Department of Public Service and Administration Vacancies 2026: Circular 28 PDF Download

Posted Date: 10 August 2026

Updated Date: 10 August 2026

The Department of Public Service and Administration has advertised three senior management vacancies in the latest Public Service Vacancy Circular 28 of 2026.

The official DPSA website shows Circular 28 of 2026 was posted on 7 August 2026 and lists the Department of Public Service and Administration among the participating national departments.

The vacancies covered in the supplied advertisement are all based in Pretoria and fall under the Management Echelon. The advertised positions are Director: Legislation, Director: General Benefits and Director: Performance Management.

About DPSACircular.co.za

DPSACircular.co.za is an independent South African job information website. We publish vacancy information, explain government job requirements in plain language and help applicants understand application procedures before applying.

DPSACircular.co.za is not the official DPSA website. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the Department of Public Service and Administration, the South African Government or any government department.

We publish this guide to make the advertised DPSA vacancies easier to understand. Applicants should use the official government information and application instructions when submitting an application.

Download the DPSA Vacancies 28 of 2026 PDF

The official DPSA website identifies Circular 28 of 2026 as the relevant public service vacancy circular and records its posting date as 7 August 2026.

Download and review the full vacancy advertisement before applying.

[DOWNLOAD DPSA CIRCULAR 28 OF 2026 PDF]

For the official government vacancy circular page:

Official DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular page

Applicants should compare the information in this guide with the official advertisement before submitting an application.

DPSA Vacancy Summary

Vacancy	Reference	Salary	Level	Centre	Closing Date
Director: Legislation	DPSA 20/2026	R1,317,384 per year	Level 13	Pretoria	25 August 2026
Director: General Benefits	DPSA 21/2026	R1,317,384 per year	Level 13	Pretoria	25 August 2026
Director: Performance Management	DPSA 22/2026	R1,317,384 per year	Level 13	Pretoria	25 August 2026

The advertisement states that annual progression up to R1,551,807 is possible, subject to satisfactory performance. The remuneration package includes basic salary, the state’s contribution to the Government Employees Pension Fund and a flexible portion that may be structured according to personal needs within the applicable framework.

Table of Contents

1. About DPSA
2. DPSA vacancies available
3. Director: Legislation
4. Director: General Benefits
5. Director: Performance Management
6. Who each position suits
7. Minimum requirements explained
8. Duties and responsibilities
9. Salary and benefits
10. Work locations
11. Required documents
12. How to apply
13. Z83 application tips
14. Common application mistakes
15. Selection process
16. Career growth opportunities
17. Interview preparation
18. Official PDF and application information
19. Related government vacancies
20. Frequently asked questions
21. About the Author
22. Disclaimer

About the Department of Public Service and Administration

The Department of Public Service and Administration, commonly called DPSA, is responsible for establishing norms and standards relating to the functioning and administration of the public service.

The department’s official mandate covers areas such as public service organisational structures, labour relations, conditions of service, human resource management, information management, electronic government, integrity, ethics, transformation and improvements in public service effectiveness.

The department states its vision as a professional, productive and responsive public service and administration. Its mandate derives from the Constitution, the Public Service Act and the Public Administration Management Act.

For applicants, this means DPSA positions often suit professionals with experience in public administration, policy, human resources, legislation, performance management, governance and senior management.

DPSA Vacancies Available in Circular 28 of 2026

The supplied advertisement contains three positions.

1. Director: Legislation

Reference Number: DPSA 20/2026

Post Number: 28/58

Salary: R1,317,384 per annum

Salary Level: 13

Centre: Pretoria

Closing Date: 25 August 2026

Application Email: Advert202026@dpsa.gov.za

The position requires a minimum qualification at NQF Level 7 in Law, an LLB or B Proc qualification.

Applicants must have at least five years of experience at middle or senior managerial level and at least eight years of experience in legislative drafting. Admission as an Attorney or Advocate is also required.

The successful applicant needs knowledge of the Constitution, South African legislative drafting conventions, public administration and related legislation. The advertisement also highlights strategic thinking, leadership, analytical ability, stakeholder management, communication, financial management, human resource management, research, change management and project management skills.

