South Africans searching for government employment have a new round of opportunities to explore following the publication of DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular 32 of 2026.
The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) issued Circular 32 on Friday, 4 September 2026, bringing together hundreds of vacancies advertised by national government departments and provincial administrations across South Africa.
While the circular contains vacancies at many different occupational and salary levels, the good news for job seekers is that it also includes opportunities accessible to people with ABET/AET, Grade 10, Grade 12/Matric, NCV Level 4 and other relevant qualifications.
There are also opportunities where very little experience—or in some cases no previous work experience—is required.
Instead of scrolling through hundreds of pages looking for suitable vacancies, applicants can use the Edupstairs DPSA Entry-Level Jobs platform to focus on government opportunities with more accessible entry requirements.
Quick Overview: DPSA Circular 32 of 2026
Circular: DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular 32 of 2026
Date issued: 4 September 2026
Employer: Various South African government departments
Sector: Public Service
Locations: Various provinces and national offices
Applicants: Grade 8/ABET, Grade 10, Grade 12, NCV and appropriately qualified TVET/college applicants, depending on the position
Experience: Varies by vacancy; some posts require no experience
Application form: New Z83 form where specified
Closing dates: Vary according to department and vacancy
Best place to find suitable entry-level opportunities: Edupstairs DPSA Entry-Level Jobs
The official Circular 32 is substantial—341 pages—which demonstrates why job seekers should not simply open the document, look at the first few pages and assume there are no suitable vacancies.
Which Government Departments Are Advertising in DPSA Circular 32 of 2026?
Circular 32 includes vacancies from a wide range of national departments.
The national departments appearing in the circular include:
- Department of Agriculture
- Department of Defence
- Department of Employment and Labour
- Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
- Government Technical Advisory Centre
- Department of Higher Education and Training
- Department of Home Affairs
- Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services
- Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources
- Office of the Chief Justice
- Department of Public Works and Infrastructure
- Department of Social Development
- Department of Tourism
- National Treasury
- Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities
Provincial vacancies are also included from:
- Free State
- Gauteng
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Limpopo
- Mpumalanga
- Northern Cape
- Western Cape
This means applicants should search the circular carefully according to their qualification, occupation and location, rather than assuming that all DPSA jobs are based in Pretoria.
Grade 10 Government Jobs in DPSA Circular 32 of 2026
One of the most important features of Circular 32 for entry-level job seekers is the presence of vacancies accepting applicants with Grade 10 or equivalent qualifications.
Here are some examples identified in the official circular.
Trade Assistant – X10 Posts
The Department of Higher Education and Training is advertising 10 Trade Assistant positions at INDLELA in Olifantsfontein.
Post: Trade Assistant
Number of posts: 10
Reference: DHET 59/09/2026
Location: Olifantsfontein
Salary: R170,226 per annum – Level 3
The minimum educational requirement is: Grade 10 / Standard 8 / ABET Level 4.
One to two years of relevant experience is listed as an added advantage, rather than the basic educational requirement.
Applicants should also have basic knowledge of occupational health and safety, cleaning, preparing materials and tools for assessment tasks, communication, reading and writing.
For applicants interested in technical and artisan career pathways, this type of position can be particularly valuable because it provides exposure to a technical working environment.
Food Service Aid – X2 Posts
Another accessible opportunity appears within the Department of Higher Education and Training.
Position: Food Service Aid: Auxiliary Support
Reference: DHET 62/09/2026
Number of posts: 2
Location: Olifantsfontein
Salary: R144,024 per annum – Level 2
The educational requirement is: ABET / Standard 8 / Grade 10.
Applicants are expected to understand basic occupational health and safety and be able to work as part of a team under pressure. Knowledge of food and accommodation services is advantageous.
Driver – Limpopo
Circular 32 also includes a Driver position within Limpopo.
Position: Driver
Reference: S.4/3/10/110
Location: Waterberg District – Modimolle Building Maintenance
Salary: R170,226 per annum – Level 3
The vacancy accepts a Grade 10 qualification or an NQF Level 4 qualification, but applicants must also possess a valid driver’s licence with a Professional Driving Permit and have the specified driving experience.
This is an important reminder: Grade 10 being listed does not automatically mean that Grade 10 is the only requirement.
Always check licences, registrations, experience and other compulsory conditions before applying.
Library Material Processor
The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport is also advertising Library Material Processor positions.
