South Africa’s Department of Correctional Services has opened 381 Security Officer posts in the Free State and Northern Cape Region, based at Mangaung Maximum Correctional Centre. This is one of the largest Correctional Services recruitment drives currently open, and it creates a major opportunity for candidates who already completed the Correctional Science Learnership / Basic Training.
If you are aiming to build a stable government security career, this opportunity is not just a job — it is a long-term correctional services career pathway with structured salary progression from CB1-1 → CB1-2 → CB1-3 levels.
Quick Overview
Position: Security Officers (CB1-1 / CB1-2 / CB1-3)
Reference Number: FSNC 2026/04/26
Number of Posts: 381
Employer: Department of Correctional Services
Location: Mangaung Maximum Correctional Centre (Free State & Northern Cape Region)
Salary Levels:
- CB1-1: R212 358 per year
- CB1-2: R257 895 per year
- CB1-3: R313 521 per year
Minimum Requirement:
- Matric (Grade 12)
- Correctional Science Learnership / Basic Training completed
Closing Date: 08 May 2026 (15h45)
Application Method: Email / Post / Hand delivery
Application Form Required: Z83 Form
Understanding the CB1 Salary Structure
Correctional Services uses structured salary bands.
This vacancy includes three levels:
CB1-1 Level
Salary: R212 358 per year
Requirements:
- Grade 12
- Correctional Science Learnership completed
- No experience required
This is the entry point level.
CB1-2 Level
Salary: R257 895 per year
Requirements:
- 10 years experience at CB1-1 level
This level reflects mid-career correctional officers.
CB1-3 Level
Salary: R313 521 per year
Requirements:
- 10 years experience at CB1-2 level
This level reflects senior operational correctional security staff.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify, applicants must have:
- Grade 12 (Matric)
- Completed Correctional Science Learnership / Basic Training
- Computer literacy
- Firearm competency
- Strong communication skills
- Report writing ability
- Knowledge of correctional policies
- Understanding of security procedures
You must also understand:
- correctional centre movement control
- access control procedures
- offender supervision standards
- minimum security operational protocols
These are not optional.
Applications without Correctional Science training will not be considered.
Key Competencies DCS Is Looking For
Correctional Services recruits officers who demonstrate:
Operational discipline
Professional conduct
Communication ability
Security awareness
Teamwork capacity
Rehabilitation support mindset
Successful applicants normally show:
- ability to work shifts
- calm decision-making under pressure
- responsibility with firearms
- strong observation skills
Duties of a Correctional Security Officer
Security Officers perform several structured responsibilities inside correctional facilities.
These include:
Access Control
- Monitoring entry points
- Checking authorised movement
- Preventing unauthorised access
Movement Control
Supervising inmate movement between:
- units
- facilities
- work areas
- hospitals
- courts
Escort Duties
Escorting inmates:
- internally within facilities
- externally to institutions
- during transfers
Security Inspections
Checking:
- cells
- fences
- locks
- surveillance zones
- equipment
Control Room Monitoring
Managing:
- alarms
- surveillance systems
- communication channels
- emergency response coordination
Store and Equipment Management
Handling:
- security equipment
- firearms control
- monitoring logs
- reporting shortages
Supporting Offender Rehabilitation
Correctional officers also help:
- maintain discipline
- ensure structured programmes run safely
- create stable rehabilitation environments
This is a major part of modern correctional services work.
Documents You Should Prepare Immediately
Prepare these early:
Certified ID
Certified Matric certificate
Correctional Science certificate
Updated CV
Z83 form
Certification should normally be within 6 months.
How to Apply
Applications must include:
- Z83 form
- Certified ID copy
- Certified Matric certificate
- Correctional Science qualification proof
- Supporting documents
Send applications to:
Post:
Regional Commissioner
Free State and Northern Cape Region
P/Bag X20530
Bloemfontein
9300
Hand delivery:
103 Zastron Street
Agrimed Building
Bloemfontein
Email: FSNCHRM@dcs.gov.za
Always include: Reference number: FSNC 2026/04/26
Edupstairs Advice for Applicants
Security Officer recruitment inside Correctional Services is competitive but predictable.
Applicants who succeed usually:
apply early
submit complete documents
follow Z83 instructions correctly
prepare for security screening
understand correctional environment expectations
If you completed Correctional Science Basic Training, this vacancy is one of the strongest government entry-level opportunities currently open.
Submit your application before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Do I need experience to apply?
Only CB1-1 level requires no experience.
CB1-2 and CB1-3 require 10 years experience each.
- Can I apply without Correctional Science training?
No. It is mandatory.
- Is firearm competency required?
Yes. This is part of operational readiness.
- Where is the job located?
Mangaung Maximum Correctional Centre.
- Can I email my application?
Yes. Send to: FSNCHRM@dcs.gov.za
Include the reference number.
- What happens after applying?
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for:
screening
security checks
fitness assessments
interviews
CLOSING DATE: 08 MAY 2026
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Disclaimers
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