The Department of Defence (DOD) has officially announced a wide range of employment opportunities for the 2026 recruitment cycle, inviting qualified and interested candidates to apply before the closing date of 05 May 2026 at 16:00. These vacancies form part of the department’s continued commitment to strengthening service delivery while promoting fairness, diversity, and equal opportunity in public service employment.
In line with its Employment Equity Plan, the Department has emphasized its intention to promote equity in race, gender, and disability representation through the filling of these posts. Appointments, promotions, and transfers will be made in a manner that supports the department’s numerical representivity targets.
Important Application Notice
Applicants are advised that all applications must be submitted using the prescribed Z83 form, effective from 01 January 2021. The form can be obtained from any Public Service Department office or through the DPSA website.
Key application requirements include:
- A fully completed, originally signed, and dated Z83 form
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Separate applications for each post
- No faxed or photocopied applications will be accepted
- Late applications will not be considered
Only shortlisted candidates will be requested to submit certified copies of qualifications and supporting documents, which must not be older than six months. Successful applicants will undergo:
- Criminal record checks
- Citizenship verification
- Qualification verification
- Employment verification
- Financial/asset checks
- Security clearance
- Pre-entry assessments where applicable
- A 12-month probation period
Applicants who do not receive feedback within three months after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Available Posts and Positions
The Department of Defence has advertised vacancies across several Air Force Bases and Defence facilities in South Africa.
Senior and Administrative Positions
| Post | Number of Positions |
|---|---|
| Personnel Official: Supervisor | 1 |
| Registry Clerk Production | 2 |
| Secretary | 3 |
| Secretary | 1 |
| Provisioning Admin Clerk | 1 |
| Provisioning Admin Clerk | 1 |
| Registry Clerk Production | 1 |
| Administration Clerk: Production | 1 |
Operational and Support Positions
| Post | Number of Positions |
|---|---|
| Driver Operator | 3 |
| Food Service Aid | 6 |
| Store Assistant | 2 |
| Groundsman | 6 |
| Household Aid | 4 |
| Groundsman | 3 |
| Cleaner | 2 |
Highlights of Key Positions
Personnel Official: Supervisor
This position is based at AFB Langebaanweg with a salary range of R338,106 – R398,277 per annum. Candidates must have Grade 12 plus at least three years’ experience in Human Resource Management.
Registry Clerk Production
Available at the SA Air Force College, Pretoria, this post requires Grade 12 and no prior experience, making it ideal for entry-level applicants with strong administrative skills.
Secretary Positions
A total of four secretary posts are available across AFB Waterkloof and AFB Durban. Duties include diary management, preparing reports, arranging meetings, taking minutes, and providing office support services.
Driver Operator
Three vacancies are available at AFB Waterkloof. Applicants must possess a valid Code C1 driver’s license and at least three years of driving experience.
Entry-Level Support Jobs
The Department has also opened several entry-level support roles, including:
- Food Service Aids
- Store Assistants
- Groundsmen
- Household Aids
- Cleaners
These roles require a minimum ABET qualification and are excellent opportunities for candidates seeking to enter government employment. This includes all advertised vacancies from Post 13/45 to Post 13/59. These vacancies present a significant opportunity for qualified individuals seeking to build a career within the Department of Defence and contribute to public service in South Africa. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.