Circular 11 of 2026: Your Guide to Public Service Vacancies

If you are looking for stable, impactful careers in the South African public service, Circular 11 of 2026 is packed with fresh opportunities. Issued on 27 March 2026 by the Department of Public Service and Administration, this weekly publication lists hundreds of vacant posts across national departments and provincial administrations. Whether you aim for senior management roles or specialised positions, this edition provides clear pathways to contribute to national priorities like food security, education, and safety.

Directions to Candidates and How to Apply

Applications must be submitted on the new Z83 form, which has been effective since 01 January 2021. Include full particulars of your training, qualifications, competencies, knowledge, and experience—attach a detailed Curriculum Vitae if needed. Always indicate the exact reference number of the vacancy.

Prospective applicants should forward completed forms and CVs (PDF, maximum 10MB) via email or hand delivery to the relevant department. Late applications due to server delays will not be considered. Shortlisted candidates must provide certified copies of identity documents, qualifications, and service certificates before interviews, along with SAQA evaluation reports for foreign qualifications.

Here are the steps to help you apply successfully for positions in Circular 11 of 2026:

1. Complete the Z83 form in full and attach your CV.
2. Clearly state the reference number of the advertised post.
3. Direct all enquiries about the post to the advertising department only.
4. Ensure your application reaches the department on or before the closing date—most in this circular close on 14 April 2026 at 16:00.

All shortlisted candidates undergo personnel suitability checks, security vetting, and reference checks, including social media profiles. Successful applicants must sign an employment contract, annual performance agreement, and disclose financial interests.

Key Amendments in Circular 11 of 2026

Two important updates appear in this edition. The Department of Defence has withdrawn two Registry Clerk: Production posts (reference SAAFCOIL/02/08/26/02) originally advertised in Circular 09 of 2026. The National School of Government has extended the closing date for the Principal (Director-General) post (reference NSG 10/2025) to 17 April 2026. Applicants can also use the dedicated link to apply for this five-year contract position. Enquiries go to Ms Letty Raseroka at (012) 441 6626.

SMS Pre-Entry Certificate Requirement

To access senior management service (SMS) positions, you must complete the SMS pre-entry certificate course. For course details and enrolment, access the SMS pre-entry programme offered by the National School of Government. For more information regarding the course please visit the NSG website.

Full Document: Circular 11 (click here to view the full document)

National Departments with Vacancies

Circular 11 of 2026 features openings in the following national departments (annexure and page ranges provided for easy reference):

• Agriculture (A, pages 03–17)
• Basic Education (B, pages 18–19)
• Civilian Secretariat for Police Services (C, pages 20–24)
• Employment and Labour (D, pages 25–31)
• Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (E, pages 32–36)
• Health (F, pages 37–39)
• Home Affairs (G, pages 40–60)
• Independent Police Investigative Directorate (H, pages 61–62)
• Justice and Constitutional Directorate (I, pages 63–70)
• Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (J, pages 71–72)
• National Prosecuting Authority (K, pages 73–85)
• Office of the Chief Justice (L, pages 86–92)
• Social Development (M, pages 93–95)
• Sports, Arts and Culture (N, pages 96–98)
• Trade, Industry and Competition (O, pages 99–110)
• Transport (P, pages 111–112)
• Treasury (Q, pages 113–115)
• Water and Sanitation (R, pages 116–135)

Highlight: Strong Opportunities in the Department of Agriculture The Department of Agriculture leads with senior management roles closing on 14 April 2026 at 16:00. Standout positions include:

• Deputy Director-General: Food Security and Agrarian Reform (REF NO: 3/3/1/66/2025, Level 15, R1 813 182 per annum) in Pretoria.
• Chief Director: Natural Resources and Disaster Management (REF NO: 3/3/1/78/2025, Level 14).
• Chief Director: Cooperatives Development (REF NO: 3/3/1/67/2025).
• Chief Director: Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (REF NO: 3/3/1/68/2025).
• Chief Director: International Relations and Trade (REF NO: 3/3/1/69/2025).
• Director: International Trade Promotions (REF NO: 3/3/1/70/2025).

Each role requires successful completion of the SMS pre-entry certificate, relevant qualifications (NQF 7 or 8), and extensive senior managerial experience. Duties focus on strategic leadership, policy development, stakeholder coordination, and delivering on government priorities such as sustainable food security and land reform.

Provincial Administrations Open for Applications

Provincial opportunities appear under the following administrations:

• Free State (S, pages 136–144)
• Gauteng (T, pages 145–146)
• KwaZulu Natal (U, pages 147–157)
• Mpumalanga (V, pages 158–163)
• Northern Cape (W, pages 164–166)
• Western Cape (X, pages 167–247)

Additional Departments and Services Covered

The Civilian Secretariat for Police Service lists contract and permanent posts including Deputy Director: Policy Development, Assistant Director roles in police performance and financial accounting, Senior Practitioner: Organisational Development, ICT Support Technician, and Driver/Messenger. All applications must reach the department by 14 April 2026.

Why Circular 11 of 2026 Matters

This circular promotes representativeness and affirmative action in line with the Employment Equity Act. It brings together critical vacancies that support national priorities—from food security and agrarian reform to education human resource management and police performance monitoring.

Full Document: Circular 11 (click here to view the full document). Directions: Click on the name of the department or administration to view vacancies in that particular section. You can also join the WhatsApp Channel: DPSA Vacancy Circular for real-time updates.

Don’t miss these time-sensitive opportunities. Review the full details in Circular 11 of 2026, prepare your Z83 and CV, and submit before the deadlines. Which department or role interests you most? Share your thoughts in the comments and start your application journey today—the public service needs dedicated professionals like you!