Learnerships & Apprenticeships
DPSA Circular 33 (2026) – Entry‑Level Govt Jobs for Grade 9‑12 & TVET
South Africans who need a job right now should look at the fresh openings in the government employment sector released this week.
What the opportunity is
The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) has issued DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular 33 of 2026. It was published on 11 September 2026. The circular lists hundreds of vacancies across national and provincial departments. Positions range from entry‑level support roles to clerical, security, finance, HR, technical, health‑care and professional posts.
Who can apply
The circular welcomes candidates with the following qualifications:
- Grade 9 (NQF Level 1) or equivalent
- Grade 10 (Standard 8 / ABET Level 4)
- Grade 12 / Matric (SAQA‑recognised)
- NCV Level 4
- TVET qualifications
- National Diplomas
- Degrees
- Artisan qualifications
Specific vacancies may ask for additional certifications, licences or a driver’s licence.
What you gain
These jobs offer stable salaries, pension benefits and the chance to build experience in the public sector. Salary examples include:
- R144 024 per annum for entry‑level groundsmen and food‑service aides
- R170 226 per annum for Trade Assistants and Security Officers (Level 3)
- R237 453 – R279 708 per annum for Registrar’s Clerks and Administration Clerks (Level 5)
- R338 106 per annum for specialised roles such as IT Technician, Human‑Resource Officer or Senior Accountant (Level 7)
Many positions do not require prior experience, so you can start your career straight away.
How to apply – step by step
- Search the SETA SA DPSA Entry‑Level Jobs platform for vacancies that match your qualification.
- Read the full vacancy details – note the department, centre, reference number, required qualification, any registration (e.g., PSIRA), driver’s licence, and the closing date.
- Gather the required documents: updated CV, certified copies of qualifications, any professional certificates, and a completed Z83 form if the vacancy asks for it.
- Send your application to the department advertised in the vacancy, using the exact reference number. Do not send it to DPSA.
- Keep a copy of your submission and track the closing date. Some vacancies close within days, others later in the month.
The official circular can be accessed here: DPSA Circular 33 of 2026.
Tips to improve your chances
- Tailor your CV to the specific vacancy – highlight the exact qualification and any relevant short‑course or licence.
- Always include the correct reference number on your cover letter and email subject line.
- If the vacancy asks for a “Grade C Security Certificate”, obtain it before you apply.
- For positions that list “experience is an advantage”, you can still apply if you meet the education requirement.
- Apply to several vacancies that suit you, but submit a separate application for each reference number.
- Check the department’s website for any additional forms or instructions.
Key vacancies you may consider
Quick overview of Circular 33
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Circular | DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular 33 of 2026 |
| Published | 11 September 2026 |
| Employer | Various South African government departments |
| Opportunity type | Government vacancies |
| Qualifications represented | Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 12, NCV, TVET, Diplomas, Degrees and occupational qualifications |
| Experience | Depends on position; some vacancies require no experience |
| Application methods | Vary according to department |
| Closing dates | Vary according to vacancy |
| SETA SA vacancy search | DPSA Entry‑Level Jobs |
| Official circular | DPSA Circular 33 of 2026 |
Grade 9 positions (no experience required)
- Groundsman – Greening and Livelihoods Implementation Support – Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Limpopo. Minimum: Grade 9. Salary: R144 024 p.a.
- Forestry Service Aid – Woodlands Indigenous Forest Management – Mzimkhulu Estate, KwaZulu‑Natal. Minimum: Grade 9. Salary: R144 024 p.a.
Grade 10 positions
- Trade Assistant (X10) – Department of Higher Education and Training, Olifantsfontein. Minimum: Grade 10 / ABET Level 4. Salary: R170 226 p.a. (Level 3). Experience is an advantage.
- Food Service Aid – Auxiliary Support (X2) – Same department and location. Minimum: Grade 10 / ABET. Salary: R144 024 p.a. (Level 2).
