Need a paid learning opportunity now? The Department of Home Affairs is offering a Cadet Learnership for 2026/2027, and the deadline is fast approaching.
What is the Cadet Learnership Programme?
The Home Affairs Cadet Learnership is a 12‑month youth development programme. It combines classroom training with hands‑on work in the department’s Immigration Services. Successful learners receive a monthly stipend of R4 500.
Who can apply?
You must be a South African citizen who is unemployed and has completed Grade 12 (Matric) or an equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification. The programme is open to youth in all nine provinces. Applicants who have already taken part in a Public Service Youth Development Programme or who are currently receiving government youth‑development funding are not eligible.
What will you gain?
- Structured theoretical learning leading to a National Certificate in Immigration Services.
- Practical experience inside a national government department.
- Exposure to real‑world immigration processes.
- Monthly stipend of R4 500 for the whole year.
- Improved employability after the learnership ends.
How to apply – step by step
- Download the New Z83 Application for Employment Form (effective 1 January 2021) from the Department’s website.
- Complete the Z83 fully. Include your personal details, the correct post number and reference code, and your education details.
- Prepare a clear CV that shows:
- Contact information
- Matric or NQF 4 qualification
- Any work or volunteer experience (with start/end dates, duties, and reasons for leaving)
- Two recent, contactable references
- Choose the province where you live and use the corresponding email address (listed below) to send your Z83 and CV. If you prefer, you may deliver the documents by hand to the Private Bag or street address noted at the end of this article.
- Submit before 18 September 2026 at 16:00. Early submission is advisable.
Application locations
Gauteng – 5 posts
- Krugersdorp – Ref HRMC 58/26/1a – 1 vacancy
- Benoni – Ref HRMC 58/26/1b – 2 vacancies
- Cresta – Ref HRMC 58/26/1c – 1 vacancy
- Sedibeng – Ref HRMC 58/26/1d – 1 vacancy
- Mamelodi – Ref HRMC 58/26/1e – 2 vacancies
Email for Gauteng applications: Cadetrecruitmentgp@dha.gov.za
Eastern Cape – 6 posts
- King Williams Town – HRMC 58/26/2a – 1 vacancy
- Gqeberha – HRMC 58/26/2b – 1 vacancy
- Libode – HRMC 58/26/2c – 1 vacancy
- Queenstown – HRMC 58/26/2d – 1 vacancy
- East London – HRMC 58/26/2e – 1 vacancy
- Port St John – HRMC 58/26/2f – 1 vacancy
Email for Eastern Cape applications: Cadetrecruitmentec@dha.gov.za
North West – 5 posts
- Klerksdorp – HRMC 58/26/3a – 4 vacancies
- Mankwe – HRMC 58/26/3b – 1 vacancy
Email for North West applications: Cadetrecruitmentnw@dha.gov.za
Northern Cape – 4 posts
- Kimberley – HRMC 58/26/4a – 2 vacancies
- Galeshewe – HRMC 58/26/4b – 2 vacancies
Email for Northern Cape applications: Cadetrecruitmentnc@dha.gov.za
Mpumalanga – 6 posts
- Witbank – HRMC 58/26/5a – 1 vacancy
- Kwa‑Mhlanga – HRMC 58/26/5b – 1 vacancy
- Eerstehoek – HRMC 58/26/5c – 1 vacancy
- Standerton – HRMC 58/26/5d – 1 vacancy
- Nelspruit/Mbombela – HRMC 58/26/5e – 1 vacancy
- White River – HRMC 58/26/5f – 1 vacancy
Email for Mpumalanga applications: Cadetrecruitmentmp@dha.gov.za
Free State – 5 posts
- Bloemfontein – HRMC 58/26/6a – 2 vacancies
- Phuthaditjhaba – HRMC 58/26/6b – 1 vacancy
- Unknown centre – HRMC 58/26/6c – 1 vacancy
- Bethlehem – HRMC 58/26/6d – 1 vacancy
Email for Free State applications: Cadetrecruitmentfs@dha.gov.za
Western Cape – 4 posts
- Wynberg – HRMC 58/26/7a – 3 vacancies
- Khayelitsha – HRMC 58/26/7b – 1 vacancy
- Vredendal – HRMC 58/26/7c – 1 vacancy
- George – HRMC 58/26/7d – 1 vacancy
Email for Western Cape applications: Cadetrecruitmentwc@dha.gov.za
KwaZulu‑Natal – 6 posts
- Ixopo – HRMC 58/26/8a – 1 vacancy
- New Hanover – HRMC 58/26/8b – 1 vacancy
- Eshowe – HRMC 58/26/8c – 1 vacancy
- Estcourt – HRMC 58/26/8d – 1 vacancy
- Umgeni – HRMC 58/26/8e – 1 vacancy
- Richards Bay – HRMC 58/26/8f – 1 vacancy
Email for KwaZulu‑Natal applications: Cadetrecruitmentkzn@dha.gov.za
Limpopo – 5 posts
- Polokwane – HRMC 58/26/9a – 1 vacancy
- Giyani – HRMC 58/26/9b – 1 vacancy
- Jane Furse – HRMC 58/26/9c – 1 vacancy
- Thohoyandou – HRMC 58/26/9d – 1 vacancy
- Mokopane – HRMC 58/26/9e – 1 vacancy
Email for Limpopo applications: Cadetrecruitmentlp@dha.gov.za
Tips to improve your chances
- Apply to the office nearest to where you live – preference is given to local applicants.
- Double‑check the reference code (e.g., HRMC 58/26/8f for Richards Bay).
- Complete every section of the Z83 accurately; errors can disqualify you.
- Make your CV easy to read and include all dates, duties, and at least two recent references.
- Submit well before the 16:00 deadline on 18 September 2026.
- Keep a copy of the sent email or the hand‑delivered documents as proof of submission.
Next steps
Gather your Matric certificate, ID, and references. Fill out the Z83, write a concise CV, and send everything to the provincial email address that matches your location. Remember, many applicants will apply, so a well‑prepared submission makes a big difference.
Additional information
The programme is delivered in partnership with the Public Service Sector Education and Training Authority (PSETA). You can explore other PSETA learnerships and public‑service training opportunities on the SETA SA platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does the application close? 18 September 2026 at 16:00.
- What is the monthly stipend? R4 500.
- How long does the learnership last? 12 months.
- Can I apply with only Matric? Yes – Matric or an equivalent NQF 4 qualification is sufficient.
- Do I need a university degree? No degree is required.
- Is the programme available in all provinces? Yes, positions exist in all nine provinces.
- Which SETA is involved? The Public Service Sector Education and Training Authority (PSETA).
- What will I study? The National Certificate: Immigration Services, with both theory and practical work.
- Do I have to use the Z83 form? Yes – it is a mandatory part of the application.
- Should I apply to the nearest office? Preference is given to applicants who live close to the posting centre.
- Can former participants of other youth programmes apply? No – anyone who has already taken part in a Public Service Youth Development Programme is ineligible.
- Will I receive an acknowledgement? Applications are not confirmed in writing due to the large volume expected.
Disclaimer
This article is an independent guide based on the official Department of Home Affairs advertisement. Always verify details against the official notice before applying. The Department does not charge any fee for the learnership, and no one should ask you for money to secure a place.
