Published: 6 October 2026
Last checked: 6 October 2026
Circular: Public Service Vacancy Circular 35 of 2026
Department reviewed: Department of Employment and Labour
Closing date: 16 October 2026
Walk-in closing time: 16:00
Online closing time: 23:59
Reviewed by: Godwin Samuel, Founder and Publisher, DPSACircular.co.za
Quick Answer
Department of Employment and Labour vacancies in DPSA Circular 35 of 2026 include management, human resources, labour centre operations, Compensation Fund, UIF, administration, client service, vocational rehabilitation and support positions.
The vacancies reviewed in this Department of Employment and Labour section include positions ranging from Grade 10 and Grade 12 entry-level opportunities to posts requiring NQF Level 6 or Level 7 qualifications and several years of relevant experience.
The general closing date stated in the Department’s advertisement is 16 October 2026. Walk-in applications close at 16:00 and online applications close at 23:59.
READ: What Does an Erratum Mean in a Government Vacancy?
Applicants must use the new Z83 application form. The Department states that the old Z83 will not be considered. For online applications, the completed Z83 and CV must be submitted as one attachment, with the correct job title and reference number included in the email. Each advertised post requires its own application.
The most important point is this: do not treat every vacancy in the Department of Employment and Labour section as having the same requirements. Each post has its own qualification, experience, licence, location, reference number and application destination.
The official advertisement remains the final authority for deciding whether you qualify and where you should submit your application.
Table of Contents
- What Department of Employment and Labour Circular 35 of 2026 Is About
- How I Reviewed the Circular
- What I Checked Before Summarising the Vacancies
- Department of Employment and Labour Circular 35 Closing Date
- Vacancy Summary
- Department of Employment and Labour Vacancies
- What the Qualification Requirements Mean
- What “No Experience Required” Really Means
- How to Understand Relevant Experience
- Re-Advertised Vacancies
- Z83 and CV Requirements
- Where to Send Your Application
- Common Application Mistakes
- Documents to Prepare
- Who Should Apply
- Who Should Not Apply
- What the Advertisement Actually Requires
- How to Verify the Vacancy
- What Happens After You Apply
- What I Added Beyond the Official Advertisement
- Official Information vs Editorial Explanation
- Editorial Review
- What I Noticed During the Review
- Frequently Asked Questions
- About the Author
- About DPSACircular.co.za
- Independence Notice and Disclaimer
What Department of Employment and Labour Circular 35 of 2026 Is About
Department of Employment and Labour vacancies appear in Public Service Vacancy Circular 35 of 2026.
READ: What Happens When a Government Vacancy Is Withdrawn?
The section reviewed for this guide contains vacancies across several parts of the Department, including:
- Labour Centre Operations
- UIF Operations
- Human Resources
- Employment Relations
- Employer Compliance
- Conditions of Service
- HR Development
- Performance Management
- Vocational Rehabilitation
- Risk Management
- Operations
- Employer Services
- Personnel Management
- Client Services
- Registry
- Administrative Support
- Office Aid positions
The vacancies range from senior management-level posts to positions requiring Grade 10 or Grade 12.
The Department states that it intends to promote equity through the filling of posts in line with its Employment Equity Plan. The advertisement also states that equal opportunity and affirmative action principles will be considered during the selection process.
How I Reviewed the Circular
I did not treat Circular 35 as one general job advertisement.
I reviewed the Department of Employment and Labour section vacancy by vacancy. I checked the post number, job title, reference number where provided, salary, location, qualification requirement, experience requirement, licence requirement, contract status and application destination.
I also went back to the general application instructions before summarising the individual posts.
This matters because the circular uses different application email addresses for different vacancies.
For example, the three Deputy Director: Labour Centre Operations posts have separate application destinations for Botshabelo, Ficksburg and Welkom. Other posts use provincial, Compensation Fund or specific Labour Centre email addresses.
One of the first checks I make when reviewing a government vacancy is therefore the application destination.
An applicant might spend considerable time preparing a CV and completing a Z83, then send the application to the wrong address. Checking the destination early reduces this risk.
I also separated information stated directly in the advertisement from my explanation of what the requirement means for an applicant.
That distinction is important. My explanation is intended to help you use the advertisement. It does not replace the official advertisement.
What I Checked Before Summarising the Vacancies
During the review, I checked the following points:
| Item checked | Finding |
|---|---|
| Department | Department of Employment and Labour |
| Circular | Public Service Vacancy Circular 35 of 2026 |
| Closing date | 16 October 2026 |
| Walk-in closing time | 16:00 |
| Online closing time | 23:59 |
| New Z83 required | Yes |
| Old Z83 accepted | No |
| CV required | Yes |
| Z83 and CV online | One attachment |
| Separate application per post | Yes |
| Correct job title/reference number | Required in online application email |
| Certified documents at initial application | Not required initially |
| Certified documents after shortlisting | Required when requested |
| Re-advertisement | Post 35/07 includes Ficksburg and Welkom re-advertisements |
| Previous applicants for re-advertised posts | Must re-apply |
These points come from the Department’s general application instructions and the individual vacancy notices.
