The South African Police Service (SAPS) is inviting applications from suitably qualified candidates for the position of Food Service Aid (Ref Nr: FMS 21/2026) within the Financial Management Services (FMS), Office of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This permanent government opportunity is based in Pretoria and offers an annual salary of R144,024 (Salary Level 2).
This entry-level government position for Food Service Aid Vacancy 2026 is ideal for individuals who have basic food preparation skills, enjoy maintaining clean kitchen environments, and are committed to providing quality catering support within a professional workplace. Whether you are starting your career or have experience in hospitality, catering, or food services, this vacancy provides an excellent opportunity to secure stable employment in the public sector.
Working as a Food Service Aid involves preparing refreshments, maintaining kitchen hygiene, managing stock levels, and ensuring that food safety and occupational health standards are consistently followed.
Position Details
Job Title: Food Service Aid
Reference Number: FMS 21/2026
Division: Financial Management Services (FMS)
Office: Office of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Number of Posts: 1
Salary: R144,024 per annum
Salary Level: 2
Centre: Pretoria
The successful candidate will become part of the support services team responsible for ensuring that catering facilities operate efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness, food safety, and customer service.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Be a South African citizen and provide documentary proof during the interview.
- Be proficient in English and at least one other official South African language.
- Possess a Grade 10, Standard 8, or NCV Level 2 qualification (NQF Level 2) recognised by SAQA.
- Be able to produce documentary proof of qualifications when requested.
- Demonstrate competency in the core functions of the position.
- Be willing to work extended hours whenever operational requirements demand.
Although previous hospitality experience is not compulsory, candidates with experience in kitchens, catering services, restaurants, cafeterias, hospitals, schools, or office hospitality environments may have an advantage.
Knowledge, Skills and Competencies
The successful applicant should possess practical knowledge and skills in food preparation and kitchen management.
Required competencies include:
- Basic cooking skills
- Preparing snacks and refreshments
- Modifying meals for standard diets
- Serving food and beverages
- Knowledge of food safety procedures
- Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) compliance
- Sanitising work surfaces
- Safe handling of hazardous waste
- Proper storage of food ingredients
- Ability to operate basic kitchen machines and equipment
- Good communication skills
- Time management
- Teamwork
- Reliability
- Attention to detail
- Ability to maintain high hygiene standards
These competencies ensure that catering services are delivered efficiently while maintaining food quality and workplace safety.
Key Responsibilities
The Food Service Aid performs several important duties that contribute to the smooth operation of the Office of the Chief Financial Officer.
1. Preparing Refreshments
One of the main responsibilities is preparing refreshments for officials, meetings, and visitors.
Typical refreshments include:
- Tea
- Coffee
- Drinking water
- Juice
- Milk
- Light snacks
Refreshments should always be prepared professionally while maintaining hygiene and quality standards.
2. Serving Food and Beverages
The successful candidate will provide food service support during meetings and official events.
Responsibilities include:
- Serving refreshments
- Delivering beverages
- Presenting snacks
- Assisting during meetings
- Clearing serving trays
- Maintaining excellent customer service
Professional service contributes to creating a welcoming environment for staff and visitors.
3. Maintaining Kitchen Hygiene
A clean kitchen is essential for food safety and efficient service delivery.
The successful applicant will:
- Clean preparation surfaces
- Wash dishes
- Clean kitchen appliances
- Sanitize utensils
- Mop kitchen floors
- Clean cupboards and storage areas
- Maintain general kitchen cleanliness
Maintaining hygiene reduces the risk of food contamination and promotes workplace health.
4. Organising the Kitchen
Kitchen organisation ensures that catering operations run efficiently.
Responsibilities include:
- Arranging utensils
- Organising crockery
- Storing food items correctly
- Keeping workstations neat
- Managing storage areas
- Maintaining orderly shelves
A well-organised kitchen improves productivity and service quality.
5. Stock Management
The Food Service Aid will monitor kitchen stock and ensure supplies remain available.
Typical duties include:
- Monitoring stock levels
- Counting inventory
- Recording shortages
- Requesting replenishment
- Rotating food stock
- Preventing wastage
Good stock management supports uninterrupted catering services and cost-effective resource use.
6. Food Safety Compliance
Food safety remains one of the highest priorities of this role.
