If you are considering applying for a Department of Defence opportunity under Circular 33 of 2026, the most important step is to understand the advertisement before submitting your application.
This guide explains the Department of Defence Personal Assistant opportunity contained in the supplied Circular 33 of 2026 advertisement. Rather than copying the government advertisement, this article explains what the requirements mean, how to assess your own suitability, how to prepare the Z83 and CV, which mistakes could result in disqualification, and what happens after submission.
The supplied advertisement identifies Post 33/03, Personal Assistant, Ref. No. SECDEF/30/33/26, based at the Armscor Building in Erasmuskloof, Pretoria. The advertised salary is R338 106 to R398 277 per year at Level 07.
Vacancy Information at a Glance
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Employer | Department of Defence |
| Circular | DPSA Circular 33 of 2026 |
| Post covered by this guide | Post 33/03: Personal Assistant |
| Reference number | SECDEF/30/33/26 |
| Employment type | Public Service position |
| Location | Armscor Building, Erasmuskloof, Pretoria |
| Salary | R338 106 – R398 277 per annum |
| Salary level | Level 07 |
| Closing date | 28 September 2026 at 16h00 |
| Application form | Prescribed Z83 |
| CV | Detailed CV required |
| Application methods | Post, hand delivery or email |
| Official source | Department of Defence advertisement supplied for this guide |
| Advertisement status | Open as at 11 September 2026, based on the supplied closing date |
| Amended advertisement | No amendment is indicated in the supplied extract |
| Withdrawal | No withdrawal is indicated in the supplied extract |
Important Source Note
This guide is based on the supplied Department of Defence advertisement marked Annexure B. The supplied document contains the Personal Assistant post under Post 33/03.
Do not treat this article as a replacement for the official government advertisement. Always compare your final application against the official advertisement and follow the latest instructions issued by the Department of Defence.
Download the Official PDF
[Download the Department of Defence Circular 33 of 2026 PDF]
Use the official PDF as the final reference before submitting an application.
If you publish this article on WordPress, connect the button above to the verified official PDF URL rather than using an unverified third-party download link.
About DPSACircular.co.za
DPSACircular.co.za is an independent South African job information website that publishes the latest DPSA Vacancy Circulars. We are not the official DPSA website and do not accept, process or decide government job applications.
We publish application guides to help readers understand government vacancy advertisements, requirements and application procedures. Applicants should always use the official government advertisement as the final source.
Table of Contents
- What Department of Defence Circular 33 of 2026 Means
- What This Guide Covers
- Understanding the Personal Assistant Opportunity
- What the Requirements Mean
- Understanding the Three-Year Experience Requirement
- Skills You Should Be Ready to Demonstrate
- Who Should Apply?
- Who Should Not Apply?
- How to Prepare Your Application
- Z83 Requirements Explained
- What Documents Should You Prepare?
- Common Application Mistakes
- Application Checklist
- What Happens After You Apply?
- How to Use the Closing Date Correctly
- Official Source
- Editorial Review
- Frequently Asked Questions
- About the Author
What Department of Defence Circular 33 of 2026 Means
A DPSA Vacancy Circular is a government recruitment publication containing advertised public service positions.
For this particular Department of Defence advertisement, the supplied extract identifies a Personal Assistant position supporting the Secretary for Defence.
The purpose of this guide is not to reproduce the advertisement. The useful question for an applicant is:
What do the advertised requirements mean for my own application?
That question changes how you should approach the vacancy.
Instead of copying the requirements into your CV, you should check whether your education, experience and skills provide evidence that you meet them.
What This Guide Covers
This guide focuses on five practical areas:
- Whether your qualifications match the advertised requirement.
- Whether your experience matches the type of support work requested.
- Whether your CV demonstrates the relevant responsibilities and skills.
- Whether your Z83 application follows the prescribed process.
- Whether your application is complete before the closing time.
The official advertisement states that applications must use the prescribed Z83 and include a detailed CV. It also warns that an incorrect Z83 could result in disqualification.
Understanding the Personal Assistant Opportunity
The advertised position is Personal Assistant, Reference Number SECDEF/30/33/26.
The position is located at the Armscor Building in Erasmuskloof, Pretoria.
The salary range is R338 106 to R398 277 per annum at Salary Level 07.
The duties described in the advertisement show that this is more than a basic reception or diary-management role.
The successful candidate is expected to provide administrative and secretarial support to the Secretary for Defence. The duties include handling visitors and telephone calls, preparing documents, managing records, assisting with meetings, coordinating travel and accommodation, supporting procurement activities, communicating with stakeholders and protecting confidential information.