READ: How to Check Whether a Government Vacancy Has Been Amended
Department of Employment and Labour Circular 35 Closing Date
The Department states that applications close on 16 October 2026.
There are two different closing times depending on how you apply:
- Walk-in applications: 16:00
- Online applications: 23:59
Do not assume the online closing time applies to a physical application.
The advertisement specifically distinguishes between walk-in and online applications.
My practical advice is to avoid waiting until the closing day.
For online applications, prepare your documents early, confirm the email address, check the reference number and send the application before the final evening.
For walk-in applications, allow enough time for delivery before 16:00.
Vacancy Summary
The Department of Employment and Labour vacancies reviewed in Circular 35 include the following:
| Post | Position | Location | Salary | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35/07 | Deputy Director: Labour Centre Operations X3 | Botshabelo, Ficksburg, Welkom | R1,101,468 | 5 years, including specified management and functional experience |
| 35/08 | Assistant Director: UI Operations | Limpopo | R605,742 + 37% | 4 years |
| 35/09 | Assistant Director: Labour Centre Operations (UIF) X13 | Limpopo | R605,742 + 37% | 4 years |
| 35/10 | Assistant Director: HR Management and Employment Relations | Eastern Cape | R487,197 | 2 years |
| 35/11 | Assistant Director: Employer Compliance X4 | Compensation Fund, Pretoria | R487,197 | 4 years |
| 35/12 | Assistant Director: Conditions of Service | Compensation Fund, Pretoria | R487,197 | 4 years |
| 35/13 | Assistant Director: HR Management & Employee Relations | Northern Cape | R487,197 + 37% | 4 years |
| 35/14 | Senior Practitioner: Human Resource Management | Northern Cape | R413,001 + 37% | 2 years |
| 35/15 | Senior Practitioner: Employee Relations | Northern Cape | R413,001 | 2 years |
| 35/16 | Senior Practitioner: HR Development & Performance Management | Northern Cape | R413,001 | 2 years |
| 35/17 | Senior Admin Officer: Employer Compliance | Compensation Fund, Pretoria | R413,001 | 2 years |
| 35/18 | Senior Practitioner: Vocational Rehabilitation Bursaries | Compensation Fund, Pretoria | R413,001 | 2 years |
| 35/19 | Senior Practitioner: Vocational Rehabilitation Talent Pipeline & Return to Work | Compensation Fund, Pretoria | R413,001 | 2 years |
| 35/20 | Senior Administration Officer: Risk Management | Limpopo | R413,001 | 2 years |
| 35/21 | Senior Administration Officer: Operations X3 | Eastern Cape | R413,001 | 2 years |
| 35/22 | Employer Services Practitioner ESP11 | Springbok | R413,001 | 2 years |
| 35/23 | Principal Personnel Officer: Performance Management | Head Office, Pretoria | R338,106 | 1 year |
| 35/24 | Administration Officer | Free State | R338,106 | 1 year |
| 35/25 | Client Service Officer: Inspection and Enforcement Services | Stanger, KwaZulu-Natal | R280,278 | No experience |
| 35/26 | Administrative Clerk: Support Services IES | Kimberley | R237,453 | Not specified as required |
| 35/27 | Registry Clerk X2 | Limpopo | R237,453 + 37% | No experience |
| 35/28 | Human Resource Clerk X3 | Northern Cape | R237,453 + 37% | No experience |
| 35/29 | Office Aid: IT and Office Services | East London | R170,226 | No experience |
| 35/30 | Office Aid X2 | Sasolburg and Kuruman | R170,226 | No experience |
The individual requirements and application destinations appear in the Department’s vacancy notices.
READ: What Does “Correspondence Will Be Limited to Shortlisted Candidates” Mean?
Department of Employment and Labour Vacancies
Post 35/07: Deputy Director: Labour Centre Operations X3
This is a senior position covering three Labour Centre locations:
- Botshabelo
- Ficksburg
- Welkom
The salary is R1,101,468 per year.
The posts require a three-year National Diploma at NQF Level 6 or an undergraduate Bachelor Degree at NQF Level 7 in the fields specified in the advertisement.
The experience requirement is substantial. The advertisement requires five years of experience, including two years at Assistant Director level and three years of functional labour market operations or service delivery experience.