Grade 12 positions (many with no experience)
- Registrar’s Clerk – Office of the Chief Justice. Minimum: Grade 12. No experience required. Salary: R237 453 – R279 708 p.a.
- Administration Clerk: Asset – Office of the Chief Justice. Minimum: Grade 12. No experience required. Salary: R237 453 – R279 708 p.a.
- Registry Clerk: UIF (X2) – Department of Employment and Labour. Minimum: Grade 12 / Senior Certificate. No experience required. Salary: R237 453 p.a. plus 37 % in lieu of benefits.
- Administration Clerk: Greening and Livelihood – Upington, Northern Cape. Minimum: Grade 12. No experience required. Salary: R237 453 p.a.
NCV Level 4 and TVET opportunities
- Receptionist: Office of the Regional Manager – Accepts Grade 12 or NCV Level 4.
- Senior Accounting Clerk: Salary Payment and Deductions – Requires Grade 12 or NCV with Accounting subject.
- Human Resource: Corporate Services – Accepts Grade 12 / NCV Level 4; HR or Public Management qualification is an advantage.
Free State health and provincial vacancies
| Vacancy | Minimum/Key Requirement | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Social Worker Grade 1 – X5 | Grade 12 + Social Work Degree | R338 208 p.a. |
| Nursing Assistant – X40 | Qualification allowing SANC registration | R181 230 – R306 141 p.a. |
| Emergency Care Officer Grade 3 – X33 | ILS qualification + HPCSA registration | R226 701 – R297 981 p.a. |
| Staff Nurse – X15 | Staff Nurse qualification + SANC registration | R229 440 – R391 515 p.a. |
| Professional Nurse General – X25 | Nursing Diploma/Degree | R337 359 – R495 423 p.a. |
| EMS Shift Leader – X2 | Appropriate ILS/HPCSA pathway | Grade dependent |
| Human Resource Clerk | Grade 12 | R237 453 p.a. |
| Internal Auditor: Compliance Audit | Degree in Auditing | R338 106 p.a. |
National departments and Office of the Chief Justice
| Vacancy | Minimum/Key Requirement | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Information Technology Technician | Matric + IT Diploma/NQF 6 | R338 106 p.a. |
| Administrative Officer: Property Disposals | NQF 6 property‑related qualification | R338 106 p.a. |
| Administration Officer: Prestige | National Diploma/Public Management or related | R338 106 p.a. |
| Prestige Parliamentary Precinct | Public Administration/Public Management qualification | R338 106 p.a. |
| Registrar’s Clerk | Grade 12; no experience required | R237 453 – R279 708 p.a. |
| Supply Chain Management Clerk | Grade 12 | R237 453 – R279 708 p.a. |
| Administration Clerk: Asset | Grade 12; no experience required | R237 453 – R279 708 p.a. |
| Vetting Investigator | Relevant NQF 6 qualification | R338 106 – R398 277 p.a. |
| Security Risk Officer | Grade 12 + PSIRA Grade C + experience | R237 453 p.a. |
| Independent Correctional Centre Visitor | Grade 12 | R89 046 p.a. plus 37 % in lieu |
| Visitors Committee Coordinating – VCCO | Grade 12 + relevant Diploma/Degree | R338 106 p.a. |
Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) vacancies
| Vacancy | Minimum/Key Requirement | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Food Service Aid: Auxiliary Support – X2 | Grade 10 / ABET | R144 024 p.a. |
| Groundman: Maintenance | Grade 12 | R144 024 p.a. |
| Security Officer | Grade 12 / NCV Level 4 + PSIRA Grade C | R170 226 p.a. |
| Trade Assistant – X10 | Grade 10 / ABET Level 4 | R170 226 p.a. |
| Procurement Clerk | Grade 12 + relevant Diploma | R237 453 p.a. |
| Receptionist: Office of the Regional Manager | Grade 12 / NCV Level 4 | R237 453 p.a. |
| Senior Accounting Clerk: Salary Payment and Deductions | Grade 12 / NCV with Accounting | R237 453 p.a. |
| Registry Clerk: Examinations, Claims and Payroll | Grade 12 / NCV | R237 453 p.a. |