Duties and responsibilities

The Director: Legislation will manage the drafting of Public Administration legislation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing the drafting of Public Administration legislation.
• Reviewing legislation administered by the Minister for the Public Service and Administration.
• Providing legal advice relating to public administration legislation.
• Managing directorate operations, systems and processes.
• Attending departmental management structures and meetings.
• Participating in interdepartmental and intradepartmental committees, tasks and project teams.

Enquiries: Adv. Mmasetshaba Matlou, 012 336 1638.

Applications: Advert202026@dpsa.gov.za.

Who should apply for Director: Legislation?

This position suits a senior legal professional with strong legislative drafting experience and management experience.

You should consider this vacancy if your background includes:

• Legislative drafting.
• Public administration law.
• Government legislation.
• Legal advisory work.
• Policy and regulatory development.
• Senior or middle management.
• Strategic leadership.

Applicants without the required legal qualification, admission as an Attorney or Advocate, managerial experience and legislative drafting experience should not apply for this particular position.

2. Director: General Benefits

Reference Number: DPSA 21/2026

Post Number: 28/59

Salary: R1,317,384 per annum

Salary Level: 13

Centre: Pretoria

Closing Date: 25 August 2026

Application Email: Advert212026@dpsa.gov.za

The vacancy requires an appropriate Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management and Development or an equivalent NQF Level 7 qualification.

Applicants need at least five years of middle or senior managerial experience and at least ten years of appropriate experience in a Conditions of Service environment.

The advertisement highlights knowledge of employment legislation, the Public Service legislative and policy framework, government programmes, remuneration and general benefits, human resource management, public policy development and implementation.

Duties and responsibilities

The Director: General Benefits will manage the development of prescripts relating to general benefits.

The listed areas include:

• Leave of absence.
• Working time.
• PILIR.
• Standby allowance.
• Danger allowances.
• Sessional assistance.
• Foreign Service Dispensation.
• Allowances for personnel serving executive authorities.
• Allowances for secretaries to heads of department.
• Night shift allowance.
• Other general benefit matters.

The role also involves implementation support, monitoring compliance and managing the directorate’s operations, systems and processes.

Enquiries: Mr. Samson Radebe, 012 336 1569.

Applications: Advert212026@dpsa.gov.za.

Who should apply for Director: General Benefits?

This position suits senior human resources and conditions-of-service professionals.

Your background should align with:

• Human resource management.
• Conditions of service.
• Public service employment practices.
• Remuneration and employee benefits.
• Policy development.
• HR management.
• Senior or middle management.
• Public sector administration.

Applicants without the required NQF Level 7 qualification, management experience and relevant Conditions of Service experience should focus on vacancies with requirements closer to their experience.

3. Director: Performance Management

Reference Number: DPSA 22/2026

Post Number: 28/60

Salary: R1,317,384 per annum

Salary Level: 13

Centre: Pretoria

Closing Date: 25 August 2026

Application Email: Advert222026@dpsa.gov.za

The position requires a minimum NQF Level 7 qualification in Human Resources Management, Public Management, Public Administration, Industrial Psychology or a related field.

Applicants need at least five years of middle or senior managerial experience and at least eight years of experience in a performance management environment.

The advertisement also requires knowledge of the Constitution, government legislation, the Public Service legislative and policy framework, government programmes and the National Development Plan.

Duties and responsibilities

The Director: Performance Management will manage the development of prescripts for performance management.

The duties include:

• Developing and reviewing policies, norms, standards, directives, circulars, frameworks and guidelines.
• Ensuring alignment with departmental standards.
• Submitting prescripts for approval by the relevant authority.
• Providing implementation support to departments.
• Monitoring implementation and compliance.
• Managing directorate operations, systems and processes.

Enquiries: Ms. Mpho Ntuli, 012 336 1051.

Applications: Advert222026@dpsa.gov.za.

Who should apply for Director: Performance Management?

This vacancy suits senior professionals working in:

• Performance management.
• Human resource management.
• Public administration.
• Public management.
• Industrial psychology.
• Monitoring and evaluation.
• Policy development.
• Senior management.

Your experience should show direct involvement in performance management and policy or framework development.

Minimum Requirements Explained

The three positions are senior management positions. They are not entry-level government jobs.

NQF Level 7

An NQF Level 7 qualification generally refers to an undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification at the required level.

The specific qualification field matters. Holding an unrelated qualification does not automatically satisfy a vacancy requirement.

