The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) has published Public Service Vacancy Circular 31 of 2026, releasing hundreds of new government job openings across national departments and provincial administrations. The circular was published on 28 August 2026, and Grade 12 clerks, admin assistants and support staff are all invited to apply. Most posts close on 26 September 2026, so unemployed youth and matriculants have less than four weeks to submit a complete Z83 form and supporting documents.
About the DPSA Circular
The DPSA Circular is the official weekly vacancy bulletin from the Department of Public Service and Administration. It bundles every new post across the national government and the nine provincial governments into one document. Circular 31 of 2026 continues the year programme, following the previous Circular 30 that closed on 8 September 2026, and it opens a fresh set of vacancies at departments including Health, Education, Home Affairs, Justice, Correctional Services, Employment and Labour, Agriculture, Rural Development, and provincial Offices of the Premier. For unemployed South Africans, the DPSA circular is one of the most reliable ways to enter the public service, because it lists entry-level posts alongside professional and management roles.
What Is On Offer
- Entry-level Grade 12 posts: Admin Clerk, Registry Clerk, Data Capturer, Cleaner, Security Officer, Driver, Messenger
- Post-matric roles: Senior Admin Officer, HR Practitioner, Finance Clerk, Personnel Practitioner
- Professional and specialist roles across engineering, health, education and legal services
- Middle and senior management posts in national and provincial departments
- Salaries linked to Public Service scales, ranging from Level 2 for entry-level up to Senior Management Service
Who Can Apply
- South African citizens with a valid Green ID or Smart ID card
- Grade 12 or Senior Certificate for entry-level clerical and support posts
- Relevant NQF Level 6 or 7 qualification for professional posts (specified per advert)
- SA driver’s licence where indicated on the individual post
- No criminal record (verification is done during shortlisting)
- Willingness to undergo pre-employment screening including qualification and reference checks
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Required Documents
- Fully completed and signed new Z83 form (dated within the advert period)
- Recent Curriculum Vitae (CV) with contactable references
- Copy of your Grade 12 or Senior Certificate
- Copies of post-matric qualifications where required
- Copy of ID document
- Copy of valid driver’s licence (only where the post requires it)
- Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit certified copies
How to Apply
- Download the full DPSA Circular 31 of 2026 document from the official DPSA website
- Read each advert carefully and note the reference number, closing date, and delivery method (email, e-Recruitment, or hand-delivery)
- Download and complete the new Z83 application form fully. Do not leave any fields blank
- Prepare your CV with at least three contactable references
- Submit your application through the specific channel listed on the advert (email address, physical address, or online portal)
- Keep proof of submission and note that the department will only contact shortlisted candidates
RECOMMNEDED FOR YOU: Z83 Form 2026 PDF Download: The Current Editable Form and How to Fill It In
Closing Date
The closing date for most posts in DPSA Circular 31 of 2026 is 26 September 2026. Some posts have different closing dates, so check every advert carefully. No late applications will be accepted.
Download DPSA Circular 31 of 2026
Why It Matters
With youth unemployment sitting above 60 percent in the 15 to 24 age bracket, the DPSA circular remains the single largest source of legitimate entry-level jobs for matriculants in South Africa. Government posts offer permanent employment on Public Service scales, medical aid contributions through GEMS, pension contributions through GEPF, and structured career progression.
A clerical post at Level 2 or 3 today can become an Assistant Director post in five to seven years if you use every internal training opportunity. For young South Africans without work experience, Circular 31 is not just a job list, it is a way into a career with stability, benefits and predictable growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need work experience to apply?
Not for entry-level Grade 12 posts. Posts advertised at Level 2 to Level 5 are designed for matriculants with no work experience. Higher-level posts specify the required years of experience in each advert.
Where do I get the Z83 form?
Download the new Z83 form for free from the DPSA website or collect a copy from any government department. Only the new form is accepted, and it must be completed in full and signed.
Do I have to certify my copies before I apply?
No. Only shortlisted candidates are asked to bring certified copies to the interview. This is a change from previous years and saves applicants time and money.
Can I apply for more than one post in the same circular?
Yes. You can apply for as many posts as you qualify for, but each application must be submitted separately with its own Z83 form and reference number.
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