| Registry Clerk: Salary Examination Payments | Grade 12 / NCV | R237 453 p.a. |
| Finance Clerk: Salary Control | Grade 12 / NCV with Accounting | R237 453 p.a. |
| Human Resource: Corporate Services | Grade 12 / NCV Level 4 | R237 453 p.a. |
| General Administration Clerk – X2 | Grade 12 | R237 453 p.a. |
| Secretary to the Director | Grade 12 / NCV Level 4 | R237 453 p.a. |
| Facilitator | Grade 12 / NCV + qualified artisan | R280 278 p.a. |
| Senior Administrative Clerk | Grade 12 / NCV Level 4 | R237 453 p.a. |
| Chief Administrative Clerk: Assessment Administration | National Diploma | R338 106 p.a. |
| Chief Supply Chain Clerk | Relevant Diploma/Degree | R338 106 p.a. |
| Practitioner Transport: HRM Support Services | Transport/Logistics Diploma/Degree | R338 106 p.a. |
| Principal Personnel Officer | HR/Public Management Diploma | R338 106 p.a. |
| Employee Health and Wellness Practitioner | Relevant NQF 6 qualification | R338 106 p.a. |
| Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner | Relevant NQF 6 qualification | R338 106 p.a. |
| Chief Finance Clerk: Salary Control | Accounting‑related National Diploma | R338 106 p.a. |
| State Accountant: Cash Flow Management | Accounting/Financial Management Diploma | R338 106 p.a. |
| State Accountant: Expenditure Administration | Accounting/Financial Management Diploma | R338 106 p.a. |
| IT Technician | IT National Diploma | R338 106 p.a. |
| Communication Officer: Corporate Services | Communications/Marketing/PR qualification | R338 106 p.a. |
| Transport Officer | Transport/Logistics/Public Management Diploma | R338 106 p.a. |
Security jobs – read the PSIRA requirement carefully
Not every security vacancy has the same conditions. For example:
- Security Officer (X103) – Requires Grade 12, a Grade C Security Certificate, PSIRA compliance and relevant experience.
- UIF Security Officer – Requires Grade 12 and a Grade C PSIRA registration but states “no experience required”.
Always read each vacancy on its own terms.
Next steps
Start by visiting the SETA SA DPSA Entry‑Level Jobs platform. Find the vacancies that match your qualification, prepare the required documents, and submit your application before the closing date. Keep this page bookmarked for future circulars.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was DPSA Circular 33 of 2026 published?
It was published on 11 September 2026. - Where can I get the official circular?
You can access it at the DPSA website: DPSA Circular 33 of 2026. - Where can I find only entry‑level DPSA jobs?
Use the SETA SA DPSA Entry‑Level Jobs platform. - Are there Grade 9 jobs in Circular 33?
Yes. Groundsman and Forestry Service Aid positions accept Grade 9 and require no experience. - Are there Grade 10 jobs?
Yes. Trade Assistant (X10) and Food Service Aid (X2) are examples. - Are there Grade 12 jobs that need no experience?
Yes. Registrar’s Clerk, Administration Clerk: Asset, Administration Clerk: Greening and Livelihood, and Registry Clerk: UIF all list “no experience required”. - Can NCV Level 4 applicants apply?
Yes, for vacancies that explicitly accept an NCV Level 4 qualification. - Can TVET graduates apply for government jobs?
Yes, provided their qualification meets the specific vacancy’s requirements. - Does an N6 automatically qualify me for an artisan vacancy?
No. Artisan posts usually require completion of an apprenticeship and a Trade Test Certificate. - Do all Circular 33 vacancies close on the same date?
No. Each vacancy has its own closing date. - Can I apply for several vacancies?
Yes, but you must follow the instructions and reference number for each one.
