SARS Customs & Excise Cadet Learnership 2026: 80 Posts, 12-Month Contract

The SARS Customs & Excise Cadet Learnership offers 80 opportunities for young South Africans. The programme runs for 12 months across several customs operational locations.

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) seeks candidates for its Customs & Excise Operations Cadet Programme. Successful applicants will gain practical workplace experience during the programme.

Applications close on 30 September 2026. Therefore, eligible applicants should submit their applications before the closing date.

SARS Customs & Excise Cadet Learnership 2026

The programme aims to develop practical skills in Customs and Excise operations. Cadets will gain exposure to administrative and operational processes.

The position reports to an Operations Manager or Customs Manager. Cadets will work within the Customs Border Ports of Entry division.

SARS will place successful candidates at various operational locations. These include airports, harbours, border posts and inland offices.

The available locations include:

• Johannesburg and Alberton
• OR Tambo International Airport
• Lanseria International Airport
• Doringkloof Hub
• Durban Harbour and Durban Hub
• Richards Bay Hub
• King Shaka International Airport
• Port Elizabeth
• Cape Town Harbour
• Cape Town International Airport
• Groblersbridge Border Post
• Beitbridge Border Post
• Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport
• Oshoek Border Post
• Lebombo Border Post
• Kopfontein Border Post

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Who Can Apply for the SARS Learnership?

Applicants must meet all the minimum requirements before applying. SARS has specifically set the age range at 18 to 35 years.

Minimum Requirements

Candidates must have:

• A minimum NQF Level 4 qualification.
• Mathematics and/or Accounting at the required level.
• At least one year of relevant experience.
• Experience in administration, logistics or customer service.
• South African citizenship.
• A valid Code B or EB driver’s licence.
• Basic knowledge of the Customs and Excise environment.
• Computer literacy and Microsoft Office skills.
• The ability to work in an operational environment.
• The physical fitness required for the position.

Applicants must also accept flexible working requirements. This includes shifts, weekends, public holidays and overtime.

Successful candidates must also be willing to work nationally. This may include remote land border posts, airports, seaports and inland offices.

What Will SARS Cadets Do?

The Customs & Excise Cadet Programme focuses on workplace learning and operational support. Cadets will complete tasks according to established procedures and guidelines.

Their responsibilities will include:

• Processing information accurately using relevant systems.
• Providing administrative support within the division.
• Responding to information requests.
• Communicating transactional outputs and work-related queries.
• Maintaining accurate records of completed work.
• Identifying and analysing requested information.
• Resolving basic queries within prescribed procedures.
• Escalating unresolved problems when necessary.
• Reporting on work progress and transactional activities.
• Planning and organising assigned work.
• Following the learner activity manual.
• Supporting quality improvement within the work area.
• Following governance and compliance requirements.

Cadets will also work with colleagues and relevant teams. They must request support or training when necessary.

Skills and Competencies Required

SARS is looking for candidates who can work accurately and responsibly. The role requires strong attention to detail and compliance with procedures.

Important behavioural competencies include:

• Accountability
• Honesty and integrity
• Attention to detail
• Analytical thinking
• Respect
• Trust
• Fairness and transparency
• Continuous learning
• Organisational awareness
• Conceptual ability

Technical competencies include administrative support and data collection. Candidates should also understand reporting, records management and service delivery.

Knowledge of functional policies and procedures will also support successful performance.

Important Screening and Compliance Requirements

The recruitment process includes several screening requirements. Applicants should understand these requirements before submitting their applications.

Successful candidates may need to complete:

• Security screening
• Criminal record checks
• Qualification verification
• Integrity assessments
• Pre-employment screening
• A case study
• Pre-assessment
• Psychometric assessment and/or vetting
• A declaration of private interest
• Reference checks
• Security clearance where applicable

Successful candidates will also be required to take an oath of secrecy.

This requirement reflects the sensitive information handled within Customs operations. Such information may include taxpayer and commercial information.

SARS Customs & Excise Cadet Learnership 2026 Closing Date

The SARS Customs & Excise Cadet Learnership 2026 closes on 30 September 2026.

The programme offers 80 positions on a 12-month contract. Candidates should review the requirements before applying.

Applicants should also ensure that they provide accurate information. SARS may verify qualifications, references and other information during recruitment.

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How to Apply for the SARS Learnership

Eligible candidates can apply online through the SARS careers platform. Applicants should complete the application process before the closing date.

Application closing date: 30 September 2026
Number of posts: 80
Contract duration: 12 months
Division: Customs Border Ports of Entry
Age requirement: 18 to 35 years
Citizenship: South African
Requisition ID: 11620

Apply here: SARS Customs & Excise Cadet Learnership application portal

Frequently Asked Questions