Dispensary Support (Fixed Term) – Dis-Chem Savannah Mall (Polokwane)

Location: Savannah Mall, Polokwane, Limpopo

Company: Dis-Chem Pharmacies Limited

Job Type: Fixed Term Contract (Leading to Permanent upon SAPC Qualification)

Posted: 05 October 2026

Closing Date: 23 October 2026

Introduction

Are you an ambitious Grade 12 graduate looking to kickstart a rewarding career in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry? Dis-Chem Pharmacies Savannah Mall in Polokwane has an exciting opportunity available for a Dispensary Support candidate to join their dispensary team on a fixed-term contract. This role is structured for learners capable of completing the Learner Basic Pharmacist Assistant course, combining structured workplace learning with practical dispensary training. Under the supervision of experienced pharmacists, you will learn medicine preparation, stock control, script processing, and patient care. Upon passing the required proficiency test and registering with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC), you will unlock a direct path to permanent employment as a qualified Basic Pharmacist Assistant!

About the Company

Dis-Chem Pharmacies Limited is one of South Africa’s leading retail pharmacy and healthcare groups, trusted by millions of customers across the country. Built on a commitment to providing accessible healthcare, expert advice, and high-quality wellness products, Dis-Chem operates full-service dispensaries integrated with extensive front-shop retail environments.

At Dis-Chem, store culture centers around professional excellence, empathetic patient care, continuous learning, and teamwork. The group invests heavily in employee development, offering recognized pharmaceutical training programs that allow entry-level learners to build lifelong careers. Joining the team at Savannah Mall in Polokwane provides a supportive environment where you can build hands-on clinical and operational expertise.

Company Summary

• Industry: Retail Pharmacy, FMCG & Healthcare Services
• Company Size: Large Enterprise (National Footprint)
• Work Culture: Professional, Patient-Centric, Learning-Driven, Quality-Focused
• Location: Savannah Mall, Polokwane, Limpopo, South Africa

Available Opportunities

Dis-Chem Savannah Mall is recruiting a Dispensary Support candidate on a fixed-term contract within their Dispensary Category. Candidates will perform healthcare support duties under the direct personal supervision of a Responsible Pharmacist while completing the Learner Basic Pharmacist Assistant course requirements.

Core Responsibilities:

• Dispensary & Script Processing: Assisting pharmacists with picking, packing, labeling, and checking medication, ensuring all dispensed prescriptions are checked and signed off by a pharmacist.
• Scheduled Medicine Sales: Handling the sale of Schedule 1 medicines and scheduled substances under direct pharmacist supervision.
• Compounding & Preparation: Assisting with the compounding, manipulation, or preparation of non-sterile medicines according to approved formulas and SOPs.
• Stock Control & Shelf Maintenance: Unpacking dispensary stock according to company SOPs, managing shelf organization, monitoring Schedule 1 to Schedule 5 expiry dates, and reporting low or out-of-stock items.
• Patient & Medical Scheme Services: Following up on script tracking reports, assisting with chronic, HIV/AIDS, and oncology medical scheme authorizations, handling call center/phone queries, and providing health-promotion information to patients.

Key Objectives

Your success as Dispensary Support at Dis-Chem Savannah Mall will be evaluated by your academic progress, accuracy, adherence to SAPC legal standards, and customer care. Within your first 90 days, you will be expected to:

1. Pass the SAPC Proficiency Test: Successfully complete and pass the proficiency assessment required for registration as a Learner Basic Pharmacist Assistant with the SAPC.
2. Master Dispensary SOPs: Learn and consistently apply Dis-Chem’s standard operating procedures for picking, labeling, receiving stock, and expiry management.
3. Achieve 100% Script Accuracy: Accurately pick and pack prescriptions so that all items pass final verification by the responsible pharmacist without error.
4. Deliver Professional Patient Service: Handle patient inquiries, phone calls, and script tracking with empathy, promptness, and professional conduct.

