The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is inviting suitably qualified candidates to apply for a General Worker vacancy in Mthatha, Eastern Cape. The position offers a salary of R144,024 per annum and requires an ABET qualification.
The vacancy is located within the Department’s Infrastructure Management: Southern Operations branch and the Directorate: Operations Southern. The successful candidate will be responsible for general maintenance, cleaning, groundskeeping and other manual duties around departmental infrastructure. Applications must be submitted online before the closing date of 24 August 2026.
Department of Water and Sanitation General Worker Vacancy Details
| Vacancy Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | General Worker |
| Department | Department of Water and Sanitation |
| Reference Number | 240826/09 |
| Branch | Infrastructure Management: Southern Operations |
| Directorate | Operations Southern |
| Location | Mthatha, Eastern Cape |
| Salary | R144,024 per annum |
| Salary Level | Level 02 |
| Minimum Qualification | ABET |
| Closing Date | 24 August 2026 |
| Application Method | Online |
| Enquiries | Mr M. Boyce – 083 412 1966 |
Minimum Requirements
Applicants interested in this General Worker position must have an ABET qualification. Previous experience in manual work will be an added advantage, but it is not listed as a compulsory minimum requirement. Candidates should also have a basic understanding of:
- General manual work and the use of equipment and appliances.
- The handling, mixing and dilution of chemical products.
- Basic maintenance procedures for machinery and equipment.
- Water utilisation and water resource strategies.
- Occupational health and safety procedures.
- Garden and grounds maintenance.
- Relevant Government legislation.
Applicants should have good communication skills and be able to work effectively with other employees. The Department is also looking for individuals who are punctual, productive, reliable and loyal.
Ability to Work Near Water
The General Worker position is connected to water infrastructure operations. Candidates must therefore be comfortable working in or near rivers, dams and canals. This is a physically demanding role that may require employees to spend considerable time outdoors and perform manual duties in different weather conditions. Applicants should carefully consider the physical requirements and working environment before applying.
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will provide general maintenance and operational support at Department of Water and Sanitation facilities.
Responsibilities may include:
- Cleaning and maintaining grounds and canal areas.
- Assisting with repairs to tools and structures.
- Maintaining buildings, fences, canals and benches.
- Operating hand and power tools where necessary.
- Mixing, spraying and spreading fertilisers.
- Operating manual or automatic sprayers and spreaders.
- Maintaining sidewalks and driveways.
- Cleaning and maintaining parking areas.
- Maintaining planters and other ground features.
- Caring for gardens and landscaped areas.
- Maintaining grass, plants and trees.
- Raking and mulching leaves.
- Irrigating lawns, gardens and plants.
- Sweeping walkways and surrounding areas.
- Cleaning departmental buildings.
- Sweeping and washing floors.
The successful applicant will help ensure that departmental facilities, grounds and surrounding infrastructure are kept clean, safe and properly maintained.
Who Can Apply?
This vacancy may be suitable for job seekers who:
- Have an ABET qualification.
- Are interested in entry-level Government employment.
- Are physically fit enough to perform manual duties.
- Are comfortable working outdoors.
- Can work in or near rivers, dams and canals.
- Have a basic understanding of workplace health and safety.
- Can operate basic tools and equipment.
- Can work effectively as part of a team.
- Are reliable and punctual.
Candidates with previous manual work experience may have an advantage because such experience is listed as an added advantage.
Preference for Candidates from the Local Area
The Department has indicated that preference will be given to candidates from the geographical area. Job seekers who live in Mthatha and surrounding areas are therefore encouraged to apply if they meet the stated requirements.
How to Apply
Applications for the Department of Water and Sanitation General Worker vacancy must be submitted online through the Department’s e-Recruitment system. Applicants should select the correct vacancy and use the following reference number: Reference Number: 240826/09
Applicants should carefully complete all required sections of the online application and check that their personal and qualification details are accurate before submitting. It is advisable to apply well before the deadline to avoid possible technical problems or heavy traffic on the recruitment website.
Closing Date
The closing date for applications is: 24 August 2026, Applications submitted after the closing date may not be considered.
Enquiries
For enquiries relating to this vacancy, applicants can contact:
Mr M. Boyce
Cell: 083 412 1966
The contact number should be used for vacancy-related enquiries. Actual applications must be submitted through the Department’s official online recruitment system.
Why Apply for This General Worker Vacancy?
The Department of Water and Sanitation General Worker opportunity is particularly relevant to job seekers who have an ABET qualification but do not hold an advanced tertiary qualification.
The successful candidate will contribute to the maintenance of important water infrastructure while gaining practical experience in areas such as grounds maintenance, cleaning, basic repairs and general operational support. If you meet the requirements and are based in or around Mthatha, Eastern Cape, make sure your application is submitted before 24 August 2026.
