Switchboard Operator

🏛️ Overview:

The Department of Defence, through the South African Army Signal Formation, is seeking two capable and professional Switchboard Operators to join its communication and logistics teams in Pretoria. These posts, located at the MOD Signal Unit (Armscor, Erasmuskloof) and 1 Military Hospital (Thaba Tshwane), are crucial to ensuring seamless communication across military operations and departments.

Successful candidates will operate and maintain the switchboard systems for internal and external communication. This includes attending to calls, managing message flow, providing information to clients, and ensuring all communication records are accurately maintained. The position demands reliability, discipline, and exceptional attention to detail, as communication is an essential service within the defence sector.

This opportunity offers an excellent chance to build a rewarding public service career, working in a high-integrity environment that values excellence, professionalism, and service delivery aligned with the Batho Pele Principles—putting people first, promoting transparency, and ensuring efficiency in all government functions.

💼 Professional Summary (Example):

A detail-oriented and service-driven professional with strong communication and administrative skills, adept at managing switchboard operations and supporting efficient information flow in complex environments. Demonstrates proficiency in handling high call volumes, managing client inquiries with professionalism, and ensuring the accurate transfer of calls and messages. Equipped with basic computer literacy and office equipment handling, with a proven ability to maintain composure and organization in fast-paced public service environments.

Committed to excellence and the Batho Pele Principles, this professional emphasizes courtesy, transparency, and accountability in every interaction. They take pride in contributing to a culture of service delivery and teamwork, ensuring that all communication processes reflect the efficiency and integrity expected within South Africa’s defence and public administration sectors.

🎓 Minimum Requirements:

• Education: Matric / Grade 12 (NQF Level 4) or equivalent qualification.

• Experience: Prior experience in switchboard or call-handling environments is advantageous.

• Skills Needed:

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

  • Basic computer literacy (MS Office).

  • Ability to operate office equipment effectively.

  • Professional interpersonal skills and telephone etiquette.

  • Strong sense of organization and reliability.

⚙️ Key Competencies and Skills:

• Telephone operation and communication management.

• Customer service excellence and interpersonal relations.

• Accuracy in record-keeping and reporting.

• Ability to handle confidential information responsibly.

• Time management and organizational discipline.

• Understanding of Batho Pele Principles—service, courtesy, transparency, and access.

📋 Responsibilities:

• Operate and manage the telephone exchange in the base area.

• Attend to incoming and outgoing calls and connect them to relevant personnel or departments.

• Provide accurate information and assistance to clients and staff members.

• Maintain detailed records of outgoing and international calls.

• Print and issue telephone accounts and maintain the telephone directory.

• Allocate and manage PIN codes for authorized communications.

• Identify and report faults or technical issues with telephone systems.

• Take messages and ensure they are promptly delivered to the correct recipients.

• Plan leave schedules and assist with staff training for new switchboard operators.

• Maintain confidentiality and represent the Department of Defence with professionalism and integrity.

📢 Important Notes:

• Salary: R193 359 – R227 766 per annum (Level 04)

• Reference Numbers:

  • Erasmuskloof: SIGFMN/01/41/25/15a

  • Thaba Tshwane: SIGFMN/01/41/25/15b

• Closing Date: 21 November 2025 at 16:00
  (Applications received after this date or faxed copies will not be considered.)

Employment Equity:

The Department aims to promote equity in terms of race, gender, and disability through these appointments, in line with its Employment Equity Plan.

📨 How to Apply:

Submit your application using the official Z83 Application Form, available from and downloadable via:
👉 https://www.relentlesssa.co.za/z83_form/

Applications must include:

• A signed and dated Z83 form (effective 01 January 2021 version only)

• A detailed CV listing training, qualifications, skills, and experience

📬 Deliver or post to:
Department of Defence
SA Army Signal Formation – MOD Signal Unit
Private Bag X161, Pretoria, 0001

📍 Hand Deliver:
630 Armscor Building, Corner Nossob and Boeing Street, Erasmuskloof, Pretoria

📧 Email: [email protected]

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be required to provide certified copies of documents (not older than 6 months). Late, incomplete, or incorrectly formatted applications will be disqualified.

🧩 ATS-Friendly CV Tips (Government Application):

✅ 1. Font & Format:

• Use simple, professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Verdana (Size 11–12).

• Avoid tables, graphics, and unnecessary borders.

• Save as PDF or .docx format for ATS readability.

✅ 2. CV Structure:

1. Header: Full name, ID number, contact details, address.

2. Professional Summary: Two paragraphs highlighting customer service, communication, and public service ethics.

3. Education: Start with your highest qualification (Matric/Grade 12).

4. Work Experience: Chronological order, emphasizing switchboard, admin, or customer service duties.

5. Skills: List relevant ones such as “Telephone Operation, Communication, Record Keeping, Batho Pele Compliance.”

6. References: Include at least two credible references (preferably government or customer-facing roles).

✅ 3. Integrating Batho Pele Principles:
Demonstrate alignment with public service values in your CV:

• Consultation: “Regularly engaged with staff to ensure smooth call flow and improved communication efficiency.”

• Courtesy: “Handled all calls with professionalism and respect.”

• Access & Transparency: “Ensured the public received accurate information promptly.”

• Service Standards: “Maintained high responsiveness and accountability in all call handling.”

✅ 4. Keywords for ATS:
Use key terms like “Switchboard Operator,” “Call Handling,” “Customer Service,” “Public Sector,” “Communication Skills,” and “Batho Pele Principles.”