This means your application should demonstrate evidence of administrative judgement, organisation, communication, confidentiality and support for senior management.
What the Requirements Mean
Grade 12 and Secretarial Diploma
The advertisement requires Grade 12 at NQF Level 4 or an equivalent qualification together with a Secretarial Diploma.
A National Diploma at NQF Level 6 is listed as an added advantage.
This distinction matters.
The National Diploma is not presented as the basic minimum requirement in the supplied advertisement. It is described as an added advantage.
When reviewing your qualifications, separate the requirements you must meet from qualifications that strengthen your application.
Three Years of Relevant Experience
The advertisement requires a minimum of three years of collective experience providing support to Senior Management and executive administrative support services.
The experience should include report writing and briefing preparation.
This means simply stating that you have worked in an office environment is not enough.
Your CV should explain the type of support you provided.
For example, relevant evidence might include experience with:
- Senior management support
- Executive administration
- Preparing reports
- Preparing briefing documents
- Meeting coordination
- Records management
- Correspondence
- Travel arrangements
- Stakeholder communication
- Administrative coordination
- Confidential information
Your CV should make the connection between your previous responsibilities and the requirements easy for a selection panel to understand.
Understanding the Three-Year Experience Requirement
The three-year requirement deserves careful attention.
Applicants often make the mistake of counting every previous job toward an experience requirement without checking whether the duties were relevant.
The better approach is to review your previous employment and ask:
- Did I provide support to senior management?
- Did I perform executive administrative duties?
- Did I prepare reports?
- Did I prepare briefing material?
- Did I coordinate meetings?
- Did I manage records or correspondence?
- Did I work with confidential information?
- Did I organise travel or accommodation?
- Did I communicate with internal and external stakeholders?
Your CV should provide enough detail for the selection panel to understand the relevance of your experience.
Do not inflate your experience. Describe your actual responsibilities accurately.
Skills You Should Be Ready to Demonstrate
The advertisement identifies several skills that relate directly to the nature of the position.
These include:
- Organisation
- Time management
- People skills
- Reliability
- Written communication
- Verbal communication
- Tact
- Discretion
- Research
- Analysis
- Self-management
- Motivation
- Computer literacy
- PowerPoint skills
The value of these requirements is that they show what the employer expects from someone supporting senior leadership.
For example, confidentiality matters because the duties include handling sensitive information and documents.
Research and analysis matter because the position involves reviewing documents and preparing briefing notes and reports.
Time management matters because the duties include meetings, travel arrangements, administrative coordination and competing requests.
Your CV should therefore focus on evidence rather than a long list of personal qualities.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is worth considering if your background matches the core requirements in the official advertisement.
You should first check that you have:
- Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification.
- A Secretarial Diploma.
- At least three years of relevant experience.
- Experience supporting senior management or providing executive administrative support.
- Experience involving report writing or briefing preparation.
- The ability to demonstrate strong organisational and communication skills.
- Computer skills, including PowerPoint.
- The ability to handle confidential information professionally.
You should also be prepared to complete the required application process and provide additional documentation if shortlisted.
Who Should Not Apply?
You should reconsider applying if you do not meet the mandatory qualification or experience requirements stated in the official advertisement.
You should also avoid submitting an application simply because the salary or department interests you.
Examples of situations requiring caution include:
- You do not have the required Secretarial Diploma.
- You do not have the required three years of relevant experience.
- Your experience has no meaningful connection to senior management or executive administrative support.
- You intend to use an incorrect Z83 form.
- You plan to submit one Z83 for multiple posts.
- You intend to submit photocopied or faxed application documents where the advertisement prohibits them.
- You cannot provide the required information accurately.
Meeting the requirements does not guarantee selection. It means your application is positioned for consideration against the advertised criteria.
How to Prepare Your Application
A strong application starts before you complete the Z83.
Step 1: Read the Advertisement
Read the official advertisement from beginning to end.
Do not rely only on a summary on a vacancy website.
Pay particular attention to:
- Qualification requirements
- Experience requirements
- Application instructions
- Closing date
- Application address
- Email address
- Post reference number
- Supporting documents
- Special conditions
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility
Compare your own qualifications and work history against the requirements.
Do not assume that a similar job title means your experience automatically qualifies.
Look at your actual duties.
Step 3: Update Your CV
The advertisement requires a detailed CV containing full particulars of training, qualifications, competencies, knowledge and experience.
Your CV should therefore provide enough information to show why your background relates to the position.
Step 4: Prepare the Correct Z83
Use the prescribed Z83 form.
The advertisement states that the Z83 must be originally signed and dated.
Using the incorrect employment form could result in disqualification.
