Transport Drivers
Company: University Of Cape Town
Location: Cape Town
Closing date: 17 August 2025
About the University of Cape Town (UCT)
The University of Cape Town (UCT) is South Africa’s oldest higher education institution and consistently ranked among the leading universities on the continent and globally. The university is committed to excellence in research, teaching, learning, and service to society. As part of this commitment, UCT provides robust and reliable transport services for students, staff, and guests through its Properties and Services Department (P&S).
The P&S Department plays a crucial operational role in ensuring that UCT’s physical environment, infrastructure, logistics, and mobility systems run efficiently. Within this department, the Transport Services Unit is tasked with managing all university-owned vehicles and ensuring the effective transportation of the UCT community. This includes shuttles between campuses, residences, satellite sites, and key transport hubs.
We are currently inviting applications for the position of Transport Driver, to join our dedicated transport team in Cape Town. The successful candidate will play a vital role in daily transport operations and will contribute significantly to the university’s logistical success.
Role Purpose
This position requires an experienced, professional, and customer-service-oriented driver to transport UCT students, staff, and visitors between campuses, residences, and shuttle stops. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring safe, timely, and courteous shuttle services using university-owned vehicles.
The ideal candidate must demonstrate a high level of responsibility, respect for safety regulations, flexibility to work rotating shifts, and an unwavering commitment to excellent service delivery. You will be a key point of contact for passengers and serve as a representative of UCT on the road. Your professionalism, attention to detail, and ability to manage transport-related issues efficiently will directly contribute to the success of the university’s transport system.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be expected to perform the following core duties:
1. Transportation of Students and Staff
-Safely operate shuttle vehicles across designated routes on a daily basis, ensuring all passengers are transported in a professional and timely manner.
-Transport students and staff between various UCT campuses, satellite buildings, and student residences as scheduled through the university’s waybill system.
-Provide occasional transport services for visitors, VIPs, or university guests as required.
2. Vehicle Operation and Maintenance
-Conduct daily vehicle inspections prior to departure (including oil levels, tire pressure, fuel, lights, brakes, and other essentials).
-Keep assigned vehicles clean, tidy, and in good working condition at all times.
-Report any faults, damages, or maintenance issues immediately to the fleet supervisor or mechanical team.
-Ensure fuel logs and mileage records are accurately maintained.
3. Safety and Compliance
-Adhere strictly to all road safety regulations as stipulated by the National Road Traffic Act.
-Apply defensive and proactive driving techniques to avoid risks and promote road safety.
-Ensure seat belts are used and that passengers adhere to shuttle safety rules.
-Respond appropriately to emergency situations including accidents, breakdowns, or medical incidents and report them in line with UCT protocols.
4. Customer Service
-Greet and interact with passengers in a respectful, friendly, and professional manner.
-Provide basic information about shuttle times, pick-up/drop-off points, and general assistance when needed.
-Handle complaints or issues on the spot with tact and escalate concerns appropriately.
5. Shift and Schedule Adherence
-Work flexible hours in accordance with transport scheduling, which may include early mornings, nights, weekends, and public holidays.
-Be punctual for scheduled shifts and maintain reliability throughout all operations.
-Ensure route efficiency by understanding Cape Town’s geography and UCT campuses layout.
6. Operational Support
-Assist during campus events and high-traffic days by managing increased passenger loads and temporary route adjustments.
-Collaborate with the transport operations team to improve service quality and efficiency.
-Participate in driver training sessions, briefings, and health and safety awareness programs.
Minimum Requirements
To be eligible for this position, applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:
-Matric Certificate (Grade 12) or a recognized NQF Level 4 qualification.
-A minimum of 5 years’ driving experience in the Passenger Transport Industry, with a proven track record of responsible and professional service.
-A valid, unendorsed South African Driver’s License – Code C or EC.
-A valid Professional Driver’s Permit (PrDP).
-Clear understanding of road regulations and vehicle safety standards.
-Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds.
-Effective communication skills in English, both written and verbal.
-Ability to remain calm under pressure and to manage conflict or unexpected changes effectively.
-A proactive attitude toward safety, professionalism, and punctuality.
-Must be willing to work rotational shifts, including night and weekend schedules.
Desirable Attributes and Skills (Advantageous)
Although not essential, preference will be given to candidates who possess the following:
-A certificate in Advanced Driving Techniques, particularly within a public transport or shuttle service environment.
-Knowledge of Cape Town’s traffic and road network, especially areas around UCT’s Rondebosch, Hiddingh, and Medical ampuses.
-Previous experience working in an institutional setting, such as a school, hospital, or tertiary institution.
Working Environment and Conditions
The position involves both indoor and outdoor duties, and drivers will be expected to operate in various weather conditions. This is a high-responsibility role that often requires extended hours during student orientation periods, examinations, or special events.
You will interact daily with students and university staff. As such, maintaining a positive, respectful attitude and presenting UCT professionally on the road is essential. The university places a strong emphasis on transformation, safety, and service delivery, and expects all staff to uphold these values.
Remuneration and Benefits
The total annual cost of employment, including benefits, is between R244,979 – R288,206, depending on qualifications and experience.
UCT offers an inclusive and supportive work environment with access to:
-Medical aid benefits
-Retirement planning options
-Paid annual leave
-Opportunities for upskilling and training
-Access to campus facilities and employee wellness services
How to Apply
APPLY HERE
Interested candidates should submit their applications online through the official UCT recruitment portal. Emailed CVs will not be accepted. Please ensure your application is complete and includes all required documentation:
Required Documents
-A detailed motivational letter that clearly addresses how you meet the requirements of the position.
-A two-page CV outlining relevant work experience, education, and skills.
-Certified copy of your Grade 12 / NQF Level 4 certificate.
-Copy of your Code C or EC driver’s license (must be unendorsed).
-Valid PrDP (Professional Driving Permit).
-Names and contact details of three referees: Please include full names, job titles, relationship to you, email addresses, and telephone numbers.
Incomplete applications or those missing any of the above will not be considered.
Recruitment Process and Timelines
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted and must be prepared to undergo the following assessments:
-A competency-based driving test to evaluate skills and safety awareness.
-A medical fitness examination to ensure ability to perform duties safely.
-Background checks including employment history, reference verification, and license authentication.
If you have not heard back within 30 days of the application deadline, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Contact Information
For queries related to this position, kindly contact:
Ms Alicia Leonard
Email: alicia.leonard@uct.ac.za
Employment Equity
UCT is committed to the principles of employment equity and transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from underrepresented groups, in line with the university’s employment equity goals.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and contribute to the continued success and diversity of UCT.