Dis-Chem – Dispensary Support

Dis-Chem Pharmacies has Dispensary Support opportunities at Savannah Mall and Platinum Park in Polokwane, Limpopo, and at Optenhorst in Paarl, Western Cape. These fixed-term positions are intended for learners who can complete the learner basic pharmacist assistant course while gaining supervised experience in a dispensary.

Choose your store carefully: The two Polokwane applications close on 23 October 2026. The Paarl application closes on 4 November 2026. Each store has its own application page and Apply button below.

At a glance

Available stores and closing dates

How the learner pathway works

Dis-Chem says the purpose of these positions is to employ people who can undertake and complete the learner basic pharmacist assistant course. The training covers the principles of a pharmacy and dispensing environment while learners gain experience on the job.

Successful candidates are initially employed on a fixed-term basis as Dispensary Support staff. The advert says this continues until they are registered with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) as learner basic assistants. It states that permanent employment is offered only once a learner qualifies as a basic pharmacist assistant. The listings do not specify the fixed-term contract length or course duration.

A proficiency assessment is part of establishing whether a candidate can register with the SAPC as a learner basic assistant. Applicants should follow the employer’s instructions about when and how that assessment takes place.

Minimum requirements

• Grade 12 / Matric or a Senior Certificate.
• Pure Mathematics at 50%, Life Science and/or Physical Science, and the average of at least 50% specified in the adverts.
• South African citizenship.
• The ability to complete the proficiency test connected with SAPC learner registration.
• Clear criminal and credit checks through the stated screening process.
• Ability to read, write and speak English and a second language.
• Computer and numerical skills.

Check your school results before applying: The adverts specify Pure Mathematics rather than Mathematical Literacy and refer to Life Science and/or Physical Science and a 50% average. Read the exact wording on your chosen store’s listing if your subject combination or marks are close to the threshold.

What learners may do

Once registered in the appropriate learner category, duties are performed under the direct personal supervision of a pharmacist and within the applicable pharmacy rules. The adverts describe work such as:

• Assist with approved preparation of medicines and the sale of permitted Schedule 1 products.
• Help unpack, organise and merchandise dispensary and over-the-counter stock.
• Pick, pack and label medication accurately for checking and sign-off by a pharmacist.
• Monitor stock organisation, expiry dates, shortages and stock errors.
• Support prescription tracking, patient calls and dispensary administration.
• Assist with health information and scheme authorisations as directed.
• Follow the pharmacy’s procedures and instructions from the pharmacist or Dispensary Manager.

Learners must not perform regulated pharmacy activities independently. The supervising pharmacist checks medication and remains responsible for the required professional oversight.

Useful skills and advantageous experience

• Careful listening, clear communication and customer service.
• Accuracy, honesty and attention to detail when handling medicines and stock.
• Time management, teamwork and the ability to work under pressure.
• Problem solving and professional conduct.
• Retail or FMCG experience, including Dis-Chem front shop experience.
• Familiarity with Unisolv, SAP or electronic scripting systems.
• Knowledge of medicines, family planning or complementary products.

The retail experience and named systems are described as advantageous, not essential minimum requirements.

Salary and employment status

Each advert describes the remuneration as a market-related salary but gives no amount. The positions are listed as contracts. Applicants can confirm the salary, contract duration, course arrangements and conditions attached to any later permanent appointment during the recruitment process.

Documents to prepare

• An updated CV with accurate contact information.
• Your Grade 12 / Senior Certificate and school results showing the relevant subjects and marks.
• Identity information requested by the application form.
• Details of any customer service, retail or pharmacy-related experience.

Check the actual application form for required uploads and accepted formats. Do not send identity documents, certificates or confidential information to someone claiming to be a recruiter outside the official platform.

Application checklist

• Choose the store or stores where you can realistically work.
• Check the deadline for each store separately.
• Confirm your Grade 12 subjects and 50% results against the official wording.
• Show computer, numerical, language and customer-service skills honestly.
• Use the matching Apply button below for each store.
• Review your details and keep proof of each completed application.

Need help with your CV? Visit our Learnership Resources and Guides.

About Dis-Chem Pharmacies

Dis-Chem is a South African pharmacy and health retail group with dispensaries and related health and wellness services. Learn more on the official Dis-Chem website.

Common application mistakes

• Assuming Mathematical Literacy meets a Pure Mathematics requirement.
• Overlooking the stated science subjects or mark thresholds.
• Assuming the three stores have the same closing date.
• Submitting to the wrong store’s application page.
• Treating the initial fixed-term position as an immediate permanent appointment.
• Leaving contact details or required application fields incomplete.

Scam warning

Apply through the Dis-Chem Pharmacy recruitment pages linked below. Check that the store name and city match the vacancy you intend to apply for.

• Do not pay for an application, proficiency test, training place or promised appointment.
• Do not share your password, banking PIN or one-time PIN.
• Do not trust a person who promises selection in return for money.
• Submit personal documents only through the official application process.

How this opportunity was verified

The three Dis-Chem Pharmacy recruitment listings confirm the stores, fixed-term status, learner basic pharmacist assistant pathway, school requirements, market-related salary and individual closing dates. The adverts do not state the salary amount or the length of the course and contracts.

Read more on our How We Verify Listings page.

How to apply

1. Open the application page for your chosen store using the button below.
2. Confirm its location and closing date.
3. Read the full advert and compare your school results with the stated requirements.
4. Complete your candidate details and upload documents requested by the platform.
5. Submit before that store’s deadline and save the confirmation.

Apply for Savannah Mall, Polokwane

Closing date: 23 October 2026.

Apply for Platinum Park, Polokwane

Closing date: 23 October 2026.

Apply for Optenhorst, Paarl

Closing date: 4 November 2026.

Application note: Dis-Chem says only successful applicants will be contacted. If you have not received a response within two weeks after the relevant closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.