The Free State Department of Education is now hiring Play Group Practitioners, and the deadline is fast approaching. This is a chance to work with young children and gain real‑world experience in early childhood development.
What the vacancy is
The department is offering 40 Play Group Practitioner posts across the Free State. Each post is an 8‑month contract paying R3 200 per month. The goal is to expand quality ECD programmes and improve school readiness for children aged 3 to 5.
Who can apply
To be eligible you must have:
- Grade 12 (Matric) qualification
- An NQF Level 4 Edu‑Care qualification or a National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in Early Childhood Development (ECD)
The department prefers applicants who:
- Are aged 18‑35
- Are women
- Have a disability
- Can read and write well
- Speak at least three South African languages
- Are passionate about children’s rights and protection
What you will gain
- Practical experience in play‑based learning
- Skills in monitoring child development and school readiness
- Exposure to curriculum planning and child protection policies
- Monthly earnings of R3 200 while you build your career
How to apply – step by step
- Download the new Z83 application form from the Free State Department of Education website.
- Complete every section of the form. Sign and initial both pages.
- Attach a detailed CV, a certified copy of your ID, and certified copies of your qualifications.
- Write the correct reference number (see the list below) on the Z83 form.
- Send each application to the district office that matches the reference you are applying for.
- Make sure your application reaches the office before 16:00 on 27 July 2026.
Reference numbers and locations
- Lejweleputswa District – 8 posts
- Welkom – Thabong (6 posts) – Ref: PS10/2026/1
- Virginia – Meloding (2 posts) – Ref: PS10/2026/2
- Fezile Dabi District – 8 posts
- Sasolburg – Zamdela Iraq (4 posts) – Ref: PS10/2026/3
- Kroonstad – Snake Park Constancia (4 posts) – Ref: PS10/2026/4
- Mangaung District – 12 posts
- Bloemfontein – Khayelitsha & Bergman (4 posts) – Ref: PS10/2026/5
- Phase 7 & 9 (2 posts) – Ref: PS10/2026/6
- Bainsvlei (1 post) – Ref: PS10/2026/7
- Thaba Nchu – Woodbridge 1 Trust (1 post) – Ref: PS10/2026/8
- Botshabelo – Section R & V (2 posts) – Ref: PS10/2026/9
- Botshabelo – Section U & W (2 posts) – Ref: PS10/2026/10
- Thabo Mofutsanyane District – 12 posts
- QwaQwa – Monontsha (2 posts) – Ref: PS10/2026/11
- QwaQwa – Rietpan (2 posts) – Ref: PS10/2026/12
- QwaQwa – Mmakoane (4 posts) – Ref: PS10/2026/13
- Ladybrand – Platbag (2 posts) – Ref: PS10/2026/14
- Ladybrand – Marikana Extension (2 posts) – Ref: PS10/2026/15
Where to send your application
- Mangaung Metropolitan Education District
C/O St Andrew & Markgraaf Street, Forth Dury Building, Bloemfontein - Lejweleputswa District Office
31 Mooi Street, Old Woolworths Building, Welkom - Fezile Dabi District Office
23 Totius Street, Old Cedar School Building, Sasolburg - Thabo Mofutsanyana District Office
Parliament Building (On the Mountain), Phuthaditjhaba
Quote the correct reference number on your Z83 form for the district you are applying to.
Tips to improve your chances
- Double‑check that every field on the Z83 form is filled in and signed.
- Proofread your CV – focus on any ECD training, volunteering, or community work with children.
- Submit a separate application for each reference number you are interested in.
- Ensure your qualifications are certified and, if they are foreign, have been evaluated by SAQA.
- Be prepared for background checks: criminal record, Part B of the National Child Protection Register, and screening under the Children’s Act.
Next steps
If you meet the qualifications, gather your documents and send a complete Z83 application to the appropriate district office before the 27 July 2026 deadline. This role can give you solid experience in early childhood education and a steady income while you build your career.
Good luck with your application – your passion for young learners can make a real difference.