Position: Library Material Processor: Technical Services
Reference: CAS 27/2026
Location: Cape Town – various posts
Salary: R144,024 – R169,656 per annum
Minimum qualification: Grade 10 / Junior Certificate or equivalent
The duties include physically processing new library materials, packing and dispatching materials, capturing item records on a Library Information Management System and performing administrative duties.
This could be worth considering for applicants who have Grade 10 but also possess basic computer literacy and administrative ability.
There Are Even Opportunities Below Grade 10
Applicants should not automatically exclude themselves because they have not completed Matric.
Circular 32 includes a Cleaner vacancy in the Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure requiring:
Grade 8 / ABET / AET or an NQF Level 2 qualification recognised by SAQA.
The position is based at the Mopani District Giyani Cost Centre and carries a salary of R144,024 per annum at Level 2.
The work includes cleaning offices, corridors, boardrooms, kitchens and restrooms, handling waste and maintaining cleaning materials and equipment.
Circular 32 also contains Western Cape farm-support opportunities accepting ABET Level 2 or equivalent qualifications.
This demonstrates an important point for job seekers:
Not every permanent government job requires Matric.
Grade 12 Government Jobs in DPSA Circular 32 of 2026
Matric applicants have an even broader range of possibilities.
Edupstairs has previously analysed government vacancies specifically for applicants whose highest qualification is Matric through its Government Jobs That Require Only Grade 12 in South Africa guide.
Circular 32 continues this trend.
Some particularly notable examples include the following.
Registry Clerk – No Experience Required
This is one of the standout entry-level opportunities in Circular 32.
Position: Registry Clerk: UIF
Reference: HR/4/4/2/50
Number of posts: 2
Contract: Three years
Location: Eastern Cape Provincial Office
Salary: R237,453 per annum plus 37% in lieu of benefits
Minimum qualification: Grade 12 / Senior Certificate
Experience: No experience required
A driver’s licence is only listed as an added advantage.
Responsibilities include counter services, incoming and outgoing correspondence, filing, records management and processing documents for archiving or disposal.
For a young person trying to enter government administration for the first time, this is exactly the type of vacancy that deserves attention.
Senior Accounting Clerk – X10 Posts
The Unemployment Insurance Fund is advertising multiple Senior Accounting Clerk positions.
Position: Senior Accounting Clerk: Trade Creditors
Reference: HR4/4/3/1SACTC/UIF
Number of posts: 10
Location: Pretoria
Salary: R237,453 per annum plus 37% in lieu of benefits
Minimum qualification: Matric / Grade 12
Experience: 0–6 months
The positions involve payment processing, reconciliations and financial administration. Applicants should therefore pay particular attention to the financial-management and accounting skills specified in the advert.
Security Officer Opportunities
Circular 32 also contains Security Officer vacancies.
For example, a Compensation Fund Security Officer position lists Grade 12 (NQF Level 4) together with the required PSIRA Grade C certificate.
Other security vacancies in the circular similarly require PSIRA registration and, depending on the post, relevant experience.
Applicants should therefore distinguish between:
Academic requirement: Grade 12
and
Professional/occupational requirement: PSIRA registration, security grade and/or experience.
You must satisfy all compulsory requirements, not just the academic qualification.
Home Affairs Cadet Learnership Programme 2026/2027
One of the biggest opportunities hidden inside Circular 32 is not an ordinary permanent post at all.
The Department of Home Affairs is advertising its 12-month Cadet Learnership Programme for 2026/2027.
The programme requires a: National Senior Certificate (Matric).
Successful candidates receive a R4,500 monthly stipend while participating in the programme.
Positions are spread across several provinces and offices.
For example, Gauteng placements include:
- Krugersdorp
- Benoni
- Cresta
- Sedibeng
- Mamelodi
Eastern Cape placements include:
- King William’s Town
- Gqeberha
- Libode
- Queenstown
- East London
- Port St Johns
Additional placements are advertised in the North West, Northern Cape, Mpumalanga, Free State, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo.
This makes Circular 32 particularly important for unemployed matriculants looking for structured government workplace experience.
Opportunities for TVET and NCV Applicants
TVET students and graduates should also examine Circular 32 carefully.
Do not search only for the words “TVET” or “N6”.
