Want a stable government job right after Grade 12? The Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) is hiring five Laboratory Assistants, and the closing date is fast approaching.
What the opportunity is
LDARD needs five permanent Laboratory Assistants for its provincial labs. You will support agricultural research, food safety, animal production and scientific testing. These are full‑time, permanent positions with a salary of R201 093 per year (Salary Level 04).
Who can apply (requirements)
The official advert lists the following minima:
- Grade 12 qualification.
- Science and Mathematics are recommended (not compulsory).
- Or an equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification recognised by SAQA.
- Good reading, writing and communication skills.
- Basic computer literacy, time‑management and teamwork.
What you will gain
Working in a government lab gives you:
- Permanent employment with regular pay and benefits.
- Hands‑on experience in sample preparation, chemical testing, equipment maintenance and record keeping.
- Training that can help you later move into agriculture, environmental science, veterinary services or further study.
- A solid entry on your CV that shows you can work accurately and follow instructions.
Where the jobs are located
- Mokopane Laboratory
- Makhado Laboratory
- Lephalale Laboratory
- Tompi Seleka College
- Thulamela
How to apply – step by step
Online application (recommended)
- Visit the official Limpopo e‑Recruitment portal: https://erecruitment.limpalo.gov.za.
- Create an account or log in.
- Search for the reference numbers below and select the Laboratory Assistant posts.
- Complete the new Z83 Application for Employment form. Fill every field and sign the form electronically.
- Upload clear, legible copies of your Grade 12 certificate (or NQF 4 qualification), ID document and any other supporting papers.
- Submit before 7 August 2026.
Manual (paper) application
- Download and complete the new Z83 form (old Z83 is not accepted).
- Sign the form and attach photocopies of your qualifications and ID.
- Mail or hand‑deliver the package to the address that matches your preferred work centre:
- Head Office – Head of Department, LDARD, Private Bag X9487, Polokwane, 0700 (hand‑delivery: Office 48, Temo Towers, 2nd Floor, 67/69 Biccard St, Polokwane, 0699)
- Waterberg District – Director, Waterberg District, Private Bag X1048, Modimolle, 0510 (hand‑delivery: Corner Thabo Mbeki & Limpopo St, Old NTK Bldgs, Modimolle, 0510)
- Capricorn District – Director, Capricorn District, Private Bag X28, Chuenespoort, 0745 (hand‑delivery: Block 28, next to Traffic Government Offices, Lebowakgomo)
- Sekhukhune District – Director, Sekhukhune District, Private Bag X01, Chuenespoort, 0745 (hand‑delivery: Block 27, next to Traffic Government Offices, Lebowakgomo)
- Mopani District – Director, Mopani District, Private Bag X577, Giyani, 0826 (hand‑delivery: Old Parliamentary Building, Giyani, 0826)
- Vhembe District – Director, Vhembe District, Private Bag X2247, Sibasa, 0970 (hand‑delivery: Makwarela Government Offices)
Send your application well before the deadline.
Tips to improve your chances
- Use the new Z83 form and fill every section – missing information leads to automatic rejection.
- Clearly list Mathematics and Science (if you studied them) on your CV.
- Mention any school lab work, science projects, agricultural subjects or short courses you have completed.
- Proofread all documents; spelling or formatting errors can cost you points.
- Keep copies of everything you submit, and note the reference number you applied for (LDARD 84/7/2026 … LDARD 88/6/2025).
- Apply early; the portal can become slow close to the deadline.
Quick reference
- Position: Laboratory Assistant (5 posts)
- Department: Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
- Salary: R201 093 per annum (Level 04)
- Closing date: 7 August 2026
- Reference numbers: LDARD 84/7/2026, LDARD 85/7/2026, LDARD 86/7/2026, LDARD 87/7/2026, LDARD 88/6/2025
Frequently asked questions
- Is this a permanent job? Yes. All five positions are permanent appointments.
- Do I need previous lab experience? No. The advert does not require it.
- Is Grade 12 enough? Yes, provided you have the grade and, preferably, Science and Mathematics.
- Can I apply without Science subjects? Science and Maths are recommended but not mandatory. Check the full advert to see if you meet the other criteria.
- Where will I work? In one of the five locations listed above.
- What is the salary? R201 093 per year (Salary Level 04).
- Can I apply online? Yes, via the Limpopo e‑Recruitment website.
- Which Z83 form should I use? The new Z83 Application for Employment form only.
- What will my daily tasks include? Preparing samples, assisting with routine analyses (e.g., pH, electrical conductivity, chemical residues), cleaning and sterilising equipment, basic equipment maintenance and keeping accurate records.
Next steps
Gather your certificates, fill the Z83 form, and submit your application before 7 August 2026. This role can give you a solid start in laboratory work and open doors to future studies or specialist positions. Good luck!