Middle or senior managerial experience

Applicants need management experience at the level specified in the advertisement.

For the Director: Legislation and Director: Performance Management posts, the advertisement requires at least five years at middle or senior managerial level. The General Benefits position also requires five years at middle or senior managerial level.

Relevant professional experience

Meeting the qualification requirement alone is insufficient.

Each vacancy specifies a separate experience requirement:

• Legislation: at least eight years in legislative drafting.
• General Benefits: at least ten years in a Conditions of Service environment.
• Performance Management: at least eight years in a performance management environment.

Salary and Benefits

All three positions carry a salary of R1,317,384 per year at Level 13.

The advertisement states that annual progression up to R1,551,807 is possible, subject to satisfactory performance.

The all-inclusive remuneration package consists of a basic salary, the state’s contribution to the Government Employees Pension Fund and a flexible portion that may be structured according to personal needs within the applicable framework.

The salary should therefore be considered as a total remuneration package rather than a simple basic monthly salary.

Work Location

All three advertised vacancies are based in Pretoria.

Applicants should consider the work location before applying because the advertisement identifies Pretoria as the centre for each post.

Required Documents

The advertisement states that applications must consist of:

• A fully completed and signed new Z83 application form.
• A recent comprehensive CV.
• Contactable referees, including telephone numbers and email addresses.

Applicants are not required to submit copies of qualifications and other relevant documents with the initial application.

Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified documents.

Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by an evaluation certificate from the South African Qualifications Authority.

Non-South African citizens must attach proof of permanent residence in South Africa on or before the interview.

How to Apply for DPSA Vacancies

Follow these steps carefully.

Step 1: Download the new Z83

Use the current Z83 application form.

The DPSA states that the new Z83 has been effective since 1 January 2021. Applications submitted using the incorrect employment application form will not be considered.

Step 2: Select the correct vacancy

Choose the position that matches your qualifications and experience.

Do not apply for a senior position solely because the salary is attractive.

Step 3: Enter the correct reference number

Use the exact reference number for the position.

For the three posts in this advertisement:

Director: Legislation: DPSA 20/2026

Director: General Benefits: DPSA 21/2026

Director: Performance Management: DPSA 22/2026

Step 4: Prepare your CV

Your CV should clearly show:

• Qualifications.
• Employment history.
• Management experience.
• Relevant technical experience.
• Major responsibilities.
• Relevant achievements.
• Contactable referees.

Make your experience easy for a selection panel to verify.

Step 5: Check the Z83

Ensure your Z83 is complete, signed and accurate.

Check names, contact details, qualifications, employment history and vacancy reference number before submission.

Step 6: Submit to the correct email

Director: Legislation:

Advert202026@dpsa.gov.za

Director: General Benefits:

Advert212026@dpsa.gov.za

Director: Performance Management:

Advert222026@dpsa.gov.za

Use the email address specified for the vacancy you are applying for.

Step 7: Submit before 25 August 2026

The closing date stated in the advertisement is 25 August 2026.

Do not wait until the final day if your application is ready earlier.

Z83 Application Tips

A strong Z83 application starts with accuracy.

Before sending your application:

1. Use the new Z83.
2. Sign the form.
3. Enter the correct reference number.
4. Use the correct application email.
5. Attach a comprehensive CV.
6. Include contactable referees.
7. Check your qualification information.
8. Check your employment dates.
9. Explain relevant management experience clearly in your CV.
10. Match your experience to the duties in the advertisement.
11. Check the email attachment before sending.
12. Keep proof of submission.

The official DPSA vacancy guidance also states that applications must reach the relevant advertising department before the applicable closing date and that applicants should direct enquiries about a vacancy to the advertising department rather than DPSA.

Common Application Mistakes

Applicants often lose opportunities through application errors rather than a lack of experience.

Common problems include:

• Using an old Z83.
• Forgetting to sign the Z83.
• Using the wrong reference number.
• Sending the application to the wrong email address.
• Applying without the required qualification.
• Failing to demonstrate the required years of experience.
• Submitting a CV with unclear employment dates.
• Omitting contact details for referees.
• Sending an incomplete application.
• Missing the closing date.
• Applying for a position without checking the specific experience requirement.

For these DPSA positions, qualification and experience requirements deserve particular attention because all three posts require substantial managerial and specialised experience.

