Looking for work after Grade 12? The retail sector is hiring fast this August, and many positions need no previous experience. Act now before the vacancies close.
What’s on offer
More than a dozen entry‑level jobs are open across South Africa. Companies such as TFG, Cotton On, Absolute Pets, Cashbuild, Faithful to Nature and others are looking for sales assistants, shop assistants, inventory controllers and similar roles.
Who can apply
- Education: Grade 12 (Matric) is the minimum. Some ads specifically allow applicants with no work history.
- Experience: Varies – many roles are entry‑level, while a few (e.g., inventory controller) need prior retail or stock experience.
- Locations: Gauteng, Western Cape, Limpopo and other provinces.
- Work hours: Part‑time or full‑time, often including weekends and public holidays.
What you will gain
- Customer‑service and communication skills.
- Practical sales and merchandising experience.
- Understanding of stock control and cash handling.
- Potential to move into supervisory or store‑manager positions.
- A verifiable piece of work experience for your CV.
How to apply (step‑by‑step)
- Visit the SETA SA job portal and search for the vacancy name.
- Read the full requirements and note the closing date (if provided).
- Prepare a tailored CV highlighting any informal or volunteer experience.
- Upload your CV and fill in the online application form.
- Submit the application before the deadline – do not wait for the last day.
Tips to improve your chances
- Target jobs that state “entry‑level” or accept Grade 12 without experience (e.g., Cashbuild General Assistant).
- Show reliability: be clear about your availability for shifts, weekends and holidays.
- Use specific keywords on your CV: Customer Service, Sales, Merchandising, Stock Replenishment, Teamwork, Numeracy.
- If you have no formal work history, list any informal work such as helping in a family shop, school fundraisers, volunteering, or handling money at community events.
- Practice common interview questions: why retail, handling an angry customer, what good service means, and your availability.
- Never pay anyone to secure a job – legitimate employers do not charge application fees.
Current vacancies (August 2026)
TFG – Sales Associate (120 hrs) – Sterns, Menlyn, Gauteng
Fashion‑focused role dealing directly with customers. Responsibilities include assisting shoppers, recommending products, meeting sales targets and keeping the store tidy.
View the TFG Sterns Sales Associate vacancy on SETA SA
Cotton On – Sales Assistant – Mill Square, Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Part‑time position ideal for those wanting to start in fashion retail. You’ll greet customers, answer queries and help keep the shop presentable.
View the Cotton On Sales Assistant vacancy on SETA SA
Faithful to Nature – Part‑Time Shop Assistant – Cresta Shopping Centre, Johannesburg
Assist shoppers, maintain displays and ensure a pleasant shopping experience.
View the Faithful to Nature Cresta vacancy on SETA SA
Faithful to Nature – Part‑Time Shop Assistant – Irene, Gauteng
Similar duties to the Cresta role; consider travel costs before applying.
View the Faithful to Nature Irene vacancy on SETA SA
La Granson International – Sales Associate – Bellville, Western Cape
Focus on customer interaction and sales communication. No extensive experience required.
View the La Granson Sales Associate vacancy on SETA SA
La Granson International – General Sales Assistant – Bellville
Develops skills in sales, product promotion and teamwork.
View the La Granson General Sales Assistant vacancy on SETA SA
La Granson International – Entry‑Level Retail Sales Executive/Assistant – Bellville
Explicitly labelled as entry‑level; perfect for recent Matrics.
View the Entry‑Level Retail Sales Executive vacancy on SETA SA
Absolute Pets – Retail Sales Assistant – Pretoria, Gauteng
Specialist pet‑store role; you’ll advise customers on food, accessories and care products.
View the Absolute Pets Pretoria vacancy on SETA SA
Absolute Pets – Retail Sales Assistant – Garden Route, Western Cape
Same duties as the Pretoria store; check the exact shopping centre before applying.
View the Absolute Pets Garden Route vacancy on SETA SA
Cashbuild – General Assistant – Malamulele, Limpopo
Open to Grade 12 applicants with no experience. Tasks include customer help, merchandising, shelf‑labeling and basic housekeeping.
View the Cashbuild Malamulele vacancy on SETA SA
Cashbuild – General Assistant – Blue Downs, Western Cape
Similar responsibilities to the Malamulele role; suitable for fresh Matrics.