The Ficksburg and Welkom positions are re-advertisements. The Department specifically states that applicants who applied previously must apply again.
The application emails are:
- Botshabelo: Jobs-FSDDLCOBOTS@LABOUR.gov.za
- Ficksburg: Jobs-FSDDLCOFICKS@LABOUR.gov.za
- Welkom: Jobs-FSDDLCOWELK@LABOUR.gov.za
The advertisement also provides postal and hand-delivery information through the Chief Director: Provincial Operations in Bloemfontein.
Post 35/08: Assistant Director: UI Operations
This is a three-year contract position in Limpopo.
Salary: R605,742 plus 37% in lieu of service benefits.
The position requires an undergraduate qualification at NQF Level 6 in the fields listed in the advertisement, four years of experience, including two years of functional operations experience and two years of supervisory experience.
A valid driver’s licence is also required.
Online applications are directed to UIFJobs-LP@labour.gov.za. Postal and hand-delivery instructions are also provided in the advertisement.
Post 35/09: Assistant Director: Labour Centre Operations (UIF) X13
This is another three-year contract position with a salary of R605,742 plus 37%.
The Department lists 13 Labour Centre locations in Limpopo.
The qualification requirement is at NQF Level 6 or Level 7 in the fields specified in the advertisement.
Applicants require four years of experience, including two years in functional operations and two years at supervisory level.
A driver’s licence is listed as an added advantage for this post.
The application email depends on the Labour Centre selected. This is an important detail to check before sending your application.
Post 35/10: Assistant Director: HR Management and Employment Relations
Location: Eastern Cape.
Salary: R487,197.
The post requires a relevant three-year tertiary qualification in Human Resource Management or the fields stated in the advertisement.
The Department requires two years of supervisory experience and two years of functional HR or Employment Relations experience.
Online applications are directed to Jobs-EC2@labour.gov.za.
Post 35/11: Assistant Director: Employer Compliance X4
Location: Compensation Fund, Pretoria.
Salary: R487,197.
The qualification requirement is a three-year tertiary qualification at NQF Level 6 in Accounting, Auditing, Compliance Management or the fields specified.
The advertisement requires four years of relevant functional experience, including two years of supervisory experience.
A driver’s licence is also required.
Online applications are directed to Jobs-CF24@labour.gov.za.
Post 35/12: Assistant Director: Conditions of Service
Location: Compensation Fund, Pretoria.
Salary: R487,197.
The post requires an undergraduate NQF Level 6 qualification in Human Resource Management.
Applicants require four years of functional HR administration experience, including two years at Senior Practitioner level or an equivalent level.
The application email is Jobs-CF28@labour.gov.za.
Post 35/13: Assistant Director: HR Management and Employee Relations
Location: Northern Cape.
Salary: R487,197 plus 37%.
This three-year contract requires an NQF Level 6 qualification in Human Resource Management, Public Management, Employee Relations or another field listed in the advertisement.
The experience requirement is four years, including two years in HRM or Employee Relations and two years at Senior Practitioner level.
A driver’s licence is listed as an advantage.
Applications are sent to Jobs-NCKIM@labour.gov.za.
Post 35/14: Senior Practitioner: Human Resource Management
Location: Northern Cape.
Salary: R413,001 plus 37%.
The post requires an NQF Level 6 qualification in Human Resource Management, Public Management or the listed equivalent fields.
Two years of functional HRM experience are required.
A driver’s licence is an added advantage.
Applications are sent to Jobs-NCKIM@labour.gov.za.
Post 35/15: Senior Practitioner: Employee Relations
Location: Northern Cape.
Salary: R413,001.
The post requires an NQF Level 6 qualification in Human Resource Management, Labour Relations Management or the fields stated.
Two years of functional Employment Relations experience are required.
A driver’s licence is listed as an added advantage.
Applications are sent to Jobs-NCKIM@labour.gov.za.
Post 35/16: Senior Practitioner: HR Development and Performance Management
Location: Northern Cape.
Salary: R413,001.
The Department requires an NQF Level 6 qualification in the fields listed in the advertisement and two years of functional experience in HR development, training or performance management.
Applications are sent to Jobs-NCKIM@labour.gov.za.
Post 35/17: Senior Admin Officer: Employer Compliance
Location: Compensation Fund, Pretoria.
Salary: R413,001.
The post requires an NQF Level 6 qualification in Accounting, Auditing, Compliance Management or the listed fields.
Two years of functional experience in employer assessment, revenue, compliance, health insurance or related functions are required.
A driver’s licence is required.
Applications are sent to Jobs-CF25@labour.gov.za.
Post 35/18: Senior Practitioner: Vocational Rehabilitation Bursaries
Location: Compensation Fund, Pretoria.
Salary: R413,001.
The Department requires an undergraduate NQF Level 6 qualification in the fields listed in the vacancy and two years of functional experience involving vocational training, development or employability.
Applications are sent to Jobs-CF26@labour.gov.za.
Post 35/19: Senior Practitioner: Vocational Rehabilitation Talent Pipeline and Return to Work
Location: Compensation Fund, Pretoria.
Salary: R413,001.
The post requires an undergraduate NQF Level 6 qualification in the listed fields and two years of relevant functional experience.
Applications are sent to Jobs-CF27@labour.gov.za.
Post 35/20: Senior Administration Officer: Risk Management
Location: Provincial Office, Limpopo.
Salary: R413,001.
The position requires a three-year relevant tertiary qualification in Risk Management, Internal Audit or a related field.
Two years of functional risk management experience are required.
Applications are sent to Jobs-LP@labour.gov.za.
Post 35/21: Senior Administration Officer: Operations X3
Locations include:
- Mdantsane
- Kwa-Maqoma
- Alice Satellite Office
Salary: R413,001.
The post requires an NQF Level 6 qualification in Operations Management, Public Management or Administration, Business Administration or Management, Administrative Management, Management, Financial Accounting, Finance or the fields specified.
Applicants require two years of functional experience in client services, claims processing, operations or insurance.
A valid driver’s licence is required.
The application emails include Jobs-ECMDS@labour.gov.za and Jobs-ECFOB@labour.gov.za, depending on the location.
Post 35/22: Employer Services Practitioner ESP11
Location: Springbok.
Salary: R413,001.
The post requires a three-year relevant qualification in Social Science, Psychology, Industrial Psychology, Public Administration, Business Management, Public Management or the fields stated.
Two years of client-oriented experience are required.
A valid driver’s licence is required.
Applications are sent to NC-Springbok@labour.gov.za.
Post 35/23: Principal Personnel Officer: Performance Management
Location: Head Office, Pretoria.
Salary: R338,106.
The post requires a three-year National Diploma at NQF Level 6 or Bachelor Degree at NQF Level 7 in Human Resource Management, Development, Training and Development, Management of Training, Public Management or the listed fields.
One year of functional performance management experience is required.
Applications are sent to Jobs-HQ29@labour.gov.za.
Post 35/24: Administration Officer
Location: Provincial Office, Free State.
Salary: R338,106.
The qualification requirement is NQF Level 6 in Public Administration, Public Management, Business Administration or the fields stated.
One year of functional PES or administration experience is required.
Applications are sent to Jobs-FSOfficeAdminPES@labour.gov.za.
Post 35/25: Client Service Officer: Inspection and Enforcement Services
Location: Stanger, KwaZulu-Natal.
Salary: R280,278.
The minimum educational requirement is Grade 12.
The advertisement states that no experience is required.
The application email is Jobs-KZN25@labour.gov.za, with postal and hand-delivery instructions also provided.
Post 35/26: Administrative Clerk: Support Services IES
Location: Kimberley.
Salary: R237,453.
The post requires Grade 12, Matric or Senior Certificate.
The application email is Jobs-NCKIM@labour.gov.za.
Post 35/27: Registry Clerk X2
Location: Limpopo.
Salary: R237,453 plus 37%.
This is a three-year contract position.
The Department requires Grade 12, Senior Certificate or an equivalent qualification.
No experience is required.
Applications are sent to UIFJobs-LP@labour.gov.za.
Post 35/28: Human Resource Clerk X3
Location: Northern Cape.
Salary: R237,453 plus 37%.
This is a three-year contract position.
The post requires Grade 12 or equivalent.
No experience is required.
Applications are sent to Jobs-NCKIM@labour.gov.za.
Post 35/29: Office Aid: IT and Office Services
Location: East London.
Salary: R170,226.
The post requires Standard 8 or Grade 10.
No experience is required.
Applications are sent to Jobs-EC10@labour.gov.za.
Post 35/30: Office Aid X2
Locations:
- Sasolburg
- Kuruman
Salary: R170,226.
The minimum educational requirement is Standard 8 or Grade 10.
No experience is required.
The application destinations differ by location:
- Sasolburg: Jobs-FSOfficeAidSasol@labour.gov.za
- Kuruman: NC-Kuruman@labour.gov.za
What the Qualification Requirements Mean
A qualification requirement is not simply a suggestion.
If a vacancy states a particular NQF level and field, compare your qualification with the exact wording before applying.
For example, some Department of Employment and Labour vacancies require NQF Level 6 qualifications in specific fields. Other vacancies require a three-year qualification, while entry-level positions require Grade 10 or Grade 12.
Do not assume a higher qualification automatically satisfies every field requirement.
If the advertisement specifies Human Resource Management, for example, read the qualification wording carefully rather than relying only on the fact that your qualification is also at NQF Level 6.
The official advertisement is the correct place to determine whether your qualification fits the stated requirement.
What “No Experience Required” Really Means
Several vacancies in this circular state that no experience is required.
Examples include:
- Client Service Officer: Inspection and Enforcement Services
- Registry Clerk
- Human Resource Clerk
- Office Aid positions
This does not mean there are no requirements.
A vacancy stating “no experience” might still require:
- A specific school qualification
- A particular certificate
- Specific knowledge
- Specific skills
- A valid driver’s licence where stated
- A completed Z83
- A CV
- Correct application instructions
- Submission before the closing time
For example, Post 35/25 requires Grade 12 even though no experience is required.
The practical lesson is simple: read the entire minimum requirement section, not only the experience line.
How to Understand Relevant Experience
Experience requirements need careful reading.
A vacancy might require four years of experience but also specify what part of those four years must involve a particular function or supervisory level.
Post 35/11, for example, requires four years of relevant functional experience, including two years of supervisory experience.
Post 35/07 is even more specific. It requires five years of experience, including two years at Assistant Director level and three years of functional labour market operations or service delivery experience.
This is why I recommend matching your work history against the full sentence in the advertisement.
Do not count years alone.
Look at:
- The number of years required.
- The type of function performed.
- The required supervisory level.
- Whether the experience must be in a particular environment.
- Whether a licence or another requirement is also listed.
Re-Advertised Vacancies
Post 35/07 provides an important example.
The Deputy Director: Labour Centre Operations advertisement identifies the Ficksburg and Welkom posts as re-advertisements.
The Department also states that people who applied previously must apply again.
This is an instruction worth taking seriously.
A previous application should not be assumed to carry forward when the new advertisement tells previous applicants to re-apply.
What I check when I see “re-advertisement”
When I see a re-advertised government vacancy, I check:
- Whether previous applicants are told to apply again.
- Whether the reference number changed.
- Whether the requirements changed.
- Whether the application destination changed.
- Whether the closing date changed.
- Whether the post appears in the latest circular.
For Circular 35, the instruction for Ficksburg and Welkom is clear: previous applicants must re-apply.
Z83 and CV Requirements
The Department’s general instructions require the new Z83 application form.
The old Z83 will not be considered.
The Department states that applicants must use the new Z83 available from a Public Service department or the government website.
Each post requires its own application form.
Sections A to D must be fully completed. For Sections E, F and G, the Department allows applicants to state that the information is contained in the CV or attached documents because of the limited space on the form.
The declaration must also be signed.
The Department specifically highlights Part F, including the question concerning conditions preventing reappointment.
For online applications
The Department requires the Z83 and CV to be submitted as one attachment.
The email should contain the correct job title and reference number.
This creates a simple workflow:
- Identify the exact vacancy.
- Record the post number.
- Record the job title.
- Record the reference number.
- Find the application email for that specific post.
- Complete the new Z83.
- Prepare your updated comprehensive CV.
- Combine the Z83 and CV as required.
- Check the attachment before sending.
- Check the recipient email again.
- Send before the online closing time.
This workflow is more reliable than preparing one general application and sending it to several addresses.
Where to Send Your Application
There is no single application email for all Department of Employment and Labour vacancies in Circular 35.
The application destination depends on the specific post and location.
Examples include:
- UIFJobs-LP@labour.gov.za
- Jobs-EC2@labour.gov.za
- Jobs-CF24@labour.gov.za
- Jobs-CF28@labour.gov.za
- Jobs-NCKIM@labour.gov.za
- Jobs-LP@labour.gov.za
- Jobs-HQ29@labour.gov.za
- Jobs-KZN25@labour.gov.za
The full advertisement provides the applicable application destination for each post.
This is one of the areas where copying a vacancy summary from another website without checking the original advertisement creates risk.
The application address is part of the vacancy instructions.
Common Application Mistakes
1. Using the old Z83
The Department states that old Z83 forms will not be considered.
2. Sending one application for several posts
The Department states that each post requires its own application form.
3. Sending the application to the wrong email address
Circular 35 uses different application email addresses.
Check the vacancy you are applying for rather than relying on an email address from another post.
4. Leaving the Z83 incomplete
The Department requires Sections A to D to be fully completed and the declaration to be signed.
5. Forgetting the job title or reference number
The Department specifically instructs online applicants to include the correct job title and reference number in the email.
6. Assuming certification is required at the first stage
The Department states that only the completed and signed Z83 and updated comprehensive CV are required initially.
Shortlisted candidates are later asked to provide certified copies of qualifications and related documents.
7. Applying after the deadline
Late applications are not considered. Non-compliant applications are also not considered.
8. Ignoring the re-advertisement instruction
For the Ficksburg and Welkom posts under 35/07, previous applicants must apply again.
Documents to Prepare
For the initial application, the Department states that applicants should submit:
- Completed new Z83
- Updated comprehensive CV
For online applications, the Z83 and CV must be submitted as one attachment.
Do not add documents simply because you think a larger application looks stronger.
The Department specifically states that shortlisted candidates will later be asked to submit certified copies of qualifications and related documents.
If requested documents are not submitted, the application will not be considered.
READ: What Does “Personnel Suitability Checks” Mean in Government Recruitment?
Who Should Apply
You should consider applying if you:
- Meet the minimum qualification requirement.
- Meet the required experience.
- Hold a required driver’s licence where stated.
- Meet any other mandatory requirement in the vacancy.
- Follow the correct Z83 instructions.
- Prepare the required CV.
- Use the correct application destination.
- Submit before the applicable closing time.
- Follow any re-advertisement instruction that applies to you.
Who Should Not Apply
Pause before submitting if you:
- Do not meet a mandatory qualification.
- Do not have the required experience.
- Lack a mandatory driver’s licence.
- Cannot follow the specified application method.
- Are using an old Z83.
- Are submitting one application for several posts instead of following the separate application requirement.
- Are sending the application to an unrelated email address.
- Miss the closing time.
- Ignore a re-advertisement instruction.
- Cannot provide documents requested at the shortlisting stage.
Meeting one requirement does not cancel out another missing mandatory requirement.
What the Advertisement Actually Requires
One of the most useful ways to read a government vacancy is to separate requirements into categories.
Education
Look for the exact qualification level and field.
Experience
Check both the number of years and the type of experience.
Licence
If the advertisement says a valid driver’s licence is required, treat it as part of the minimum requirements.
If it says the licence is an added advantage, it has a different status.
Application documents
Check the Z83 and CV requirements separately from the job requirements.
Application destination
This is not an administrative detail to leave until the end.
It determines where your application goes.
Closing time
Check whether you are applying online or by walk-in and follow the applicable deadline.
A Practical Application Checklist
Before pressing send, check:
- I selected the correct vacancy.
- I recorded the post number.
- I recorded the reference number where provided.
- I checked the exact qualification requirement.
- I checked the experience requirement.
- I checked the driver’s licence requirement.
- I completed the new Z83.
- I completed Sections A to D.
- I answered the required Part F question.
- I signed the declaration.
- I prepared an updated comprehensive CV.
- I combined the Z83 and CV as required for online submission.
- I used the correct job title in the email.
- I included the correct reference number.
- I checked the application email address.
- I checked the closing date.
- I checked the closing time.
- I followed any re-advertisement instruction.
- I kept a copy of my application.
How to Verify the Vacancy
Do not rely on a social media post, WhatsApp message, screenshot or third-party vacancy summary as your final source.
Use the official vacancy advertisement to confirm:
- Job title
- Post number
- Reference number
- Salary
- Location
- Qualification
- Experience
- Licence requirements
- Application method
- Application address
- Closing date
- Closing time
- Special conditions
This is especially important when different vacancies in the same department use different email addresses.
DPSACircular.co.za provides an independent information and research service. It does not accept government job applications and does not make appointment decisions.
What Happens After You Apply
Submitting an application does not mean you have been shortlisted.
The Department states that shortlisted candidates, including SMS candidates, undertake two pre-entry assessments involving a practical suitability exercise and an integrity assessment.
Shortlisted candidates are also asked to provide certified copies of qualifications and related documents when the Department communicates this requirement.
Successful candidates enter into an employment contract and performance agreement.
The Department also reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Correspondence is limited to shortlisted candidates. If you are not contacted within eight weeks after the closing date, the advertisement states that you should accept that your application was unsuccessful.
What I Added Beyond the Official Advertisement
The official advertisement tells applicants what the Department requires.
My purpose in this guide is different.
I separated the general application rules from the requirements attached to individual posts.
I checked the application destinations because Circular 35 does not use one email address for every vacancy.
I highlighted the Ficksburg and Welkom re-advertisements because previous applicants are specifically instructed to apply again.
I separated the initial Z83 and CV requirement from the later certification requirement.
I also highlighted the difference between “no experience required” and “no requirements.”
These are editorial checks designed to help an applicant interpret and use the advertisement correctly.
They do not replace the official advertisement.
READ: What Is a SAQA Evaluation Certificate and When Is It Needed?
Official Information vs Editorial Explanation
To keep the information transparent, use this distinction when reading this page.
Directly from the advertisement
This includes:
- Closing date and times
- Z83 requirements
- CV requirements
- Qualifications
- Experience
- Salaries
- Locations
- Reference numbers
- Application destinations
- Re-advertisement instructions
- Shortlisting conditions
These details come from the Department’s Circular 35 vacancy notices.
Editorial explanation
This includes my practical advice about:
- How to organise your application.
- How to compare your experience with a vacancy.
- Why application destinations should be checked early.
- Why “no experience” does not mean “no requirements.”
- Why previous applicants should follow a re-advertisement instruction.
- How to reduce avoidable application errors.
The editorial explanation is guidance, not an additional Department requirement.
How We Research Government Vacancies
At DPSACircular.co.za, the aim is not to reproduce a government PDF word for word.
For a circular-based vacancy article, the research process starts with the original advertisement.
I first identify the department and circular.
I then review the general application instructions.
After that, I work through the individual posts and record the details that affect an applicant’s decision:
- Position
- Post number
- Reference number
- Salary
- Location
- Qualification
- Experience
- Licence
- Application method
- Application destination
- Closing date
- Closing time
- Special conditions
I then compare the individual vacancy details against the general application instructions.
Finally, I separate source information from editorial explanation.
This process is important because a circular is not one single job advertisement. It is a collection of different advertisements with different requirements.
How We Update Vacancy Information
Government vacancy information changes.
A vacancy might be amended, withdrawn, extended or re-advertised.
For this reason, an old article should not be treated as a permanent copy of a government advertisement.
When updating a vacancy page, the important checks include:
- Whether the post is still open.
- Whether the closing date changed.
- Whether the application method changed.
- Whether the application email changed.
- Whether the requirements changed.
- Whether the post was withdrawn.
- Whether the vacancy was re-advertised.
- Whether an amendment affects the original advertisement.
For Circular 35, Post 35/07 provides a clear example of why this matters because the Ficksburg and Welkom positions are specifically identified as re-advertisements.
Editorial Review
I reviewed the Department of Employment and Labour section of Circular 35 using the following checklist:
Positions
Checked the individual vacancy titles and post numbers.
Salary
Checked the salary stated for each position.
Qualification
Checked the qualification level and fields listed.
Experience
Checked the years and type of experience required.
Licence
Checked where a driver’s licence is mandatory and where it is listed as an advantage.
Application method
Checked the general Z83 and CV instructions.
Application destination
Checked vacancy-specific email addresses and other application destinations.
Closing date
Checked the Department’s stated 16 October 2026 deadline.
Closing times
Checked the distinction between 16:00 for walk-in applications and 23:59 for online applications.
Re-advertisement
Checked the wording for Post 35/07 concerning Ficksburg and Welkom.
Initial documents
Checked the Department’s statement that the initial application requires the completed Z83 and comprehensive CV.
Shortlisting documents
Checked the later requirement for certified copies when requested.
The Department’s general instructions also state that non-compliant and late applications will not be considered.
What I Noticed During the Review
The most important observation from this section of Circular 35 is that application accuracy matters as much as finding a suitable job title.
There are several different recruitment destinations.
The Department has vacancies across different units and provinces.
Some positions are permanent-style public service posts while others are three-year contracts.
Some vacancies require several years of experience.
Others state that no experience is required.
The qualification level also varies significantly.
This means a job seeker should not search Circular 35 using salary or job title alone.
A better approach is to compare the complete requirement set.
I also found the re-advertisement wording important.
A person who applied previously might assume the old application remains active. The advertisement specifically tells previous applicants for the Ficksburg and Welkom posts to apply again.
That is the type of detail I prioritise when turning a long vacancy document into an application guide.
READ: How Foreign Qualifications Are Handled in South African Government Vacancies
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When does Department of Employment and Labour Circular 35 close?
The Department states 16 October 2026 as the closing date.
2. What time do online applications close?
Online applications close at 23:59.
3. What time do walk-in applications close?
Walk-in applications close at 16:00.
4. Is the new Z83 required?
Yes. The Department states that applicants must use the new Z83 and that the old Z83 will not be considered.
5. Do I need a CV?
Yes. The Department requires an updated comprehensive CV as part of the initial application.
6. Should the Z83 and CV be submitted separately online?
No. The Department instructs online applicants to submit the Z83 and CV as one attachment.
7. Do I submit one application for several vacancies?
No. The Department states that each post requires its own application form.
8. Are certified copies required with the first application?
The Department states that only the completed, initialled and signed Z83 and updated comprehensive CV are required initially.
Certified copies are requested from shortlisted candidates at the later stage.
9. Are there Department of Employment and Labour vacancies requiring no experience?
Yes.
Post 35/25, Post 35/27, Post 35/28, Post 35/29 and Post 35/30 include positions where the advertisement states no experience is required. The specific educational and other requirements still apply.
10. Which vacancy requires Grade 12 with no experience?
Post 35/25, Client Service Officer: Inspection and Enforcement Services, requires Grade 12 and states that no experience is required.
11. Are there Grade 10 opportunities?
Yes.
The Office Aid posts in Post 35/29 and Post 35/30 require Standard 8 or Grade 10 and state that no experience is required.
12. Is Post 35/27 a permanent position?
Post 35/27 is advertised as a three-year contract position.
13. Is Post 35/28 a contract position?
Yes. The Human Resource Clerk positions are advertised as three-year contract positions.
14. Are the Ficksburg and Welkom vacancies re-advertised?
Yes. Post 35/07 identifies the Ficksburg and Welkom positions as re-advertisements.
15. Do previous applicants for the re-advertised posts need to apply again?
Yes. The advertisement specifically states that previous applicants must re-apply for the Ficksburg and Welkom posts.
16. Does every Department of Employment and Labour vacancy use the same email address?
No.
Different posts use different application email addresses.
Check the application destination attached to the specific vacancy before submitting.
17. What should I put in my online application email?
The Department instructs applicants to use the correct job title and reference number in the email.
18. What happens after shortlisting?
Shortlisted candidates, including SMS candidates, undertake the Department’s stated pre-entry assessments, including a practical suitability exercise and integrity assessment.
19. When should I submit certified qualifications?
The Department states that shortlisted candidates are asked to submit certified copies of qualifications and related documents before or on the interview date after receiving communication from Human Resources.
20. What if I am not contacted?
The Department states that correspondence is limited to shortlisted candidates. If you are not contacted within eight weeks after the closing date, the advertisement states that you should accept that your application was unsuccessful.
READ: How to Keep a Record of Your Government Job Applications
About the Author
Godwin Samuel, Founder and Publisher of DPSACircular.co.za
I research and publish government vacancy information with a focus on helping applicants understand what an advertisement requires before they submit an application.
My editorial work involves reviewing vacancy circulars, checking individual post requirements, comparing application instructions, recording closing dates and identifying details that are easy to miss in long government advertisements.
For this Department of Employment and Labour Circular 35 guide, the review involved working through the individual vacancy notices rather than treating the circular as one general job listing.
The practical focus is deliberate.
A vacancy guide should help a reader answer questions such as:
- Do I meet the requirement?
- What documents do I need?
- Where should I send the application?
- What reference number should I use?
- Is this vacancy re-advertised?
- Does the Department require me to apply again?
- What should I check before submitting?
Readers should use the official government advertisement as the final authority.
About DPSACircular.co.za
DPSACircular.co.za is an independent South African job information website that publishes DPSA Vacancy Circulars and government vacancy information.
The site is not the official DPSA website.
DPSACircular.co.za does not accept, process or decide government job applications.
The site does not shortlist candidates, interview applicants or select successful candidates.
The purpose of the site is to research, organise and explain government vacancy information so applicants have a clearer starting point when reading official advertisements.
READ: How to Verify a South African Government Job Advertisement
Independence Notice and Disclaimer
DPSACircular.co.za is independent and is not the Department of Employment and Labour, the Department of Public Service and Administration or another South African government department.
The information in this guide is provided for job information and application guidance.
The official vacancy advertisement remains the final authority for qualification requirements, application instructions, closing dates, application addresses and other conditions.
Do not pay a person or organisation claiming to guarantee a government appointment.
DPSACircular.co.za does not guarantee employment, shortlisting, interview invitations or appointment.
Always verify important vacancy details against the official advertisement before submitting an application.
Final Application Reminder
Before you submit your Department of Employment and Labour Circular 35 application, stop and check the vacancy one more time.
Confirm the post number.
Confirm the reference number.
Confirm the qualification.
Confirm the experience.
Confirm the licence requirement.
Confirm the new Z83.
Confirm your CV.
Confirm the application email.
Confirm the job title in your email.
Confirm the reference number in your email.
Confirm the attachment.
Confirm the closing date and time.
For Ficksburg and Welkom under Post 35/07, confirm whether you are a previous applicant and follow the instruction to re-apply.
Most importantly, read the original advertisement before submitting.
This guide is designed to make that process easier. It is not a replacement for the official vacancy notice.
Source
Primary source reviewed: Department of Employment and Labour section of Public Service Vacancy Circular 35 of 2026, including the general application instructions and individual vacancy notices. The information in this guide was checked against the supplied circular before publication.
Last checked: 6 October 2026.
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