Why Applications Get Rejected

An application might fail during screening if the applicant does not meet the advertised minimum requirements.

Examples include:

• The qualification does not meet the required field or level.
• The applicant lacks the required management experience.
• The applicant lacks the required specialised experience.
• The wrong Z83 is used.
• The application is incomplete.
• The application arrives after the closing date.
• The reference number is missing or incorrect.
• The application goes to the wrong email address.
• Required information is missing from the CV.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee appointment.

Selection Process

The supplied advertisement states that shortlisted candidates for SMS posts will be subjected to a technical exercise and interview.

Following the technical exercise and interview, a maximum of three SMS candidates will undergo psychometric assessments covering cognitive capabilities, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence and integrity.

Candidates will also be subjected to personnel suitability checks covering criminal records, citizenship verification, financial records and qualification verification. Applicants could also be required to provide consent for access to social media accounts.

The department states that correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates.

If an applicant has not been contacted within three months of the closing date, the applicant should accept the application as unsuccessful.

SMS Pre-Entry Programme

The advertisement states that before appointment, a candidate must complete the Nyukela Programme, also known as the Pre-entry Certificate to Senior Management Services.

The programme is endorsed by DPSA and offered through the National School of Government.

The National School of Government states that the Certificate for entry into the SMS is designed for public servants and citizens who want to apply for Senior Management Service positions. The NSG page lists NQF Level 7 and five years of middle management experience as the minimum requirements for SMS Level 13 entry.

NSG SMS Pre-Entry Programme

Interview Preparation

Applicants shortlisted for these positions should prepare around the actual responsibilities of the vacancy.

For Director: Legislation, prepare examples involving:

• Legislative drafting.
• Legal advice.
• Policy or legislative review.
• Stakeholder management.
• Leadership.
• Managing complex projects.

For Director: General Benefits, prepare examples involving:

• Conditions of service.
• HR policy.
• Employee benefits.
• Policy implementation.
• Compliance monitoring.
• Stakeholder coordination.

For Director: Performance Management, prepare examples involving:

• Performance management.
• Policy development.
• Monitoring and evaluation.
• Implementation support.
• Compliance monitoring.
• Strategic leadership.

Use specific examples from your professional experience. Explain the situation, your responsibility, the action you took and the result.

Career Growth Opportunities

These positions sit within the Management Echelon and offer senior-level public administration experience.

A Director role builds experience in:

• Strategic management.
• Policy development.
• Governance.
• Leadership.
• Departmental operations.
• Stakeholder management.
• Public sector decision-making.

Long-term progression depends on qualifications, performance, experience, available positions and the requirements of future posts.

Professionals who build strong senior management records might later pursue higher-level management opportunities within the public service, subject to the requirements of future advertisements.

Official PDF Download

Applicants should use the official DPSA vacancy circular page to access the government-issued circular.

View Circular 28 of 2026 on the official DPSA website

The official page records Circular 28 of 2026 as posted on 7 August 2026 and lists Public Service and Administration among the national departments covered by the circular.

Official Application Information

The application emails stated in the supplied advertisement are:

Director: Legislation: Advert202026@dpsa.gov.za

Director: General Benefits: Advert212026@dpsa.gov.za

Director: Performance Management: Advert222026@dpsa.gov.za

Applicants should use the email address linked to the specific post and include the correct reference number.
For general public service vacancy information:

Official DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circulars

Related Departments

You might also want to review vacancies from:

• Department of Home Affairs
• Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
• Department of Higher Education and Training
• Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
• Department of Land Reform and Rural Development
• Department of International Relations and Cooperation
• National School of Government
• Office of the Chief Justice
• National Treasury
• Department of Water and Sanitation

These departments appear among the national departments covered by recent DPSA vacancy circulars.

Related DPSA Circular Vacancies

DPSA vacancy circulars are published regularly. The official DPSA vacancy page explains that the Public Service Vacancy Circular is normally published weekly, except during December, and contains advertisements for vacant posts and jobs in public service departments.