View the Cashbuild Blue Downs vacancy on SETA SA
Cashbuild – Perpetual Inventory Controller – Blue Downs
Focuses on stock counts and discrepancy checks. Requires Grade 12 plus relevant retail or warehouse experience.
View the Cashbuild Inventory Controller vacancy on SETA SA
Cashbuild – Goods Receiving Supervisor – Blue Downs
Oversees incoming stock, labeling and dispatch. Experience required; not for entry‑level only.
View the Cashbuild Goods Receiving Supervisor vacancy on SETA SA
Cashbuild – Forklift Driver – Blue Downs
Operates a forklift safely while assisting with store operations. Requires a valid licence and relevant experience.
View the Cashbuild Forklift Driver vacancy on SETA SA
Starbucks – Barista – Irene Village, Pretoria, Gauteng
Front‑line role preparing drinks, handling cash and delivering a friendly service.
View the Starbucks Barista vacancy on SETA SA
Which jobs should you prioritise?
If you have Grade 12 and no work history, start with positions that explicitly accept beginners – the Cashbuild General Assistant roles, Retail Sales Assistant roles at Cotton On, Faithful to Nature and La Granson are good examples.
Avoid roles that need inventory experience or forklift licences until you have those skills.
What retailers look for beyond Matric
Employers value:
- Clear communication.
- Reliability and punctuality.
- Basic numeracy and cash‑handling.
- Positive attitude and willingness to learn.
- Ability to work under pressure and in a team.
- Flexibility for shifts, weekends and public holidays.
Improving your retail CV
Do not send the same generic CV to every employer. Tailor it for retail by highlighting:
- Customer‑service or sales experience (formal or informal).
- Team projects, school fundraisers, volunteer work, or helping in a family business.
- Relevant skills such as communication, cash handling, stock organisation.
Only list skills you truly possess.
Preparing for the interview
Practice answers to common questions:
- Why do you want to work in retail?
- How would you deal with an angry customer?
- What does good customer service mean to you?
- Are you available on weekends and public holidays?
Apply now – don’t wait
Each vacancy may close as soon as enough applications are received. If you meet the basic criteria, have the required documents and can travel to the store, submit your application today.
Keep checking for new listings
The SETA SA job portal is updated regularly. Search using terms such as “Retail”, “Sales Assistant”, “Shop Assistant”, “General Assistant”, “Customer Assistant”, “Merchandiser” or “Stock Controller” and filter by province or city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a retail job with only Grade 12?
Yes. Many listings accept Matrics, but always read each advert for specific requirements.
Are there retail jobs without experience?
Yes. Cashbuild General Assistant roles explicitly allow applicants with no prior work.
Do I need a university degree?
No. Front‑line positions do not require tertiary education.
Can I apply for several vacancies?
Yes. Applying to multiple suitable roles increases your chances.
Are these jobs available nationwide?
Current openings are in Gauteng, Western Cape, Limpopo and nearby areas. New locations appear as more vacancies are posted.
Do all jobs close at the end of August?
Not necessarily. Some have fixed deadlines; others close once enough applications are received.
Should I apply if I have never worked before?
Yes, if the advert does not require experience.
What should I put on my CV with no work experience?
List education, any volunteer work, informal sales, leadership in school projects, or community involvement.
Do I have to pay to get a job?
No. Beware of anyone asking for money to secure employment.
Will retail experience help me later?
Absolutely. Skills gained are transferable to many other sectors.
Final thoughts
Starting in retail is not a dead‑end. It gives you real work experience, useful skills and a pathway to higher positions such as supervisor, assistant manager or store manager. Take the first step today, apply through the SETA SA portal, and begin building your career.
Disclaimer
SETA SA provides information on job openings to help South African job seekers. SETA SA is not the employer and does not make hiring decisions. Vacancy details, requirements and closing dates may change. Always verify the information on the official employer’s application page before applying. Never pay anyone to secure a job for you.
Editorial Integrity
This article was prepared using publicly listed vacancies on the SETA SA job platform in August 2026. All qualification and experience requirements come directly from the employers. No artificial deadlines have been added.
