Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) Opens Youth Employment Database for Graduates 2026

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) has officially opened a call for applications aimed at youth employment opportunities, and they are building a talent database of young graduates who want to build careers aligned to the department’s mandate.

In simple terms: you register your profile on the DSAC E-Recruitment System, and the department can consider you for future contract placement opportunities when positions become available.

This is especially important for young people who are qualified, hungry to grow, and serious about breaking into the public sector and creative economy—where experience is often required before you can even get experience.

Quick Overview

Organisation: Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC)
Opportunity Type: Youth Employment Opportunities (Talent Database Registration)
Target Group: Youth graduates (18–35 years)
Fields Included: Sport, Arts, Culture, Heritage, Library Sciences, Archives, Events, Admin, PR, Marketing, and more
How to Apply: DSAC E-Recruitment System
Application Link: https://erecruit.dsac.gov.za/public/login.php
Closing Date: 13 February 2026 at 12h00
Important Note: Registration does not guarantee permanent employment

Fields DSAC Is Recruiting Youth Graduates For

DSAC is creating this talent database for higher education youth graduates interested in building careers in the following fields:

Sport and Recreation Management
Arts, Culture and Heritage preservation and promotion
Library and Information Sciences
Archives and Records Management
Cultural History, Anthropology or Archaeology
Creative Industries (digital arts, design, performing arts, etc.)
Communication, Public Relations and Marketing
Events Management and Logistics
Administration and related support services
Any other career field relevant to the Department’s mandate

This is a wide list, which makes this opportunity valuable because it’s not limited to one qualification type.

Whether you are a creative, an organiser, a communicator, an administrator, or a researcher, there may be space for your skills.

Who May Submit? (Eligibility Criteria)

DSAC states that youth who qualify include those who are:

1) Aged 18–35 years

This is strictly aimed at youth, so if you fall within this age range, you’re eligible to participate.

2) In possession of a relevant qualification

You must have a relevant qualification such as:

National Diploma
Degree
Postgraduate qualification

3) Not currently participating in a government-funded programme

You must not be participating in any government-funded:

learnership
internship
or similar programme

at the time you apply.

4) Workplace experience is a bonus, not a requirement

DSAC notes that 1–2 years’ workplace experience would be an added benefit.

This is good news because it means even if you are newly qualified and don’t have experience yet, you may still be considered.

5) Passion for contributing to national development

This isn’t just about being unemployed. DSAC wants young people who are passionate about contributing to South Africa’s development in:

Sport
Arts
Culture
Heritage sectors

So if you have a strong “why”, you’ll stand out.

How to Apply on the DSAC E-Recruitment System

Applicants must use the link or QR code provided by DSAC to access their E-Recruitment platform.

Official application link:

https://erecruit.dsac.gov.za/public/login.php

What you should expect:

Once you are invited to participate further in the programme, DSAC indicates that you may be required to complete:

recruitment and selection processes
Z83 form completion
Personnel Suitability Checks

This is normal for government processes, so don’t panic when you see these steps. It simply means DSAC takes compliance seriously.

Important financial note:

DSAC also states that travelling and accommodation costs remain the responsibility of the candidate.

So plan ahead and be ready, especially if you may need to travel for verification or selection steps.

Why You Should Apply Even If It’s “Just a Database”

Some people skip opportunities like this because they think:

“It’s not a real job post.”

But here’s the truth: databases are often the pipeline before real placements happen.

If DSAC needs candidates for contract placements and you are already registered, you have already done the hardest part—getting into the system.

This is how smart applicants move:

Register early
Position yourself correctly
Stay application-ready
Respond quickly when contacted

Opportunities reward prepared people.

How Edupstairs Helps You Prepare

At Edupstairs, we don’t just post opportunities—we help you win them.

Recommended Tools:

Edupstairs Advice (How to Stand Out in This DSAC Process)

Let me give you practical advice that can increase your chances of being noticed.