Applicants looking for additional opportunities should check:

• Latest DPSA Circular PDF Download
• Department of Agriculture Vacancies
• Department of Basic Education Vacancies
• Department of Correctional Services
• Department of Employment and Labour Vacancie
• Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Vacancies
• Government Technical Advisory Centre
• Department of Higher Education and Training Vacancies
• Department of Home Affairs Vacancies
• Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services Vacancies
• Department of Land Reform and Rural Development Vacancies
• Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Vacancies
• Office of the Chief Justice Vacancies
• Department of Electricity and Energy vacancies
• Department of International Relations and Cooperation Vacancies
• Department of Justice and Constitutional Development Vacancies
• National School of Government Vacancies
• National Treasury Vacancies
• Department of Traditional Affairs Vacancies
• Department of Tourism Vacancies
• Department of Water and Sanitation Vacancies
• Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Vacancies

DPSA Circular 28 of 2026

DPSA Circular 27 of 2026

DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circulars

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many DPSA vacancies are in this advertisement?

The supplied advertisement contains three vacancies: Director: Legislation, Director: General Benefits and Director: Performance Management.

2. What is the closing date?

The closing date is 25 August 2026.

3. Where are the positions based?

All three positions are based in Pretoria.

4. What is the salary?

The salary is R1,317,384 per annum at Level 13. Annual progression up to R1,551,807 is possible subject to satisfactory performance.

5. What qualification is needed for Director: Legislation?

Applicants need an NQF Level 7 Law qualification, LLB or B Proc qualification, together with the specified managerial and legislative drafting experience. Admission as an Attorney or Advocate is also required.

6. What experience is required for Director: General Benefits?

The vacancy requires at least five years of middle or senior managerial experience and at least ten years of appropriate experience in a Conditions of Service environment.

7. What qualification is needed for Director: Performance Management?

Applicants need an NQF Level 7 qualification in Human Resources Management, Public Management, Public Administration, Industrial Psychology or a related qualification.

8. Do I need to submit certified qualifications with the initial application?

No. The advertisement states that applicants do not need to submit copies of qualifications and other relevant documents with the initial application. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified documents.

9. Do I need a new Z83?

Yes. The advertisement specifically requires the new Z83 form and states that use of the incorrect application form will result in the application not being considered.

10. Do I need contactable referees?

Yes. Your CV should include contactable referees with telephone numbers and email addresses.

11. What happens after shortlisting?

Shortlisted SMS candidates will undergo a technical exercise and interview. A maximum of three SMS candidates will then undergo psychometric assessments, followed by relevant personnel suitability checks.

12. Is the Nyukela programme required?

The advertisement states that the successful candidate must complete the Nyukela Programme, the Pre-entry Certificate to Senior Management Services, before appointment.

13. Who should apply for Director: Legislation?

Senior legal professionals with legislative drafting experience, legal admission, managerial experience and knowledge of public administration legislation are the strongest match.

14. Who should apply for Director: General Benefits?

Experienced HR and Conditions of Service professionals with senior or middle management experience are the strongest match.

15. Who should apply for Director: Performance Management?

Professionals with experience in performance management, HR, public administration, public management or industrial psychology who also meet the required managerial experience are the strongest match.

16. Do all three vacancies have the same salary?

Yes. All three positions are advertised at R1,317,384 per annum, Level 13, with possible progression to R1,551,807 subject to satisfactory performance.

17. Is DPSACircular.co.za the official DPSA website?

No. DPSACircular.co.za is an independent job information website. The official Department of Public Service and Administration website is dpsa.gov.za.

18. Where should I verify the vacancy before applying?

Use the official DPSA vacancy circular page and the official advertisement. The DPSA itself states that enquiries about an advertised post should be directed to the department advertising the vacancy.

About the Author

Godwin Samuel is the author behind DPSACircular.co.za. He has more than eight years of experience researching employment opportunities, recruitment information and career guidance.

Through DPSACircular.co.za, he provides practical explanations of government vacancies, application requirements, salary information, closing dates and recruitment procedures.

The aim is to help job seekers understand vacancy advertisements before submitting applications.

Disclaimer

DPSACircular.co.za is an independent job information website. The website is not the official website of the Department of Public Service and Administration, the South African Government or any South African government department.

DPSACircular.co.za is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the Department of Public Service and Administration.

We do not accept job applications, make recruitment decisions or represent the Department of Public Service and Administration.

The official advertisement remains the primary source for vacancy requirements, closing dates, application instructions and recruitment decisions. Applicants should verify all information on the official DPSA website before applying.

The vacancy information in this article is based on the supplied Department of Public Service and Administration advertisement and official DPSA information.