Government vacancies frequently state requirements in terms of:
- NQF levels
- National Certificates
- National Certificate (Vocational)
- diplomas
- occupational qualifications
- trade qualifications
- specific fields of study
For example, Circular 32 contains a Secretary to the Director position in Johannesburg with a salary of R237,453 per annum.
The minimum educational requirement is either:
National Senior Certificate (Grade 12)
or
National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4.
A diploma or bachelor’s degree in Management Assistant is listed as an added advantage rather than the basic qualification.
That distinction is important for TVET applicants.
If you completed an NCV Level 4 qualification, do not automatically assume that government vacancies mentioning “Grade 12” are inaccessible. Read the exact qualification wording in every advert.
Similarly, TVET graduates with qualifications in fields such as:
- Public Management
- Management Assistant
- Financial Management
- Human Resources
- Business Management
- Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Information Technology
- Office Administration
- Supply Chain Management
should search for vacancies related to their field rather than searching only for “TVET jobs”.
Applicants who want to understand where their qualification could lead can use the Edupstairs Career & Qualification Explorer.
The platform allows South Africans to search careers and SAQA qualifications, explore NQF levels and see career-to-qualification connections.
TVET applicants can also use the Edupstairs TVET College Explorer to explore public TVET colleges, programmes and study pathways.
Why Edupstairs Created a Dedicated DPSA Entry-Level Jobs Platform
The official DPSA Circular remains the authoritative source for Public Service vacancies, but there is a practical problem for entry-level job seekers: Circular 32 alone contains 341 pages.
Those pages contain everything from basic support positions to specialist, professional, technical and senior-management vacancies.
Someone with Grade 10 or Grade 12 may therefore spend a considerable amount of time scrolling through vacancies requiring degrees, professional registration and years of experience.
Edupstairs created the DPSA Entry-Level Jobs platform to make this process easier.
Instead of treating every DPSA vacancy as equally relevant, job seekers can focus on opportunities closer to their qualification and experience level.
This is especially useful if you regularly search for positions such as:
- Cleaner
- General Worker
- Groundsman
- Food Service Aid
- Trade Assistant
- Driver
- Registry Clerk
- Administration Clerk
- Accounting Clerk
- Human Resource Clerk
- Supply Chain Clerk
- Receptionist
- Secretary
- Data Capturer
- Security Officer
- Tradesman Aid
- entry-level technical positions
Applicants should still open and read the full official advertisement before applying.
The Edupstairs platform should help you discover opportunities; the official departmental advert remains the final authority on requirements and application instructions.
How to Apply for DPSA Circular 32 of 2026 Vacancies
There is no single application email or application portal covering every vacancy in Circular 32.
Different departments use different recruitment systems.
Depending on the vacancy, applications may be submitted through:
- Departmental e-Recruitment systems
- Provincial e-Recruitment systems
- Post
- Hand delivery
- Other application channels specifically stated in the advertisement
Never assume that the application method you used for one government vacancy applies to another.
Step 1: Find a Vacancy You Qualify For
Start with the Edupstairs DPSA Entry-Level Jobs platform or the official DPSA circular.
Compare your qualifications with the REQUIREMENTS section of the advertisement.
Do not apply merely because you like the job title.
Step 2: Check Every Compulsory Requirement
Look for requirements such as:
- Grade 10
- Grade 12
- NCV
- diploma
- driver’s licence
- PDP
- PSIRA registration
- computer literacy
- trade certificate
- professional registration
- relevant experience
“Added advantage” and “required” do not mean the same thing.
If something is described as an added advantage, applicants without it may still potentially qualify if they meet the compulsory requirements.
Step 3: Record the Reference Number
Every application should be matched to the correct vacancy reference number.
The DPSA’s general directions specifically instruct applicants to indicate the vacancy reference number in their application.
Edupstairs has a detailed guide explaining Government Job Reference Numbers and how to use them correctly.
This is particularly important when a department is recruiting for several similar posts simultaneously.
Step 4: Complete the Correct Z83 Form Where Required
The DPSA Circular states that applications on the Z83 form must use the new Z83 effective from 1 January 2021.
Applicants should therefore avoid submitting an old Z83 saved on their phone or computer.
Edupstairs has prepared a detailed guide:
Most People Fill the Z83 Application Form WRONG – Here’s How to Fix It for 2026
Before submitting, verify:
- Job title
- Department
- Reference number
- Personal information
- Contact information
- Qualification details
- Employment information
- Declaration
- Signature and date where required
Step 5: Prepare a Relevant CV
Do not use the same generic CV for every position without checking it.
