunity is ideal for candidates who are passionate about promoting workplace safety, preventing occupational injuries, and ensuring compliance with health and safety legislation within a local government environment.
Position Summary
The Safety Officer will be responsible for supporting the implementation of occupational health and safety programmes throughout the municipality. The successful applicant will monitor compliance with safety legislation, conduct inspections, assist with incident investigations, provide safety guidance to employees, and contribute to creating a safe working environment.
The role requires a proactive individual who can identify workplace hazards, recommend corrective actions, prepare reports, and assist management with maintaining effective safety controls and procedures.
Salary and Employee Benefits
Salary: R280,718.85 per annum (minimum salary excluding benefits).
Successful candidates will also receive the following employee benefits:
- 13th cheque
- Membership of the provident fund
- Group life insurance
- Medical aid
- Housing allowance
These benefits form part of the municipality’s employee package and provide long-term financial security and support.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements before submitting an application:
- Grade 12 (Matric) certificate.
- National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety (NQF Level 6), SAMTRAC, or an equivalent qualification.
- At least two years of relevant occupational health and safety experience.
- Valid Code EB driver’s licence.
- Computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Good organisational and administrative skills.
- Knowledge of occupational health and safety legislation.
- Ability to prepare reports and maintain accurate records.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Only applicants who satisfy the minimum requirements should apply.
Key Responsibilities
The successful Safety Officer will perform various occupational health and safety functions, including the following:
Safety Controls
Responsibilities include:
- Assist in developing operational safety plans.
- Implement workplace safety programmes.
- Monitor compliance with occupational health and safety legislation.
- Conduct routine workplace safety inspections.
- Identify hazards and recommend corrective measures.
- Prepare safety reports and documentation.
- Maintain safety records and registers.
- Assist with risk assessments.
- Promote a strong safety culture within the municipality.
- Ensure employees understand workplace safety procedures.
Operational Planning and Reporting
The successful candidate will:
- Prepare operational safety reports.
- Monitor implementation of health and safety plans.
- Compile compliance reports.
- Record workplace incidents.
- Assist management with safety planning.
- Monitor progress on corrective actions.
- Maintain accurate safety documentation.
- Support departmental planning processes.
Safety Procedures, Systems and Controls
Duties include:
- Monitor safety systems.
- Ensure safety procedures are followed.
- Assist in reviewing workplace safety policies.
- Conduct regular safety audits.
- Promote continuous improvement of safety systems.
- Ensure compliance with legislative requirements.
- Monitor the use of personal protective equipment.
- Assist with emergency preparedness programmes.
Compliance and Enforcement
The Safety Officer will also:
- Monitor compliance with health and safety legislation.
- Conduct workplace inspections.
- Investigate safety incidents where required.
- Recommend corrective actions.
- Ensure implementation of safety standards.
- Support compliance audits.
- Monitor contractor compliance where applicable.
- Assist departments in meeting legal requirements.
Communication
Responsibilities include:
- Provide safety awareness to employees.
- Communicate health and safety information.
- Promote safe work practices.
- Liaise with management regarding safety matters.
- Assist with employee safety meetings.
- Respond to workplace safety concerns.
- Encourage employee participation in safety initiatives.
Office and Departmental Systems Support
The successful candidate will:
- Maintain safety records.
- Update safety databases.
- Prepare correspondence.
- Support departmental administrative functions.
- File reports and documentation.
- Assist with compliance documentation.
- Maintain confidential records where necessary.
Physical Requirements
Applicants should note the physical requirements attached to the position.
The successful candidate must:
- Be physically fit.
- Be able-bodied.
- Be capable of carrying out workplace inspections.
- Be able to move around different municipal work sites.
- Perform duties that may require extended periods of standing or walking.
Special Conditions
The position includes the following special conditions:
- Work may be required under various weather conditions.
- The successful candidate may be required to visit different municipal facilities.
- Duties may involve both office-based and field-based work.
- Flexibility may be required depending on operational needs.
Skills and Competencies
The municipality is seeking candidates who possess the following competencies:
- Strong knowledge of occupational health and safety practices.
- Good communication skills.
- Report writing skills.
- Excellent planning and organisational skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Analytical thinking.
- Problem-solving abilities.
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Computer literacy.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Ability to prioritise multiple tasks.
- Professional conduct.
- Integrity and accountability.
- Commitment to workplace safety.
- Ability to interpret legislation and policies.
Why Apply for This Position?
Working as a Safety Officer at King Cetshwayo District Municipality offers an opportunity to build a long-term career within local government while contributing to employee wellbeing and organisational compliance.
Some of the benefits of this opportunity include:
- Permanent employment.
- Competitive government salary.
- Comprehensive employee benefits.
- Career growth opportunities.
- Exposure to municipal infrastructure and technical services.
- Stable working environment.
- Opportunity to gain valuable local government experience.
- Meaningful contribution to workplace safety and compliance.
Employment Equity
In accordance with the municipality’s Recruitment Policy, this position is open to candidates from designated groups.
Preference will be given to candidates in line with the Municipality’s Employment Equity Plan.
The municipality will also consider the objectives of the Employment Equity Act (Act 55 of 1998) during the recruitment process.
Application Instructions
Applications must clearly indicate the post title being applied for.
Applications should include:
- Completed municipal application form obtained from the municipality’s website.
- Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) written in English.
- Certified copies of qualifications.
- Certified copies of supporting documents.
- Signed proof of residence from the respective Ward Councillor.
Applications should be addressed to:
The Municipal Manager
King Cetshwayo District Municipality
Private Bag X1025
Richards Bay
3900
Alternatively, applications may be hand delivered to:
Corporate Services Department
Reception (Ground Floor)
Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi House
Corner Kruger Rand and Barbados Bay Road
Richards Bay CBD
Important Information
Applicants should take note of the following:
- Faxed applications will not be accepted.
- Emailed applications will not be accepted.
- Late applications will not be considered.
- Candidates should clearly indicate the position they are applying for.
- Canvassing councillors or municipal officials may result in disqualification.
- The municipality reserves the right to appoint or not appoint.
- No travel or accommodation costs incurred during the recruitment process will be reimbursed.
- Applicants who do not receive feedback within 30 days after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Closing Date
Closing Date: 17 July 2026 at 16:00
Applications received after the closing date and time will not be accepted. Candidates are encouraged to submit complete applications well before the deadline to avoid disappointment.