The Department of Employment and Labour has announced new government job vacancies for 2026, offering excellent career opportunities for qualified professionals and entry-level applicants across South Africa. These positions are available in areas including executive management, information technology, human resource management, legal services, labour inspections, administration, and client services.
As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, the Department is committed to promoting employment equity by encouraging applications from underrepresented groups, particularly women and persons with disabilities. If you are looking for a stable and rewarding career in the South African public service, these vacancies provide an excellent opportunity to join a department dedicated to improving labour market services, workplace compliance, and employment opportunities.
Why Work for the Department of Employment and Labour?
The Department of Employment and Labour plays a critical role in promoting fair labour practices, enforcing employment legislation, supporting job creation, and protecting workers’ rights throughout South Africa. Employees enjoy:
- Competitive government salary packages
- Career development opportunities
- Professional training and leadership development
- Opportunities to contribute to national employment and labour initiatives
- Stable public service employment with attractive benefits
Available Vacancies
| Position | Posts | Location | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executive Officer | 1 | Supported Employment Enterprise, Silverton | R1,554,696 per annum |
| Deputy Director: Information and Communication | 1 | Head Office, Pretoria | R932,292 per annum |
| Deputy Director: HRD and Performance Management (24 Months Contract) | 1 | Compensation Fund, Pretoria | R932,292 per annum |
| Assistant Director: Human Resource Development (24 Months Contract) | 1 | Compensation Fund, Pretoria | R487,197 per annum + 37% in lieu of benefits |
| Statutory Services Officer | 1 | Provincial Office, KwaZulu-Natal | R413,001 per annum |
| BCEA Inspector | 1 | Dundee Labour Centre | R280,278 per annum |
| Client Service Officer: IES | 2 | Ladysmith Labour Centre (1), Richards Bay Labour Centre (1) | R280,278 per annum |
| Personnel Officer | 1 | Provincial Office, KwaZulu-Natal | R237,453 per annum |
General Requirements
Requirements differ depending on the position, but applicants may need:
- Grade 12 (Matric) or relevant tertiary qualification
- Qualifications recognized by SAQA
- Relevant work experience where required
- Valid South African driver’s licence for applicable posts
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Computer literacy
- Knowledge of labour legislation and public service regulations
- Planning, analytical, leadership and administrative skills
Key Responsibilities
Successful candidates may be responsible for:
- Providing strategic leadership and operational management
- Managing ICT infrastructure and cybersecurity
- Coordinating human resource development and performance management
- Implementing workplace skills development programmes
- Enforcing labour legislation through inspections and investigations
- Delivering employment and labour services to the public
- Managing recruitment, employee benefits and personnel administration
- Preparing reports and supporting departmental compliance initiatives
Important Application Information
Applicants should carefully follow the Department’s application requirements:
- Submit a completed and signed New Z83 Application Form.
- Attach only a comprehensive CV and the completed Z83 form combined into one PDF document for online applications.
- ZIP, IMG and JPEG attachments will not be accepted.
- Use the correct reference number and job title in the email subject line.
- Submit a separate application for each advertised post.
- Certified copies of qualifications and supporting documents will only be requested from shortlisted candidates.
- Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA if shortlisted.
- Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Shortlisted candidates may undergo:
- Technical assessments
- Integrity assessments
- Psychometric assessments (for SMS positions)
- Criminal record verification
- Qualification verification
- Employment verification
- Credit checks where applicable
Applicants for Senior Management Service (SMS) posts must complete or register for the Nyukela Pre-entry Programme offered by the National School of Government before appointment.
How to Apply
Applications may be submitted by:
- Email (using the email address specified for each vacancy)
- Registered post
- Hand delivery to the relevant office listed in the advertisement
Applicants must ensure they use the correct application method and reference number for the specific position they are applying for.
Closing Date
Closing Date: 17 August 2026
- Walk-in applications: 16:00
- Online applications: 23:59