If you are applying for Registry Clerk, highlight relevant skills such as:
- filing
- records management
- computer literacy
- data capturing
- customer service
- communication
- document management
If applying for Trade Assistant, relevant technical exposure, workshop experience, safety knowledge and practical skills may be more important.
Your CV should remain truthful while making the most relevant information easy for HR to identify.
Step 6: Follow the Exact Submission Instructions
Read the APPLICATIONS and NOTE sections of the vacancy.
If the department says email applications, use the specified email address.
If it says online applications only, use the specified portal.
If it requires hand delivery or postal submission, follow those instructions.
Never send your application to DPSA unless the vacancy specifically instructs you to do so.
The DPSA itself states that enquiries about individual advertisements should be directed to the advertising department, not DPSA.
Step 7: Apply Before the Closing Date
Closing dates are not identical across Circular 32.
For example, several vacancies highlighted above close on 18 September 2026, while the Secretary to the Director vacancy closes on 25 September 2026 at 13:00.
Always use the closing date appearing under the specific vacancy or department.
Do not wait until the final hour if an online portal or email submission is required.
Important: Grade 12 Mentioned Does Not Always Mean “Matric Only”
This is one of the most common mistakes applicants make when reading government adverts.
An advertisement might say: Grade 12 plus an appropriate National Diploma.
That is not a Grade-12-only vacancy.
Circular 32 contains examples where Grade 12 is listed alongside a compulsory NQF Level 6 or NQF Level 7 qualification.
Edupstairs therefore recommends separating vacancies into three categories:
- Grade 12 only
Matric is the highest compulsory academic qualification. - Grade 12 plus occupational requirements
For example, Grade 12 + PSIRA Grade C. - Grade 12 plus tertiary qualification
For example, Grade 12 + National Diploma.
Only apply if you meet the complete compulsory requirement.
Edupstairs Resources Government Job Seekers Should Use
Edupstairs has developed several resources that can make the government-job search process easier.
-
DPSA Entry-Level Jobs
Use the Edupstairs DPSA Entry-Level Jobs platform to search specifically for more accessible government opportunities.
-
Career & Qualification Explorer
Use the Career & Qualification Explorer if you are unsure which occupations match your qualification.
The Edupstairs database currently allows users to explore thousands of SAQA qualification records and more than 1,500 OFO careers.
-
TVET College Explorer
Applicants considering further study can use the Edupstairs TVET College Explorer to explore South Africa’s public TVET colleges and available study pathways.
-
Z83 Application Guide
Before applying, read Most People Fill the Z83 Application Form WRONG – Here’s How to Fix It for 2026.
-
Government Job Reference Number Guide
Read the Government Job Reference Numbers Explained guide before submitting multiple applications.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying
A strong candidate can still lose an opportunity because of an incorrectly submitted application.
Avoid:
- Applying without meeting compulsory requirements
- Using the wrong reference number
- Sending an outdated Z83
- Sending your application to the wrong email address
- Applying after the deadline
- Ignoring mandatory licences or registrations
- Assuming “Grade 12” means no additional qualification is required
- Applying for multiple reference numbers with one application where separate applications are required
- Providing false qualifications or work experience
- Sending documents that were not requested while omitting documents that were requested
- Failing to read the department-specific application instructions
Government recruitment is highly procedural.
Treat the application instructions as part of the assessment.
Tools you may find useful:
- SETA Platform
- RDP / BNG Housing Eligibility Checker
- SASSA Grant Eligibility Checker
- SAPS / Metro / Traffic / DCS Eligibility Checker
- Youth Employment Eligibility Checker
- SA Bursary & NSFAS Eligibility Checker
- UIF Benefits Eligibility Checker and Payment Estimator
View Other Employment Opportunities here
Need Help?
Edupstairs Advice
Do not wait until you have Matric or a university degree before checking government vacancies.
Circular 32 demonstrates why.
There are government opportunities requiring Grade 8/ABET, Grade 10 and Grade 12, while other positions recognise NCV and post-school qualifications.
The key is to search intelligently.
If you have Grade 10, search for positions such as Trade Assistant, Cleaner, Groundsman, Food Service Aid and other support roles.
If you have Grade 12, expand your search to Registry Clerk, Administration Clerk, Accounting Clerk, Secretary, Security Officer, Receptionist, Data Capturer and similar entry-level occupations.
