The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) has released Public Service Vacancy Circular 36 of 2026, providing a range of entry-level government job opportunities for individuals with Grade 8, Grade 10, Grade 12 (Matric), and technical or vocational TVET qualifications. This circular opens multiple vacancies across various national and provincial government departments, catering to different educational backgrounds and skill levels.
About the Opportunity
This circular includes diverse positions in administrative, cleaning, driving, maintenance, technical, healthcare, and professional services. Importantly, not all vacancies require tertiary qualifications; some accept Grade 8 or Grade 10 educational levels, while others are suited for Matric holders or those with specialised technical skills.
Who Can Apply
Applicants with qualifications ranging from Grade 8 to Grade 12, as well as those with relevant TVET certificates or technical expertise, are encouraged to consider these openings. Both inexperienced and experienced candidates may find suitable roles, depending on the specific post requirements.
Key Requirements
- Educational levels vary by position, ranging from Grade 8 (Junior Certificate/ABET Level 4) through to Grade 12 (Matric) and TVET qualifications.
- Some roles require additional competencies such as a valid driver’s licence, relevant work experience, computer literacy, or physical fitness.
- Specific vacancies may mandate professional registration or nomination by community organisations, especially for specialist or contract-based posts.
Available Positions and Locations
The circular features a variety of roles, including but not limited to:
- Cleaners and General Support Staff – Positions in Limpopo at Polokwane Welfare Complex and other centres, accessible with Grade 10 or equivalent, offering an annual salary of approximately R144 024.
- Photocopy Operator – Sekhukhune District Office, Limpopo, requiring Grade 10 or ABET, with similar salary levels.
- Driver/Messenger – Cape Town, needing Grade 10 and a valid driver’s licence, with a salary around R201 093 per annum.
- Handyman and Groundsman – Eastern Cape museum sites requiring Grade 8 or ABET level education, with no experience necessary.
- Registry Clerk, Data Capturer, and Accounting Clerk – Various administrative roles for Matric holders, offering salaries up to R237 453 per annum and requiring competencies in computer literacy, record management, or financial knowledge.
- Independent Correctional Centre Visitors (JICS) – Contract positions at correctional centres across several provinces with a Grade 12 requirement and community organisation nomination, closing on 30 October 2026.
- Artisan Assistant Positions – Artisan assistant roles in the Western Cape Department of Health, combining Grade 10 education with practical experience and a driver’s licence.
Closing Dates
Closing dates vary by position and department. For example, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness vacancies close on 23 October 2026, while the JICS posts have a deadline of 30 October 2026. Applicants should verify deadlines for each specific post.
Important Considerations Before Applying
- Do not assume all government jobs require a university degree; many operational and support-level jobs accept lower educational qualifications.
- Review each official vacancy advertisement carefully to meet the exact requirements and submit applications on time.
- Vocational qualifications should be investigated thoroughly, as technical certificates do not always equal qualified artisan status; some posts require trade tests.
- Use tools such as career interest assessments and qualification explorers to understand which roles align with your skills and career goals.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted according to the instructions specified in each official vacancy advertisement contained within DPSA Circular 36 of 2026. For detailed vacancy listings and to access official circular documents, visit the DPSA Circular 36 of 2026 page. This page provides comprehensive information necessary for applying to various government job openings featured in the circular.
