JJ Erlank Shopping Enterprises (Pty) Ltd trading as Pick n Pay Pongola invites interested and suitably qualified candidates to apply for multiple employment opportunities within its retail operations. Applications are currently open for the positions of Cleaner, Receiving Clerk, General Clerk – Customer Care – Butchery, and Assistant Cook. These opportunities are suitable for individuals seeking to gain valuable retail experience while contributing to a customer-focused and service-driven environment.
These vacancies provide an opportunity for energetic, dedicated, and hardworking individuals to gain valuable experience within one of South Africa’s most recognized retail environments. Candidates who are willing to learn, develop professionally, and contribute positively to daily store operations are encouraged to apply.
The available positions cater to a variety of skills and interests, ranging from store cleanliness and customer service to stock receiving and food preparation support. Successful candidates will become part of a workplace that values teamwork, commitment, responsibility, and continuous development.
Available Positions
The following positions are currently available:
- Cleaner
- Receiving Clerk
- General Clerk – Customer Care – Butchery
- Assistant Cook
Applicants may apply for the position that best matches their skills, qualifications, and experience.
Employer Information
Industry: Retail
Location: Pongola, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Application Closing Date: 21 June 2026
Minimum Requirements
Candidates interested in any of the advertised positions must satisfy the following minimum requirements:
- Grade 12 (Matric) Certificate
- Age between 18 and 35 years
- Ability to communicate effectively in English
- Understanding of basic mathematical calculations
Additional requirements apply to the Receiving Clerk position:
- Minimum of 2 years relevant experience
Applicants who meet the requirements are encouraged to submit applications before the closing date.
Cleaner Position
The Cleaner position is responsible for maintaining high standards of hygiene and cleanliness throughout the store. A clean shopping environment contributes significantly to customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
- Sweeping and mopping floors
- Cleaning store fixtures and surfaces
- Emptying refuse bins
- Maintaining staff facilities
- Cleaning customer areas
- Following workplace hygiene standards
- Reporting maintenance concerns when necessary
- Supporting general housekeeping activities
Suitable Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate should possess strong attention to detail, reliability, good physical fitness, and a commitment to maintaining cleanliness standards.
Receiving Clerk Position
The Receiving Clerk plays an important role in managing incoming stock and ensuring inventory accuracy. This position requires organizational skills and attention to detail.
Key Responsibilities
- Receiving deliveries from suppliers
- Verifying stock quantities
- Inspecting goods for damages
- Recording stock information accurately
- Assisting with inventory control processes
- Organizing receiving areas
- Following company receiving procedures
- Communicating with suppliers and internal departments
Suitable Candidate Profile
Candidates should demonstrate strong administrative abilities, organizational skills, accuracy, and previous experience in stock receiving or inventory-related duties.
General Clerk – Customer Care – Butchery Position
The General Clerk – Customer Care – Butchery role combines customer service responsibilities with support duties within the butchery department.
Key Responsibilities
- Assisting customers professionally
- Providing information regarding products
- Supporting daily butchery operations
- Maintaining clean work areas
- Monitoring product displays
- Assisting with stock rotation
- Following food safety procedures
- Supporting departmental efficiency
Suitable Candidate Profile
Applicants should possess strong communication skills, a customer-focused attitude, willingness to learn, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced retail environment.
Assistant Cook Position
The Assistant Cook supports food preparation activities and assists in maintaining food quality standards within the store’s food department.
Key Responsibilities
- Assisting with food preparation
- Maintaining kitchen cleanliness
- Following food safety regulations
- Preparing ingredients for cooking
- Supporting food production activities
- Ensuring proper storage of ingredients
- Maintaining hygiene standards
- Assisting senior kitchen personnel when required
Suitable Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate should have an interest in food preparation, strong attention to hygiene standards, willingness to learn, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure.
Career Growth Opportunities
Entry-level retail positions often provide a strong foundation for long-term career development. Individuals who consistently demonstrate dedication, reliability, and a willingness to learn may discover opportunities to advance into higher-level positions over time.
The advertised positions may initially involve basic operational duties. However, commitment and strong performance can create pathways for professional growth within the retail sector.
Candidates who are prepared to start at entry level and develop their skills through practical experience may benefit significantly from the opportunities available.
Skills and Attributes Sought
Successful applicants are expected to demonstrate several important workplace qualities, including:
Positive Attitude
A positive outlook contributes to workplace productivity and supports strong relationships with colleagues and customers.
Communication Skills
Effective communication assists with teamwork, customer service, and the successful completion of daily responsibilities.
Teamwork
Retail operations depend on employees working together toward common goals and maintaining excellent service standards.
Flexibility
The ability to adapt to changing priorities and workplace requirements is highly valued.
Commitment to Learning
Individuals who are eager to develop new skills and expand their knowledge often perform well in retail environments.
Reliability
Dependability, punctuality, and consistent attendance are essential qualities for all advertised positions.
Employment Equity
Pick n Pay Pongola supports employment equity and fair recruitment practices. Preference may be given to candidates from underrepresented groups in line with employment equity objectives and applicable legislation.
The recruitment process aims to promote equal opportunities while ensuring that appointments are based on suitability and the requirements of the position.
Application Instructions
Interested applicants must submit the following documentation:
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copy of South African Identity Document
- Certified copy of Grade 12 Certificate
- Certified copies of additional qualifications where applicable
Applications may be submitted electronically or delivered directly to the store.
Email Applications
Hand Delivery
- Applications may be delivered to the Pick n Pay Pongola reception.
Selection Process
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted regarding the outcome of their applications. If no response is received within two weeks after the closing date, the application should be considered unsuccessful.
Candidates are advised to ensure that all required documentation is included and that contact information is accurate and current.
Why Consider These Opportunities?
The retail industry continues to provide valuable employment opportunities for individuals seeking practical work experience and long-term career development. The advertised positions offer exposure to daily retail operations while allowing employees to develop transferable workplace skills.
Whether working in cleaning services, stock receiving, customer care, butchery support, or food preparation, successful applicants will gain experience that can support future career advancement within the retail sector.
Closing Date for Applications: 21 June 2026
Applications submitted after the closing date may not be considered.
Candidates who meet the requirements and are interested in joining Pick n Pay Pongola are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.