The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has officially announced multiple exciting job opportunities for 2026, offering positions across management, engineering, scientific, finance, human resources, and supply chain disciplines. This is an excellent chance for qualified professionals seeking to build a rewarding career within South Africa’s public sector. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications online before the closing date.
Application Details
Applications: Interested applicants must apply online via the official DWS recruitment portal: https://erecruitment.dws.gov.za
Closing Date: 13 May 2026
Applicants are advised that supporting documents such as qualifications, identity documents, and driver’s licenses should not be submitted during the initial application stage. These documents will only be required from shortlisted candidates during interviews, in line with DPSA Circular 19 of 2022.
Important Notes for Applicants
The department has emphasized strict compliance with application requirements:
- Late applications will not be accepted.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- Shortlisted candidates will undergo:
- SAQA verification
- reference checks
- criminal and credit checks
- practical and integrity assessments
- SMS candidates must complete a pre-entry certificate from the National School of Government.
- Foreign qualifications require a SAQA evaluation certificate.
- Women and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Preference will be given according to Employment Equity (EE) targets.
If you do not receive feedback within three months, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Available Vacancies
Management Echelon Posts
1. Director: Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement
Ref No: LOCMA 09
Location: Polokwane
Salary: R1 266 714 per annum
This role focuses on strategic leadership in compliance monitoring and enforcement of water use licenses within the Limpopo-Olifants Catchment Management Agency.
2. Director: Water Use Authorisation
Ref No: LOCMA 10
Location: Polokwane
Salary: R1 266 714 per annum
The successful candidate will lead water use authorization processes, license administration, and registration management systems.
Other Senior Posts
3. Deputy Director: Drinking Water Regulation
Ref No: 130526/01
Location: Mbombela
Salary: R1 101 468 per annum
This position oversees drinking water quality compliance, provincial reporting, and service delivery performance monitoring.
4. Deputy Director: Human Resources Administration
Ref No: LOCMA 11
Location: Polokwane
Salary: R932 292 per annum
Responsible for HR administration, recruitment, PERSAL systems, training coordination, and performance management.
5. Deputy Director: Financial Management
Ref No: LOCMA 12
Location: Polokwane
Salary: R932 292 per annum
This finance leadership role includes budgeting, bookkeeping, payroll management, expenditure control, and financial reporting.
6. Deputy Director: Revenue Management
Ref No: LOCMA 13
Location: Polokwane
Salary: R932 292 per annum
Focused on billing systems, debt management, revenue collection, financial reporting, and stakeholder coordination.
Technical and Professional Posts
7. Engineer Production (Grade A–C)
Ref No: 130526/02
Location: Cradock
Salary: R914 517 – R1 376 199 per annum
A strong opportunity for registered civil engineers with experience in water services infrastructure development.
8. Scientist Production (Grade A–C)
Ref No: 130526/03
Location: Pretoria Head Office
Salary: R791 604 – R1 189 767 per annum
Ideal for professional scientists specializing in microbiology, chemistry, geohydrology, or industrial compliance monitoring.
Assistant Director Posts
9. Assistant Director: Management Accounting
Ref No: LOCMA 14
Location: Polokwane
Salary: R487 197 per annum
10. Assistant Director: Revenue Management (x2 Posts)
Ref No: LOCMA 15
Location: Polokwane
Salary: R487 197 per annum
Number of posts: 2
11. Assistant Director: Supply Chain Management
Ref No: LOCMA 16
Location: Polokwane
Salary: R487 197 per annum
This role requires strong expertise in procurement, logistics, demand management, SAP, and SCM regulations.
Engineering Support Post
12. Engineering Technician: Production (Grade A–C)
Ref No: 130526/04
Location: Bloemfontein
Salary: R407 337 – R610 131 per annum
This post supports infrastructure development and refurbishment programmes in the Free State region. This DWS recruitment drive presents excellent opportunities for professionals in water management, engineering, science, finance, HR, and public administration. Interested candidates should ensure that their applications are submitted before 13 May 2026.