If you have a TVET qualification, stop searching only for “TVET jobs”. Search using your actual qualification, NQF level and occupational field.
A Public Management graduate should search administration and public-sector support occupations. A Financial Management graduate should investigate finance and accounting vacancies. Engineering graduates should search technical, artisan-support and engineering positions.
Most importantly, apply only where you meet the requirements and submit every application exactly as instructed.
Government recruitment is competitive, but a candidate cannot be shortlisted for a vacancy they never applied for.
Bookmark the Edupstairs DPSA Entry-Level Jobs platform and check it regularly as new government opportunities are published.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
When was DPSA Circular 32 of 2026 published?
The Public Service Vacancy Circular was issued on 4 September 2026.
-
Can I apply for jobs in Circular 32 with Grade 10?
Yes. There are vacancies in Circular 32 that accept Grade 10 or equivalent qualifications, including Trade Assistant, Food Service Aid and Library Material Processor opportunities.
You must still check the other requirements of each position.
-
Are there government jobs for people below Grade 10?
Yes. At least some Circular 32 positions have lower academic thresholds. One Limpopo Cleaner position accepts Grade 8/ABET/AET/NQF Level 2.
-
Are there Grade 12 government jobs with no experience required?
Yes. One example is the Registry Clerk: UIF position in the Eastern Cape, which specifies Grade 12/Senior Certificate and no experience required.
-
Can TVET graduates apply?
Yes, provided their qualification matches the specific vacancy requirements.
Circular 32 includes positions recognising qualifications such as NCV Level 4, as well as numerous positions requiring qualifications at different NQF levels.
-
Is there a Home Affairs learnership in Circular 32?
Yes. The Department of Home Affairs is advertising a 12-month Cadet Learnership Programme for 2026/2027, with placements across multiple provinces. The listed minimum academic requirement is a National Senior Certificate/Matric, and the stipend is R4,500 per month.
-
Do I need a Z83?
For vacancies requiring a Z83, applicants must follow the official instructions and use the current form.
The DPSA Circular’s general candidate directions specify the new Z83 effective from 1 January 2021.
Some recruitment systems may have department-specific processes, so always read the individual advertisement.
-
Do I need certified copies when I apply?
Do not assume that every vacancy requires the same supporting documents at the initial application stage.
Requirements differ by department. For example, some advertisements state that uncertified copies may initially be submitted and that certified documents will be requested from shortlisted candidates.
Follow the specific advertisement rather than relying on an old application routine.
-
Where can I find DPSA entry-level jobs without reading the entire circular?
Use the Edupstairs DPSA Entry-Level Jobs platform.
It is designed to help applicants identify government opportunities with more accessible entry requirements.
-
Are all the jobs permanent?
No. Circular 32 contains different employment arrangements, including permanent positions, fixed-term contracts and developmental programmes such as learnerships.
Check the individual advertisement.
-
Can I apply for more than one DPSA vacancy?
Yes, if you qualify for them, but follow the instructions for each vacancy separately.
Different vacancies may have different reference numbers, submission addresses, application emails and supporting-document requirements.
-
Does Edupstairs recruit applicants for government departments?
No. Edupstairs provides information, tools and opportunity explainers to help job seekers discover and understand opportunities. Applications must be submitted through the official channel specified by the recruiting government department.
You can also:
- View latest Internships
- View latest Learnerships
- View Latest Bursaries
- View latest Government jobs
- View latest Company Vacancies
- View latest Municipality vacancies
- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
Application Outcome Tracker (anonymous)
No names collected. This helps future applicants understand real-world timelines.
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Disclaimer
This article is provided for informational and educational purposes.
Vacancy requirements, application procedures, closing dates, salaries and other conditions are determined by the relevant government departments. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee shortlisting, an interview or appointment.
Edupstairs does not solicit money or CVs from applicants in exchange for government employment. Never pay anyone who claims they can secure you a government job.
Always submit applications through the official application channel stated in the vacancy advertisement.
Editorial Integrity
Edupstairs independently reviews and explains publicly advertised education, training and employment opportunities to make them easier for South Africans to understand.
Information in this article was cross-checked against the official DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular 32 of 2026, issued on 4 September 2026.
Edupstairs is not the Department of Public Service and Administration and does not control the recruitment process.
Applicants should always read the original vacancy advertisement before submitting an application.
EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY
