Published: 6 October 2026
Last checked: 6 October 2026
Closing date: 16 October 2026 at 16:00
Reviewed by / Author: Godwin Samuel, Founder and Publisher, DPSACircular.co.za
Advertisement status: Open at the time of review
Post: Secretary, Post 35/06
Reference number: CSD/32/35/26
Salary: R237,453 to R279,708 per annum, Level 05
Centre: Department of Defence Headquarters Unit, Armscor Building, Erasmuskloof, Pretoria
The Department of Defence has advertised a Secretary position in Public Service Vacancy Circular 35 of 2026.
The vacancy is based at the Department of Defence Headquarters Unit at the Armscor Building in Erasmuskloof, Pretoria. The advertised salary is R237,453 to R279,708 per annum at salary Level 05.
The application closing date is 16 October 2026 at 16:00.
The advertisement requires the prescribed Z83 application form and a detailed CV. Applicants have three listed submission options: post, hand delivery or email.
The vacancy is worth reading carefully because the individual Secretary advertisement does not state a specific academic qualification or a minimum number of years of experience in its requirements section. Instead, the Department focuses heavily on practical secretarial, administrative, communication, organisational and computer skills.
That distinction matters when you prepare your CV.
Download Department of Defence Circular 35 of 2026 PDF
Read the official circular before submitting your application.
The official Public Service Vacancy Circular is issued by the Department of Public Service and Administration. DPSA explains that questions about a particular vacancy must be directed to the department advertising the post. The advertising department is also responsible for the vacancy-specific application process.
Official DPSA Circular 35 of 2026:
Official Department of Defence vacancy information
The official advertisement should always take priority over a third-party summary.
Quick Answer
The Department of Defence Secretary vacancy in Circular 35 of 2026 is Post 35/06, Reference CSD/32/35/26.
The position is based at the Department of Defence Headquarters Unit, Armscor Building, Erasmuskloof, Pretoria.
The salary is R237,453 to R279,708 per annum, Level 05.
The closing date is 16 October 2026 at 16:00.
You must use the prescribed Z83 and submit a detailed CV.
The Department lists knowledge of MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint, typing skills, English proficiency, analytical and innovative thinking, problem-solving, interpersonal skills, organisational ability, reliability, tact, discretion, people skills, document analysis and secretarial skills.
The advertisement does not state a specific academic qualification or minimum number of years of experience for this individual Secretary post.
Applications must be sent by post, hand delivery or email using the details provided in the official advertisement.
Table of Contents
- What the Department of Defence Secretary vacancy is about
- How I reviewed this vacancy
- Editorial Review
- What the qualification requirement means
- What the experience requirement means
- Who should apply
- Who should not apply
- Application checklist
- What the advertisement actually requires
- Which qualification wording matters
- What relevant experience means in practical terms
- Whether the post is a re-advertisement
- Whether Z83 plus CV is required
- Where the application must be sent
- Common mistakes
- Documents to prepare
- How to verify the advertisement
- What happens after the closing date
- How the vacancy fits into government recruitment
- Official advertisement facts versus editorial explanation
- What DPSACircular adds beyond the official PDF
- What happens after applying
- Official source
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Editorial Review: What We Noticed
- About the Author
- About DPSACircular.co.za
- Disclaimer
What the Department of Defence Secretary Vacancy Is About
The advertised position is Secretary, Post 35/06, Reference CSD/32/35/26.
The centre is the Department of Defence Headquarters Unit at the Armscor Building in Erasmuskloof, Pretoria.
The salary is R237,453 to R279,708 per annum at Level 05.
The job involves providing secretarial support to the Deputy Chief of Staff SANDF.
The duties include receiving and directing telephone calls, recording appointments and events, arranging travel, processing travel and subsistence claims, arranging meetings, booking venues, inviting role players, organising refreshments, processing invoices, recording basic meeting minutes, drafting routine correspondence, maintaining filing systems and managing correspondence.
The post also involves handling leave matters, procuring standard office items and collecting documents needed for meetings.
The advertisement further requires the successful applicant to remain familiar with Department of Defence procedures, Public Service prescripts, policies and related documents.
These duties give an applicant a clearer picture of the work than the job title alone.
READ: How to Verify a South African Government Job Advertisement
How I Reviewed This Vacancy
When I review a government vacancy, I do not start by rewriting the advertisement.
I first identify the exact post, reference number, salary, centre and closing date. This helps prevent information from another vacancy in the same circular from being mixed into the article.
For this vacancy, the advertisement identifies Post 35/06 as Secretary, with reference CSD/32/35/26. The salary is R237,453 to R279,708 per annum at Level 05, and the centre is the Department of Defence Headquarters Unit in Erasmuskloof, Pretoria.
I then compare the requirements with the duties.
This second check is important because the requirements tell you what the Department expects from the applicant, while the duties show how those abilities are likely to be used.
Here, the requirements focus on Microsoft Office, typing, communication, analysis, problem-solving, organisation, reliability, discretion and secretarial skills.
The duties then confirm the practical nature of the role through diary management, meetings, travel, correspondence, filing, invoices, minutes and other administrative responsibilities.
That comparison leads to one of the most useful findings for applicants: the advertisement does not give a specific academic qualification or minimum number of years of experience for this individual Secretary post.
Editorial Review
I checked the following details against the Department of Defence advertisement:
- Position title
- Post number
- Reference number
- Salary
- Salary level
- Centre
- Requirements
- Duties
- Application methods
- Z83 requirements
- CV requirements
- Closing date
- Closing time
- Enquiry details
- Shortlisting requirements
- Personnel suitability checks
- Security clearance information
- Probation information
The application instructions also received special attention because procedural mistakes often prevent an otherwise suitable applicant from being considered.
The Department states that the prescribed Z83 must be used, that the form must be originally signed and dated, and that a detailed CV must accompany the application.
The Department also states that applicants applying for more than one post must submit a separate Z83 for each post.
READ: How to Keep a Record of Your Government Job Applications
What the Qualification Requirement Means for the Department of Defence Secretary Vacancy
The individual Secretary advertisement does not state a specific academic qualification.
This is an important distinction.
Applicants sometimes see the word “Secretary” and assume a formal secretarial certificate, diploma or degree is compulsory. The advertisement supplied for this post does not make such a statement.
Instead, the requirements section focuses on skills and abilities.
These include:
- Knowledge of MS Word
- Knowledge of Excel
- Knowledge of PowerPoint
- Typing skills
- English written and verbal proficiency
- Analytical and innovative thinking
- Problem-solving
- Interpersonal skills
- Organisational skills
- Reliability
- Tact and discretion
- People skills
- Ability to analyse documents and situations
- Secretarial skills
You should therefore avoid inventing a qualification requirement in your application.
List your actual qualifications accurately. Then make your relevant skills and experience easy for the selection panel to identify.
What the Experience Requirement Means for the Department of Defence Secretary Vacancy
The individual Secretary requirements do not specify a minimum number of years of experience.
This means you should not write in your application as though the advertisement requires, for example, three years or five years of experience.
Instead, look at the duties and identify where your previous responsibilities match the advertised work.
Relevant examples include:
- Managing a diary
- Arranging meetings
- Handling telephone calls
- Preparing correspondence
- Maintaining filing systems
- Arranging travel
- Processing invoices
- Recording minutes
- Handling office documents
- Coordinating appointments
- Supporting senior officials
- Managing incoming and outgoing correspondence
- Using Microsoft Office
- Handling confidential information
The strongest approach is to describe what you actually did.
For example, “provided administrative support” gives limited information.
“Managed a senior manager’s diary, arranged meetings, prepared correspondence and maintained confidential administrative records” gives the reader a much clearer picture of your experience.
Do not add responsibilities you did not perform.
Who Should Apply for the Department of Defence Secretary Vacancy
You should consider applying if your skills and background match the requirements stated in the advertisement.
The vacancy is particularly relevant to applicants with secretarial, administrative, office support or related experience.
You should also be comfortable working with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Your communication skills matter because the Department requires English written and verbal proficiency.
Your organisational ability matters because the duties include diary management, meetings, travel arrangements, filing and correspondence.
Your discretion matters because the role provides support to a senior Defence official.
Your CV should make these connections easy to see.
READ: How Foreign Qualifications Are Handled in South African Government Vacancies
Who Should Not Apply for the Department of Defence Secretary Vacancy
You should reconsider applying if you cannot meet the stated requirements or follow the application procedure.
Examples include applicants who:
- Do not use the prescribed Z83.
- Submit an incorrect Z83.
- Forget to sign and date the Z83.
- Submit no detailed CV.
- Send the application after the deadline.
- Send a faxed application.
- Use one Z83 for several posts.
- Send the application to an address or email not listed for the vacancy.
- Misrepresent qualifications or experience.
- Cannot perform the core secretarial duties described in the advertisement.
The Department states that failure to comply with the application instructions results in disqualification.
Application Checklist for the Department of Defence Secretary Vacancy
Before submitting your application, check:
☐ Correct Z83 form
☐ Z83 signed
☐ Z83 dated
☐ Correct vacancy reference, CSD/32/35/26
☐ Detailed CV
☐ Training information included where relevant
☐ Qualifications listed accurately
☐ Relevant competencies included
☐ Relevant knowledge included
☐ Relevant experience explained
☐ Microsoft Office skills clearly stated
☐ Secretarial responsibilities clearly stated
☐ Contact details checked
☐ Correct application method selected
☐ Correct email or postal address checked
☐ Application submitted before 16 October 2026 at 16:00
☐ Copy of the submitted application retained
What the Advertisement Actually Requires for the Department of Defence Secretary Vacancy
The requirements section is practical.
READ: What Is a SAQA Evaluation Certificate and When Is It Needed?
The Department wants an applicant with knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, typing ability, English proficiency, analytical and innovative thinking, problem-solving skills, interpersonal skills, organisation, reliability, tact, discretion, people skills, document analysis ability and secretarial skills.
The duties provide further context.
The successful applicant will support the Deputy Chief of Staff SANDF.
This includes:
- Telephone management
- Diary management
- Travel arrangements
- Travel and subsistence claims
- Meetings
- Venues
- Invitations
- Refreshments
- Schedules
- Invoices
- Minutes
- Correspondence
- Filing
- Leave administration
- Procurement
- Document preparation
- Office procedures
When preparing your CV, use these duties as a practical checklist.
Do not copy the advertisement word for word. Instead, describe your own experience in accurate terms and show where your background matches the work.
READ: What Does “Personnel Suitability Checks” Mean in Government Recruitment?
Which Qualification Wording Matters for the Department of Defence Secretary Vacancy
The most important wording is the wording contained in the individual vacancy advertisement.
For this Secretary post, no specific academic qualification appears in the requirements section.
That means you should not create an academic requirement where none appears.
If you hold a relevant qualification, list it.
If you have training in office administration, secretarial studies, computer applications or a related area, list the training accurately.
If you do not hold such a qualification, do not claim one.
Your application should reflect your actual education, skills and experience.
What “Relevant Experience” Means in Practical Terms for Me
For this vacancy, the duties provide the best practical guide.
Suppose you previously worked as an administrative assistant.
Your job title alone does not tell the selection panel whether your experience matches this vacancy.
Your CV becomes stronger when you explain the work you performed.
For example:
- Managed appointments and diaries.
- Arranged meetings and venues.
- Prepared routine correspondence.
- Maintained filing systems.
- Processed invoices.
- Arranged travel.
- Recorded meeting minutes.
- Managed telephone calls.
- Prepared documents using Microsoft Word.
- Maintained administrative records.
Only include responsibilities you genuinely performed.
This approach helps the panel understand your experience without forcing the panel to guess how your previous job relates to the advertised duties.
Whether the Post Is a Re-Advertisement
The supplied Department of Defence advertisement does not identify Post 35/06 as a re-advertisement.
The vacancy appears under the heading “OTHER POST”.
That wording alone does not mean the Secretary vacancy is a re-advertisement.
DPSACircular therefore does not describe this post as a re-advertised vacancy.
Whether the Application Requires Z83 Plus CV
Yes.
The Department requires the prescribed Z83 together with a detailed CV.
The Z83 must be originally signed and dated.
The Department states that an incorrect application employment form results in disqualification.
The CV should provide full particulars of your training, qualifications, competencies, knowledge and experience.
Do not submit a CV alone when the advertisement requires the Z83 and CV.
Where the Application Must Be Sent
The Department lists three application methods.
By Post
Department of Defence Headquarters Unit
Armscor Building
Private Bag X161
Erasmuskloof
Pretoria
0001
By Hand Delivery
Armscor Building 370
Corner of Nossob and Boeing Street
Erasmuskloof
Pretoria
0001
By Email
The closing date is 16 October 2026 at 16:00.
Check the official advertisement immediately before submission in case the advertising department publishes an amendment or other instruction.
READ: What Does “Correspondence Will Be Limited to Shortlisted Candidates” Mean?
Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid
The application procedure deserves as much attention as the job requirements.
Common mistakes include:
Using the wrong Z83
The Department specifically warns that an incorrect application employment form results in disqualification.
Forgetting the signature and date
The advertisement requires the Z83 to be originally signed and dated.
Sending only a CV
The Department requires the prescribed Z83 and a detailed CV.
Using one Z83 for several posts
A separate Z83 is required for each post.
Sending a fax
Faxed copies will not be considered.
Missing the deadline
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Sending the application to the wrong address
Use only the submission details listed in the official advertisement.
Writing a generic CV
The advertisement gives enough information to tailor your CV around secretarial, administrative, communication, organisational and Microsoft Office skills.
What Documents Should Be Prepared Before Applying
Prepare the following:
- Prescribed Z83.
- Detailed CV.
- Accurate qualification information.
- Training information.
- Employment history.
- Relevant competencies.
- Relevant skills.
- Contact details.
- Supporting records for your own file.
Do not send extra certified documents simply because another government vacancy requested them.
For this vacancy, the advertisement states that shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications and other related documents on or before the interview. The documents should not be older than six months.
READ: What Happens When a Government Vacancy Is Withdrawn?
This means the initial application stage and the shortlisted-candidate stage should be treated separately.
How to Verify That the Advertisement Is Genuine
Use the official DPSA vacancy circular as your first verification point.
Then open the actual Department of Defence advertisement.
Compare the following details:
- Department name
- Position
- Post number
- Reference number
- Salary
- Centre
- Requirements
- Duties
- Closing date
- Closing time
- Application address
- Email address
- Enquiry contact
For this vacancy, the reference is CSD/32/35/26.
The salary is R237,453 to R279,708 per annum.
The centre is the Department of Defence Headquarters Unit, Armscor Building, Erasmuskloof, Pretoria.
The closing time is 16:00 on 16 October 2026.
These details should match the official advertisement before you submit.
READ: What Does an Erratum Mean in a Government Vacancy?
What Happens After the Closing Date
The Department states that applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
The Department also states that receipt of applications will not be acknowledged because of the anticipated volume of responses.
Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates.
Applicants who do not receive confirmation or feedback within three months after the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.
This means you should not interpret the absence of an immediate acknowledgement as evidence that your application failed.
Keep your own proof of submission.
How the Vacancy Fits Into the Broader Government Recruitment Process
The advertisement gives several details about what happens after applications are submitted.
The process includes consideration and shortlisting.
Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified qualifications and related documents.
The Department also states that successful candidates will undergo personnel suitability checks.
These checks include criminal record, citizenship, financial or asset record, qualification and employment verification.
Successful candidates will also undergo security clearance processes.
The advertisement further states that shortlisted candidates, including SMS candidates, undertake two pre-entry assessments, one practical exercise and one Integrity or Ethical Conduct Assessment. The selection panels score both technical exercises as an additional interview criterion.
For this Secretary vacancy, applicants should focus first on meeting the specific requirements and following the application instructions.
Do not assume every assessment mentioned in the general departmental note applies in exactly the same form to every vacancy. The official recruitment process determines the assessments applicable to the relevant appointment.
What Information Came Directly From the Official Advertisement and What Is Editorial Explanation
Information directly from the advertisement
The following are vacancy facts:
- Secretary
- Post 35/06
- Reference CSD/32/35/26
- Level 05
- Salary of R237,453 to R279,708
- Erasmuskloof, Pretoria
- Listed requirements
- Listed duties
- Z83 requirement
- Detailed CV requirement
- Application addresses
- Application email
- Closing date
- Closing time
- Enquiry contact
- Screening provisions
- Probation provision
DPSACircular editorial explanation
The following are editorial guidance:
- How to assess your CV against the duties.
- How to interpret relevant experience.
- Why you should separate advertised facts from assumptions.
- How to verify the advertisement.
- How to organise your application documents.
- How to avoid procedural mistakes.
- Why the duties provide useful clues when tailoring your CV.
DPSACircular does not replace the official advertisement.
Does This Department of Defence Vacancy Provide Something Useful Beyond the Official Advertisement?
Yes, when the information is handled carefully.
The official PDF tells you what the Department requires.
An applicant still needs to understand what those requirements mean when preparing a CV.
For example, the advertisement says the successful applicant will arrange meetings and events, process invoices, maintain filing systems, handle correspondence and manage travel arrangements.
A practical application guide should explain how those duties translate into evidence on a CV.
This is where editorial analysis adds value.
The purpose is not to reproduce the government document. The purpose is to help you understand and apply the information correctly.
READ: What Does “Re-Advertised” Mean in a Government Vacancy?
What Did DPSACircular Actually Do Here That the Official PDF Did Not?
The official PDF remains the primary source.
DPSACircular performed an editorial review around the source.
The review focused on:
- Identifying the exact vacancy.
- Confirming the post number.
- Confirming the reference number.
- Checking the salary.
- Checking the location.
- Reviewing the requirements.
- Comparing the requirements with the duties.
- Checking the application method.
- Checking the Z83 instruction.
- Checking the CV requirement.
- Checking the closing date and time.
- Identifying the distinction between initial application documents and shortlisted-candidate documents.
- Explaining practical CV preparation.
- Explaining how applicants should verify the vacancy.
- Identifying areas where applicants might make procedural mistakes.
One of the main editorial findings was the absence of a stated academic qualification and minimum years of experience in the individual Secretary requirements.
Another was the strong connection between the listed skills and the actual duties.
These findings give an applicant a more practical way to evaluate their suitability without changing the requirements stated by the Department.
What Happens After Applying
Keep a copy of everything you submit.
For an email application, retain the sent email and attachments.
For a postal application, keep your completed documents and any available delivery evidence.
For a hand-delivered application, keep a copy of the submitted documents and any available proof of submission.
Do not repeatedly contact DPSA about the application.
The DPSA explains that vacancy-specific enquiries should be directed to the department advertising the post.
For this Defence vacancy, the advertisement provides a Defence contact for enquiries about the job description.
Official Source
The main source is Public Service Vacancy Circular 35 of 2026 issued through the Department of Public Service and Administration.
Official DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular page
Official Department of Defence vacancy document
The official advertisement remains the final authority for the vacancy.
If the government department changes, corrects, withdraws or extends the advertisement, the latest official notice takes priority.
20 Frequently Asked Questions
1. What position is advertised by the Department of Defence in Circular 35 of 2026?
The Department advertises a Secretary position, Post 35/06, Reference CSD/32/35/26.
2. Where is the Secretary position based?
The position is based at the Department of Defence Headquarters Unit, Armscor Building, Erasmuskloof, Pretoria.
3. What is the salary?
The salary is R237,453 to R279,708 per annum at Level 05.
4. When does the vacancy close?
Applications close on 16 October 2026 at 16:00.
5. Is a Z83 required?
Yes. The prescribed Z83 is required.
6. Is a CV required?
Yes. The Department requires a detailed CV together with the Z83.
7. Does the advertisement state a specific academic qualification?
No specific academic qualification appears in the requirements section for this individual Secretary post.
8. Does the advertisement state a minimum number of years of experience?
No specific number of years appears in the individual Secretary requirements.
9. Which computer applications are mentioned?
The advertisement mentions MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
10. Is English proficiency required?
Yes. The Department requires English written and verbal proficiency.
11. What are the main duties?
The duties include telephone handling, diary management, travel arrangements, meetings, invoices, minutes, correspondence, filing, leave administration, procurement and general secretarial support.
12. Who will receive the secretarial support?
The advertisement states that the successful applicant will provide secretarial support to the Deputy Chief of Staff SANDF.
13. How do I submit the application?
The advertisement provides postal, hand-delivery and email submission options.
14. What email address is listed?
The listed email address is Carles.Balie@dod.mil.za.
15. Who is the enquiry contact?
The enquiry contact is Lt Col N. Maseti, telephone (012) 355 5269.
16. Do I need certified qualifications with my first application?
The advertisement states that shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified qualifications and related documents.
17. Do I need a separate Z83 for each post?
Yes. Applicants applying for more than one post must submit a separate Z83 for each post.
18. Are faxed applications accepted?
No. The advertisement states that faxed copies will not be considered.
19. What happens if I do not receive feedback?
The advertisement says applicants who do not receive confirmation or feedback within three months after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
20. Is the Secretary vacancy a re-advertisement?
The supplied advertisement does not identify the Secretary position as a re-advertisement.
Editorial Review
What We Noticed
The most important finding from reviewing this vacancy is the difference between the general recruitment information and the requirements of the individual Secretary post.
The individual vacancy does not specify a particular academic qualification or minimum number of years of experience.
The Department instead lists a group of practical skills and abilities.
Those requirements make more sense when read alongside the duties.
The successful applicant will support the Deputy Chief of Staff SANDF and handle administrative responsibilities involving appointments, meetings, travel, invoices, minutes, correspondence, filing and office administration.
This means applicants should prepare a CV showing evidence of relevant administrative and secretarial work.
Another important finding concerns the application procedure.
The Department requires the prescribed Z83 and a detailed CV. The Z83 must be originally signed and dated.
The Department also states that applicants applying for more than one post must submit a separate Z83 for each post.
The closing deadline is precise: 16 October 2026 at 16:00.
These details should be checked before submission because a strong candidate still faces disqualification if the application does not follow the advertised procedure.
About the Author
Godwin Samuel is the Founder and Publisher of DPSACircular.co.za.
His editorial work focuses on South African public sector vacancies, DPSA Vacancy Circulars, government recruitment requirements and practical application guidance.
For vacancy articles, the editorial process involves reviewing the official advertisement and checking the position, reference number, salary, location, requirements, duties, closing date, application instructions and source information.
The aim is to explain government vacancy information in practical language while keeping the official advertisement as the primary source.
Where the official advertisement does not provide an answer, DPSACircular does not present an assumption as an official requirement.
About DPSACircular.co.za
DPSACircular.co.za is an independent South African job information website that publishes the latest DPSA Vacancy Circulars, government vacancies, internships, learnerships, graduate programmes, bursaries and practical career guidance.
The website provides editorial explanations of public sector vacancies to help job seekers understand official recruitment information.
DPSACircular.co.za is not the official DPSA website.
DPSACircular.co.za is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the Department of Public Service and Administration, the Department of Defence or any South African government department.
DPSACircular.co.za does not accept, process or decide government job applications.
DPSACircular.co.za does not shortlist candidates, conduct government interviews or make recruitment decisions.
All applications must go directly to the government department advertising the vacancy using the method stated in the official advertisement.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is provided for general job information and application guidance.
The official government vacancy advertisement remains the final authority on the position, requirements, application procedure, closing date and recruitment process.
Always check the latest official advertisement before submitting your application.
DPSACircular.co.za does not guarantee employment, shortlisting, interviews or appointment.
If the advertising department publishes an amendment, withdrawal, extension or correction, follow the latest official notice.
The purpose of this article is to help applicants understand the advertised vacancy and prepare their applications more carefully. It does not replace the official Department of Defence advertisement.
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