The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has announced new employment opportunities for qualified professionals seeking to build a career in the South African Public Service. These vacancies are based in Pretoria and include senior management as well as contract positions within the department.
As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, the Department of Basic Education is committed to promoting employment equity. Women, persons with disabilities, and applicants from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
Available Positions
| Position | Posts |
|---|---|
| Chief Director: Media Liaison and National and Provincial Communication | 1 |
| Chief Director: Legal and Legislative Services | 1 |
| Deputy Director (Contract – Option to Renew) | 3 |
1. Chief Director: Media Liaison and National and Provincial Communication
Reference Number: DBE/59/2026
Location: Pretoria
Salary: R1 554 696 per annum (All-inclusive remuneration package)
Key Requirements
- NQF Level 7 qualification in Communication, Marketing, Public Relations or a related field recognized by SAQA.
- NQF Level 8 qualification will be an added advantage.
- At least 10 years’ relevant experience, including 5 years at senior management level.
- Extensive experience in:
- Strategic communication
- Media liaison
- Public relations
- Marketing campaigns
- Internal communications
- Content development
- Experience within the public sector or education environment will be advantageous.
- Strong leadership, communication, financial management and stakeholder management skills.
- Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel extensively.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead communication strategies for the Minister and the Department.
- Manage national communication campaigns.
- Coordinate media relations and press conferences.
- Respond to media enquiries and urgent communication matters.
- Oversee strategic content development and stakeholder communication.
- Build and protect the Department’s public image.
- Support communication initiatives across Provincial Education Departments.
- Manage financial, human resource and administrative functions of the Chief Directorate.
2. Chief Director: Legal and Legislative Services
Reference Number: DBE/60/2026
Location: Pretoria
Salary: R1 554 696 per annum (Inclusive salary package)
Key Requirements
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent legal qualification (NQF Level 7).
- Admission as an Attorney or Advocate in South Africa.
- Good standing with the relevant legal professional body.
- Minimum 10 years post-qualification legal experience, including 5 years at senior management level.
- Demonstrated expertise in:
- Constitutional law
- Administrative law
- Education law
- Legislative drafting
- Public sector litigation
- Legal advisory services
- Strong leadership, policy development and strategic management skills.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the Chief Directorate: Legal and Legislative Services.
- Provide legal advice to the Minister and Director-General.
- Manage litigation involving the Department.
- Draft and review legislation, regulations and legal policies.
- Coordinate the Department’s legislative programme.
- Provide legal support to Provincial Education Departments.
- Manage legal risks, compliance and governance.
- Oversee financial, operational and human resource management.
3. Deputy Director (X3 Contract Posts)
Reference Number: DBE/50/2026
Location: Pretoria
Salary: R1 101 468 per annum
Key Requirements
- Appropriate three-year post-matric qualification (NQF Level 6) recognized by SAQA.
- Minimum 4 years’ experience at Assistant Director level or equivalent within the education sector.
- Sound knowledge of education policies and legislation.
- Strong competency in Sepedi, Setswana or isiZulu.
- Experience in research methodologies and project management.
- Excellent analytical, presentation and report-writing skills.
- Computer literacy in Microsoft Office.
- Valid driver’s licence.
- Willingness to travel extensively and work under pressure.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate school and district evaluations.
- Conduct research and educational evaluations.
- Collect, analyse and interpret qualitative and quantitative data.
- Observe classroom teaching using approved evaluation tools.
- Prepare evaluation reports with recommendations.
- Analyse education trends and identify improvement areas.
- Verify school self-evaluations.
- Present research findings to stakeholders.
- Support continuous improvement in the basic education sector.
General Application Information
- Employer: Department of Basic Education (DBE)
- Location: Pretoria, South Africa
- Closing Date: 17 August 2026
Applications
Applications may be submitted through any of the following methods:
- Post: Private Bag X895, Pretoria, 0001
- Hand Delivery: Department of Basic Education, 222 Struben Street, Pretoria
- Email:
Applicants should also visit the Department of Basic Education website for additional information and updates.
Important Application Requirements
Applicants must:
- Submit the latest approved Z83 Application Form.
- Complete the Z83 form fully and sign page two.
- Clearly indicate the post title and reference number.
- Submit only:
- Completed Z83 form
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copies of qualifications and supporting documents will only be requested from shortlisted candidates.
- Successful candidates will undergo:
- Criminal record checks
- Citizenship verification
- Qualification verification
- Employment verification
- Financial and asset record checks
- Social media screening
- Senior Management Service (SMS) applicants must possess the Nyukela Pre-entry Certificate.
- Shortlisted candidates will complete technical assessments, integrity assessments and interviews before appointment.
Why Join the Department of Basic Education?
Working for the Department of Basic Education offers an opportunity to contribute to improving South Africa’s education system. Employees benefit from competitive government remuneration packages, professional development opportunities, and the chance to influence national education policies and programmes that impact millions of learners across the country.
Conclusion
If you have the required qualifications and experience, these Department of Basic Education vacancies provide an excellent opportunity to advance your career within the South African public service. Interested candidates should ensure that all application requirements are met and submit their applications before the 17 August 2026 closing date.
