What it does: The Western Cape Government works in close coordination with the National Government of South Africa and the municipalities in Western Cape to ensure that the citizens of Cape Town have access to the services, facilities and the information that they need.
Staff stats: 126 in the headquarters office. Departments vary in their number of employees ranging from 3 – 30,000.
The good bits: Good work environment and great learning opportunities for fresh graduates. Reasonably good remuneration, including a bonus pay known as thirteenth pay at the end of the year.
The not so good bits: Low on staff, therefore, heavy workload. Being a government organisation, basic salaries are not lucrative. However, benefits and allied services combined make a good package. Challenging environment due to political influence. Do not expect a lot of mentorship from seniors.
According to the 1998 Constitution of the West Cape, the Western Cape Government members are elected by the citizens. A total of 42 members are elected by the people, for a period of five years. Members elect the Premier who heads the West Cape Government.
The current Premier is Aland Winde. He, along with ten ministers and the staff of the Western Cape Government office, supervises the thirteen government departments that come under the Western Cape Government: agriculture, economic development and tourism, community safety, cultural affairs, and sport, education, treasury, health, human settlements, local government, environmental affairs and development planning, social development, transport and public works, and the department of the premier.
Western Cape Government offices are culturally diverse, depending on the department. Expect to take part in training but note that mentorship by seniors is not commonplace.
At Western Cape Government, expect to work closely with government officials, ranging from law-makng bodies to financial authorities and on-ground implementation officials. Dealing with the public is routine and central to working with Western Cape Government.
Job advertisements posted by the Western Cape Government include the corresponding salary for the role. Employees can expect any of the following: thirteenth-month bonus, medical assistance, pension fund contributions, housing allowance, and Cost to Employer (CTE) packages. If a successful candidate is hired on a contract, they will receive a basic salary plus 37% in lieu of benefits.
The Western Cape Government searches for individuals who are passionate about serving others and improving the quality of life in Western Cape. Experience is a bonus, however, successful candidates receive on the job training.