What You Will Learn

This fixed-term role offers an intensive, real-world learning environment within a busy retail pharmacy. Throughout the program, you will gain practical knowledge and skills in:

• SAPC Legal & Regulatory Compliance: Understanding South African pharmacy law, legal scopes of practice, and professional healthcare ethics.
• Pharmacology & Dispensing Fundamentals: Learning script interpretation, accurate dosage calculation, drug interactions, and medicine preparation.
• Dispensary Software & Tech Systems: Practical exposure to industry software, including Unisolv, SAP, and E-Scripting platforms.
• Pharmaceutical Inventory Management: Best practices for receiving, storing, organizing, and auditing Schedule 1 through Schedule 5 medications safely.

What You Will Gain

Starting your pharmacy career with Dis-Chem Savannah Mall brings clear career progression and valuable benefits:

• Direct Path to Permanent Employment: Fixed-term contract with a guaranteed offer of permanent employment upon qualifying as a Basic Pharmacist Assistant and registering with the SAPC.
• Sponsored Qualification Pathway: Workplace training and study framework that leads to an accredited SAPC qualification.
• Market-Related Compensation: Competitive monthly salary during your contract learning period.
• Long-Term Healthcare Career: Pathways to advance into Post-Basic Pharmacist Assistant roles, specialized dispensary coordination, or store management within the Dis-Chem network.

Experience & Qualifications

Essential Minimum Requirements:

• Grade 12 / Matric or Senior Certificate.
• Minimum of 50% for Pure Mathematics (Essential).
• Life Sciences and/or Physical Sciences with a overall minimum average of 50% (Essential).
• Successful completion of the Dis-Chem proficiency assessment.
• South African citizenship with clear credit and criminal records (MIE checks required).
• Fluent in English and a second language (written and spoken).
• Sound computer literacy, basic numerical skills, and strong problem-solving abilities.

Advantageous Criteria:

• Previous retail FMCG or Dis-Chem front-shop work experience with a good performance record.
• Knowledge of complementary medicine, family planning, or general drug categories.
• Familiarity with Unisolv, SAP, or E-Scripting systems.

Interview Questions to Prepare For

Candidates applying on applyretail.co.za should prepare to answer the following interview questions during the selection process:

1. “Why do you want to build a career as a Pharmacist Assistant with Dis-Chem at Savannah Mall?”
   • Tip: Highlight your passion for healthcare, interest in pharmaceutical sciences, and commitment to serving the Polokwane community.
2. “How do you maintain 100% accuracy and attention to detail when picking and labeling medication during peak pharmacy hours?”
   • Tip: Emphasize strict adherence to SOPs, methodical double-checking of patient names and dosages, and staying calm under pressure.
3. “How would you handle a situation where a patient is anxious or upset about a delay with their chronic medical scheme authorization?”
   • Tip: Focus on active listening, empathetic communication, reassuring the patient, and liaising directly with the dispensary manager to resolve the scheme query.
4. “How do you plan to balance your day-to-day workplace responsibilities with the coursework required for the Learner Basic course?”
   • Tip: Discuss strong time management, dedication, disciplined study habits, and enthusiasm for practical learning.

Career Advice for Applicants

To ensure your application stands out on applyretail.co.za:

• Highlight Academic Results Clearly: Ensure your Grade 12 results—specifically Pure Mathematics, Life Sciences, and Physical Sciences marks—are prominently featured on your CV.
• Prepare for Proficiency Assessment: Practice basic math, comprehension, and problem-solving exercises to prepare for Dis-Chem’s entry assessment.
• Confirm Location & Commute: Verify that traveling to Savannah Mall in Polokwane for standard retail dispensary hours is manageable for you.
• Apply Before 23 October 2026: Upload your updated CV, certified Matric certificate, ID copy, and references before the closing date.

How to Apply & Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply:

1. Click the “Apply Now” button below on applyretail.co.za.
2. Upload your CV, Matric certificate/results, ID document, and contactable references.
3. Complete the online application form for the Dis-Chem Savannah Mall branch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

• Is this a permanent position? This starts as a Fixed-Term contract as Dispensary Support while completing training. Permanent employment is offered once you qualify as a Basic Pharmacist Assistant and register with the SAPC.
• What are the academic prerequisites? Grade 12 with Pure Mathematics (50% or higher) and Life Sciences/Physical Sciences with a minimum 50% overall average.
• When do applications close? The closing date for applications is 23 October 2026.

Apply now