1) Tailor your CV to the DSAC sector

Don’t submit a generic CV.

Add a short profile statement like:
“I am a youth graduate passionate about contributing to South Africa’s Sport, Arts and Culture development through professional public service.”

2) Upload clear and correctly named documents

If the system asks for attachments, name them properly:

“ID_Copy_NameSurname.pdf”
“Qualification_NameSurname.pdf”
“CV_NameSurname.pdf”

This sounds small, but recruiters love organised candidates.

3) Strengthen your online professional presence

If you’re in creative industries, include:

portfolio links
Behance/Instagram/TikTok (professional work only)
short project summaries

4) Prepare for suitability checks

Personnel Suitability Checks may include:

verification of qualifications
criminal record checks
reference checks

Be honest. Always.

5) Apply early

Do not wait for the last day.
Systems get overloaded and you don’t want to miss the deadline due to load shedding, network issues, or document errors.

Career Growth Path After This Opportunity

Even if DSAC starts you on a contract placement, it can open real long-term doors in your career journey.

Here are possible career growth paths depending on your field:

Sport & Recreation Management

Sport Development Officer
Recreation Coordinator
Provincial Sport Administration Roles
Programme Manager (Sport)

Arts, Culture & Heritage

Heritage Practitioner
Arts Project Coordinator
Cultural Development Officer
Museum / Heritage Site Support Roles

Library and Information Sciences

Library Assistant (entry opportunities)
Librarian (with qualification and placement experience)
Information Officer
Community Library Coordinator

Archives and Records Management

Records Clerk / Registry roles
Archives Assistant
Records Management Officer
Senior Compliance / Governance roles

Communication, PR & Marketing

Communications Assistant
Content and Media Officer
Stakeholder Relations Officer
Public Participation Coordinator

Events & Logistics

Events Coordinator
Logistics Administrator
Programme Support Officer
Project Management roles

The bigger message is this: once you have government experience on your CV, your employability improves dramatically.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1) Is this a job or an internship?

This is a call for applications to register on a talent database for future contract placement opportunities. It is not a guaranteed job offer.

2) Can I apply if I have no experience?

Yes. DSAC states that 1–2 years’ workplace experience is an added benefit, meaning it’s not a strict requirement.

3) Do I need a Degree only?

No. DSAC accepts relevant qualifications including:

National Diplomas
Degrees
Postgraduate qualifications

4) I’m currently in a government-funded learnership/internship. Can I apply?

No. DSAC specifies applicants must not be participating in any government-funded learnership, internship, or similar programme at the time of application.

5) What is the age requirement?

You must be 18–35 years.

6) What if I studied something not listed?

DSAC includes “any other career field relevant to the Department’s mandate.”
So if your qualification fits the sport, arts, culture, heritage, archives, libraries, communication or admin environment, you may still qualify.

7) Where do I apply?

Use the DSAC E-Recruitment system here:
https://erecruit.dsac.gov.za/public/login.php

8) Can I submit via email?

No. DSAC instructs applicants to use the link/QR code to access the E-Recruitment System.

CLOSING DATE: 13 FEBRUARY 2026

You can also:

Application Outcome Tracker (anonymous)

No names collected. This helps future applicants understand real-world timelines.

Have you applied for this opportunity?

Total responses: 0

Important Disclaimers

Registering on the database does not guarantee employment
Participation in the programme does not create any expectation of permanent employment
DSAC may require Z83 completion and suitability checks
Travelling and accommodation costs are the responsibility of the candidate
Always confirm information directly on the official DSAC recruitment system before submitting

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Edupstairs TrustScore™

100 /100

Verified / Low Risk This is an evidence-based risk assessment to help applicants verify opportunities.

OrganisationDepartment of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC)

SourceSETA/Government site

Open source link

Apply viaOnline portal

ReferenceDSAC_Youth Employment Database2026

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