Step 5: Check the Reference Number
The advertised post is:
POST 33/03: PERSONAL ASSISTANT
Reference: SECDEF/30/33/26
Use the correct reference information when preparing your application.
Step 6: Check Your Submission Method
The advertisement provides three application routes:
- Post to the Department of Defence, Office of the Secretary for Defence, Private Bag X910, Pretoria, 0001.
- Hand delivery to the ARMSCOR Building, corner of Nossob and Delmas Avenue, Erasmuskloof Extension 4, Pretoria, 0001.
- Email to zama.mahlangu@dod.mil.za.
Do not change the application route based on information from an unrelated vacancy.
Step 7: Submit Before the Deadline
The closing time is 16h00 on 28 September 2026.
Do not plan your submission around the final few minutes.
Email delivery, hand delivery and postal submission each have practical risks, so allow sufficient time.
Z83 Requirements Explained
The Z83 is a critical part of the application.
The supplied advertisement states that applicants must use the prescribed Z83 effective from 1 January 2021.
The form must be originally signed and dated.
The application must also include a detailed CV.
The advertisement specifically states that using an incorrect Z83 could result in disqualification.
If you apply for more than one post, the advertisement requires a separate Z83 and supporting documentation for each post.
Submitting multiple posts on one Z83 creates a specific risk because the advertisement states that only the first post indicated will be considered.
What Documents Should You Prepare?
At the initial application stage, the supplied advertisement requires the prescribed Z83 and a detailed CV.
Shortlisted candidates are later required to submit certified copies of qualifications and other related documents.
The advertisement states that these documents should not be older than six months and that failure to comply with the instruction could result in disqualification.
This creates two separate stages:
Initial application: prescribed Z83 plus detailed CV.
Shortlisting stage: certified qualifications and other related documents as requested.
Do not send documents that the advertisement does not ask you to submit at the initial stage.
Common Application Mistakes
Using the Wrong Z83
This is one of the clearest risks identified in the advertisement.
Use the prescribed form.
Sending One Form for Multiple Posts
If applying for multiple positions, use a separate Z83 for each post.
Leaving the Z83 Unsigned
The advertisement requires the form to be originally signed and dated.
Sending an Incomplete CV
A short CV that leaves out relevant training, qualifications, competencies, knowledge or experience makes it harder for the selection panel to assess your application.
Ignoring the Reference Number
Always verify the reference number before submission.
Waiting Until the Last Day
The closing time is specific: 16h00 on 28 September 2026.
Do not assume that a submission after 16h00 will be accepted.
Sending a Fax
The advertisement states that faxed copies will not be considered.
Ignoring Screening Requirements
The Department of Defence states that successful candidates are subject to personnel suitability checks and security clearance processes.
Copying Generic Duties Into Your CV
A stronger CV explains what you personally did rather than repeating the wording of the advertisement.
Applying Without Checking the Qualification
Do not assume that any administrative qualification automatically satisfies the advertised qualification requirement.
Application Checklist
Before submitting your application, work through this checklist:
- I read the official advertisement.
- I confirmed the correct post.
- I confirmed the reference number.
- I checked the qualification requirement.
- I checked the three-year experience requirement.
- I reviewed my experience against the advertised duties.
- I prepared a detailed CV.
- I used the prescribed Z83.
- I signed and dated the Z83.
- I prepared a separate Z83 if applying for another post.
- I checked my application address or email destination.
- I removed any prohibited fax submission.
- I checked the closing date and time.
- I kept a copy of my submitted application.
- I am prepared to provide certified documents if shortlisted.
What Happens After You Apply?
Submitting an application is not the same as receiving an appointment.
The supplied advertisement explains several stages that successful or shortlisted candidates might face.
These include:
Shortlisting
Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications and other related documents under the stated conditions.
Personnel Suitability Checks
The advertisement states that successful candidates are subject to personnel suitability checks, including criminal record, citizenship, financial or asset record checks, qualification verification and employment verification.
Security Clearance
Successful candidates are also subject to security clearance processes.
Pre-entry Assessments
The advertisement states that shortlisted candidates, including SMS candidates, undertake two pre-entry assessments.
One is a practical exercise.
The other is an Integrity or Ethical Conduct Assessment.
The selection panel uses the results as an additional criterion during the interview process.
Security Vetting
The advertisement states that a successful candidate must undergo full security vetting while employed by the department and that a negative outcome will nullify the employment contract.
Probation
Successful candidates are appointed on probation for twelve months under the prescribed rules.
How to Use the Closing Date Correctly
The closing date is:
28 September 2026 at 16h00.
The advertisement states that applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
This means you should treat 16h00 as the cut-off time rather than midnight.
