Circular 18 of 2026: Latest South African Government Vacancies and Application Guide
South Africa’s public sector continues to offer thousands of employment opportunities through the Public Service Vacancy Circular system. The newly released Circular 18 of 2026, published on 29 May 2026, provides job seekers with access to vacancies across national departments and provincial administrations throughout the country.
- What Is Circular 18 of 2026?
- Posting Date and Important Information
- Departments Advertising Vacancies in Circular 18 of 2026
- Featured Government Vacancies in Circular 18 of 2026
- How to Apply for Circular 18 of 2026 Vacancies
- Important Requirements for Applicants
- Why DPSA Vacancy Circulars Matter
- Conclusion
For graduates, experienced professionals, technical specialists, administrative staff, and first-time government job applicants, this circular serves as one of the most important weekly recruitment publications in the public sector.
The circular includes opportunities from departments such as Agriculture, Basic Education, Employment and Labour, Health, Home Affairs, Treasury, Tourism, Public Works and Infrastructure, Communication and Digital Technologies, Electricity and Energy, and several provincial governments.
What Is Circular 18 of 2026?
Circular 18 of 2026 is the latest Public Service Vacancy Circular issued by the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) on 29 May 2026. The circular contains advertised vacant positions from national government departments and provincial administrations.
According to the circular, government vacancies are published weekly throughout the year, except during December, providing regular opportunities for qualified candidates seeking careers in public service.
Applicants can access the full document through the official DPSA website:
The full document for this release is available here: Circular 18 of 2026 full document.
The official vacancy page also includes a dedicated WhatsApp channel for updates and vacancy alerts:DPSA Vacancy Circular WhatsApp Channel.
Posting Date and Important Information
Publication: Circular 18 of 2026
Posting Date: 29 May 2026
Closing Dates: Most advertised positions close on 12 June 2026, although applicants should verify each vacancy individually before applying.
The circular emphasizes that applicants must submit applications directly to the department advertising the vacancy and not to DPSA itself.
Departments Advertising Vacancies in Circular 18 of 2026
The circular contains vacancies from a wide range of national departments. These include:
Featured Government Vacancies in Circular 18 of 2026
Several high-level and specialized positions appear in this publication.
Department of Basic Education
The Department of Basic Education has advertised multiple vacancies, including:
Chief Director: Partnerships in Education
- Salary: R1 494 900 per annum
- Location: Pretoria
- Reference: DBE/28/2026
The role focuses on strategic leadership in social cohesion, school sport, arts and culture, and safety in education.
Deputy Director: National School Nutrition Programme
- Salary: R1 101 468 per annum
- Location: Pretoria
- Reference: DBE/29/2026
This position oversees monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and support functions within the National School Nutrition Programme.
Deputy Director: Media Liaison and Intergovernmental Relations
- Salary: R932 292 per annum
- Location: Pretoria
- Reference: DBE/31/2026
The successful candidate will coordinate communication strategies, stakeholder engagement, media relations, and community liaison activities.
Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture is recruiting for several technical positions.
Scientific Technician Production Grade A
- Salary: R407 337 per annum
- Location: Pretoria (Roodeplaat Genebank)
- Reference: 3/3/1/37/2026
The role supports plant genetic resource conservation, seed storage, research activities, and biodiversity management.
Agricultural Product Technician
- Salary: R413 001 per annum
- Location: Pretoria
- Reference: 3/3/1/38/2026
The position involves regulatory oversight, animal breeding standards, livestock genetics, import and export controls, and compliance with the Animal Improvement Act.
Department of Communications and Digital Technologies
Technology professionals can find several attractive opportunities.
Deputy Director: ICT Data Governance, Risk and Compliance
- Salary: R1 101 468 per annum
- Location: Pretoria, Hatfield
The department seeks specialists with experience in ICT governance, digital transformation, cybersecurity, compliance, data management, and interoperability frameworks.
Assistant Director: Facilities Management
- Salary: R487 197 per annum
- Location: Pretoria, Hatfield
Responsibilities include workplace safety, facilities management, property management, and business continuity planning.
Assistant Director: Salaries and Payroll
- Salary: R487 197 per annum
- Location: Pretoria, Hatfield
This role focuses on payroll administration, PERSAL management, salary reconciliation, tax compliance, and financial reporting.
Department of Electricity and Energy
Inspector: Nuclear Enforcement & Compliance
- Salary: R932 292 per annum
- Location: Pretoria
- Reference: DEE2026/013
Applicants need expertise in nuclear engineering, chemistry, physics, or related disciplines, along with experience in nuclear regulation and compliance.
Personal Assistant: Internal Audit
- Salary: R338 106 per annum
- Location: Pretoria
- Reference: DEE2026/014
The role provides administrative and secretarial support within the Internal Audit division.
Department of Employment and Labour
The Department of Employment and Labour has one of the largest vacancy listings in the circular.
Highlighted opportunities include:
- Deputy Director: Work-Seeker Registration and Employer Services
- Deputy Director: Enterprise Risk Management
- Deputy Director: Information Security
- Employment Services Practitioner III
- Principal Inspector: Civil and Construction Engineering
- Assistant Director: Accounting
- Assistant Director: Compliance and Assurance Audit
- Assistant Director: Publications and Web Developer
- Senior Administration Officer: Secretariat Services
- Team Leader: Inspection and Enforcement Services
How to Apply for Circular 18 of 2026 Vacancies
Below are the steps you need to follow when applying for vacancies listed in Circular 18 of 2026.
Step 1: Obtain the New Z83 Form
Applicants must use the new Z83 application form effective from 01 January 2021. Older versions may result in disqualification.
Step 2: Prepare Your Curriculum Vitae
A detailed and updated CV must accompany the application. The CV should clearly outline qualifications, skills, employment history, and achievements.
Step 3: Quote the Correct Reference Number
Every application must include the vacancy reference number specified in the advertisement.
Step 4: Submit to the Correct Department
Applications should be submitted directly to the department advertising the vacancy using the provided email addresses, online systems, postal addresses, or hand-delivery options.
Step 5: Submit Before the Closing Date
Late applications are generally not considered. Ensure all required documents reach the relevant department before the advertised deadline.
Important Requirements for Applicants
The circular outlines several important conditions:
- Only shortlisted candidates will usually be asked for certified copies of qualifications.
- Foreign qualifications require SAQA evaluation.
- Successful candidates may undergo security vetting.
- Criminal record checks, citizenship verification, and employment verification may be conducted.
- Senior Management Service applicants must complete the SMS Pre-entry Programme (Nyukela).
The SMS programme can be accessed through:
👉 https://www.thensg.gov.za/training-course/sms-pre-entry-programme/
Why DPSA Vacancy Circulars Matter
DPSA vacancy circulars remain one of the most trusted recruitment platforms in South Africa’s public sector. They centralize opportunities from multiple government departments and help ensure transparent, fair, and accessible recruitment processes.
The positions advertised range from entry-level administrative roles to senior management, engineering, auditing, ICT, finance, education, and specialist technical positions.
For job seekers, checking the weekly circular is one of the most effective ways to stay informed about government employment opportunities across the country.
Conclusion
Circular 18 of 2026 provides a significant number of opportunities across South Africa’s national and provincial government departments. Whether you are seeking a professional, technical, administrative, financial, educational, or managerial role, this publication contains vacancies that could match your qualifications and career goals.
Before applying, carefully review the requirements, ensure you use the correct Z83 form, submit all required documents, and meet the specified closing dates.