The successful candidate must:
- Follow food safety regulations
- Store ingredients correctly
- Monitor food quality
- Maintain proper temperatures
- Prevent contamination
- Observe expiry dates
Safe food handling protects employees and visitors while complying with government health standards.
7. Occupational Health and Safety
The successful applicant will comply with Occupational Health and Safety requirements at all times.
Responsibilities include:
- Wearing protective clothing
- Handling cleaning chemicals safely
- Reporting workplace hazards
- Preventing accidents
- Following standard operating procedures
- Maintaining a safe working environment
A strong commitment to workplace safety helps reduce risks and maintain compliance.
8. Sanitising Equipment
Kitchen equipment must be cleaned after use.
The successful candidate will:
- Wash utensils
- Clean serving trays
- Sanitize kitchen appliances
- Clean food preparation equipment
- Ensure equipment remains ready for use
Regular sanitisation helps maintain high hygiene standards.
9. Handling Waste Disposal
Proper waste management contributes to a clean and safe workplace.
Responsibilities include:
- Removing kitchen waste
- Disposing of rubbish correctly
- Cleaning refuse bins
- Following waste disposal procedures
- Separating hazardous waste where required
Good waste management supports environmental health and workplace cleanliness.
10. Operating Kitchen Equipment
The Food Service Aid may operate basic kitchen equipment.
This may include:
- Kettles
- Microwaves
- Toasters
- Food warmers
- Refrigerators
- Beverage preparation equipment
Applicants should be comfortable using basic kitchen appliances safely and responsibly.
Important Links:
- Security Guard Supervisor Vacancy 2026
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- Senior Driver Operator (Ref No: 3/3/1/45/2026)
- Logistics Manager at Bidvest International Logistics Edenvale
Working Environment
The successful candidate will work in a professional office kitchen within SAPS Head Office.
The role involves:
- Food preparation
- Hospitality support
- Kitchen cleaning
- Stock management
- Teamwork
- Customer service
- Routine physical activity
Candidates should be comfortable standing for extended periods and performing repetitive cleaning and food preparation duties.
Why Join SAPS?
Working for the South African Police Service provides more than just employment—it offers an opportunity to contribute to an important public institution.
Benefits include:
- Permanent government employment
- Stable income
- Career development opportunities
- Structured working environment
- Skills development
- Public service experience
- Professional growth
- Opportunities for promotion
Government employment also provides long-term career prospects within various administrative and support functions.
Ideal Candidate
This opportunity is suitable for individuals who:
- Enjoy preparing refreshments.
- Have basic cooking skills.
- Are passionate about cleanliness.
- Pay attention to detail.
- Work well under supervision.
- Enjoy serving people.
- Can work as part of a team.
- Are dependable and punctual.
- Can manage time effectively.
- Take pride in maintaining hygienic workspaces.
Applicants with positive attitudes and a willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.
Salary Information
The successful candidate will receive:
Salary: R144,024 per annum
Salary Level: 2
This permanent appointment provides financial stability together with opportunities for future advancement within the public service.
Tips for Applicants
To improve your chances of success:
- Ensure all qualifications are attached.
- Demonstrate any food service experience.
- Highlight knowledge of food safety.
- Mention experience in kitchen cleaning.
- Showcase customer service abilities.
- Emphasize organisational skills.
- Ensure all application documents are accurate and complete.
Professional applications often stand out during the shortlisting process.
Enquiries
For further information regarding this vacancy, applicants may contact:
Colonel LF Seletela
Lieutenant Colonel H De Lange
Lieutenant Colonel Q Nkoma
Telephone:
- (012) 393 1224
- (012) 393 4425
- (012) 393 4122
Applicants are encouraged to contact the department should they require additional information about the vacancy or application process.
Final Thoughts
The Food Service Aid (Ref Nr: FMS 21/2026) vacancy presents an excellent opportunity for hardworking and enthusiastic individuals seeking stable government employment in Pretoria. Working within the Financial Management Services Division of the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, the successful candidate will play an important role in delivering quality hospitality services while maintaining high standards of food safety, cleanliness, and professionalism.
With a competitive annual salary of R144,024, structured government employment conditions, and opportunities for future career growth, this position is ideal for candidates who enjoy food preparation, customer service, and maintaining hygienic kitchen environments. If you meet the minimum requirements and are committed to providing excellent support services, apply for this rewarding SAPS Food Service Aid vacancy and begin building a successful career in the public sector.