If you are applying by email, prepare the message and attachments before the final day.
If you are hand delivering an application, allow enough time to reach the stated delivery point.
If you are posting an application, check the practical delivery time well before the deadline.
What the Advertisement Says About Feedback
The Department of Defence states that applicants who do not receive confirmation or feedback within three months after the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.
The advertisement also states that, because of the expected volume of applications, receipt of applications will not be acknowledged and correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates.
This is useful information because applicants should not assume that silence immediately after submission means the application failed.
Official Source
The final authority for this application is the official Department of Defence advertisement contained in the relevant DPSA Vacancy Circular.
The supplied document identifies the Department of Defence, the application methods, the closing date, the Personal Assistant post, requirements and duties.
Applicants should verify the latest official government information before submitting an application.
The DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circulars page is also identified in the supplied advertisement as the source for obtaining the prescribed Z83 form.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Department of Defence Circular 33 of 2026?
It is a DPSA vacancy circular containing government employment advertisements. The supplied Department of Defence extract includes Post 33/03, Personal Assistant, Ref. No. SECDEF/30/33/26.
2. What position is covered by this Department of Defence guide?
The supplied advertisement identifies a Personal Assistant position under Post 33/03.
3. What is the reference number for the Personal Assistant position?
The reference number is SECDEF/30/33/26.
4. Where is the Personal Assistant position based?
The advertised centre is the Armscor Building in Erasmuskloof, Pretoria.
5. What is the salary for the advertised position?
The salary is R338 106 to R398 277 per annum at Level 07.
6. What qualification is required?
The advertisement requires Grade 12 at NQF Level 4 or an equivalent qualification together with a Secretarial Diploma.
7. Is a National Diploma required?
The advertisement lists a National Diploma at NQF Level 6 as an added advantage rather than the basic requirement.
8. How much experience is required?
A minimum of three years of collective experience is required in supporting Senior Management and providing executive administrative support services, including report writing and briefing preparation.
9. Does general office experience automatically satisfy the experience requirement?
Not necessarily. Your experience should relate to the type of senior management and executive administrative support described in the advertisement.
10. Is PowerPoint experience relevant?
Yes. The advertisement specifically lists computer skills, including the use of PowerPoint, among the skills needed.
11. Which application form should applicants use?
Applicants must use the prescribed Z83 form effective from 1 January 2021.
12. Does the Z83 need to be signed?
Yes. The advertisement states that the Z83 must be originally signed and dated by the applicant.
13. What should accompany the Z83?
The initial application should include the prescribed Z83 and a detailed CV containing the requested particulars of training, qualifications, competencies, knowledge and experience.
14. Should applicants send certified qualifications with the initial application?
The supplied advertisement states that only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications and related documents under the stated conditions.
15. What happens if someone applies for more than one post?
A separate Z83 and the required documentation must be submitted for each post.
16. What happens if two posts are placed on one Z83?
The advertisement states that only the first post indicated on the form will be considered.
17. Are faxed applications accepted?
No. The supplied advertisement states that faxed copies will not be considered.
18. What is the closing date?
The closing date is 28 September 2026 at 16h00.
19. Will every applicant receive feedback?
No. The advertisement states that correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates and that applicants who do not receive confirmation or feedback within three months after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
20. Does meeting the requirements guarantee an appointment?
No. Meeting the advertised requirements makes an applicant eligible for consideration. Selection remains subject to the recruitment and assessment process.
Editorial Review
DPSACircular.co.za reviewed the vacancy details against the supplied official government advertisement. Our review focused on the advertised positions, reference numbers, salary information, qualification requirements, experience requirements, closing date and application instructions. Readers should use the official advertisement as the final source before submitting an application.
About the Author
This guide was prepared for DPSACircular.co.za to help readers understand South African government vacancy advertisements and prepare applications using the information contained in the relevant official source.
The focus of this article is application guidance rather than reproduction of the government vacancy notice.
Final Reminder
The most important part of applying for a government position is not copying the vacancy advertisement into an application.
Your task is to understand the requirements, assess your own experience honestly, prepare the correct documents and follow the stated submission instructions.
For this Department of Defence opportunity, pay particular attention to the Secretarial Diploma requirement, the three years of relevant experience, the prescribed Z83, the detailed CV, separate applications for separate posts and the 28 September 2026 at 16h00 closing time.
DPSACircular.co.za is an independent South African job information website that publishes the latest DPSA Vacancy Circulars. We are not the official DPSA website and do not accept, process or decide government job applications.
Always use the official government advertisement as the final source before submitting your application.
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