Published: Not stated in the supplied advertisement extract
Last checked: 13 October 2026
Closing date: 23 October 2026 at 16:00
Reviewed by: Godwin Samuel, Founder and Publisher, DPSACircular.co.za
Department: Department of Defence
Circular: Public Service Vacancy Circular 36 of 2026
Post number: 36/05
Reference number: CDHRM/33/36/26
Directorate: Chief Directorate: Human Resource Management
Centre: Pretoria
Salary: R237,453 to R279,708 per annum, Salary Level 05
DOWNLOAD PDF of Department of Defence Circular 36 of 2026
Quick Answer
The Department of Defence advertises a Senior Secretary position in Pretoria under Post 36/05, Reference CDHRM/33/36/26, in the supplied extract for Public Service Vacancy Circular 36 of 2026.
The position offers an annual salary of R237,453 to R279,708 at Salary Level 05. Applicants need a minimum of Grade 12/NQF Level 4. The advertisement states that secretarial experience will be an advantage, rather than a compulsory minimum requirement.
The successful applicant will provide secretarial and administrative support to a Director. Duties include arranging meetings, managing correspondence, coordinating travel, handling telephone calls, maintaining filing systems, drafting routine correspondence, recording basic meeting minutes, and processing office-related administrative work.
The closing date is 23 October 2026 at 16:00.
Applicants must submit the prescribed Z83 application form, originally signed and dated, together with a detailed CV.
The advertisement provides three application routes:
- Email: Tshegofatso.Leburu@dod.mil.za
- Hand delivery: Bank of Lisbon Building, 400 Paul Kruger Street, Pretoria, 0001
- Post: Department of Defence, Chief Directorate Human Resource Management, Private Bag X976, Pretoria, 0001
The department states that late applications and faxed copies will not be considered. Applicants applying for more than one post must submit a separate Z83 and the required documentation for each position.
Download the complete Public Service Vacancy Circular 36 of 2026 from the official DPSA vacancy circular page.
Table of Contents
- What the Department of Defence Circular 36 of 2026 vacancy is about
- 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 practice
- Whether the post is a re-advertisement
- Whether the application requires Z83 plus CV
- Where the application must be sent
- Common mistakes applicants should avoid
- What documents to prepare
- How to verify the advertisement
- What happens after the closing date
- How the vacancy fits into government recruitment
- Official requirements versus editorial explanation
- Additional practical guidance
- Official source
- Frequently asked questions
- Editorial Review: What We Noticed
- About the Author
- About DPSACircular.co.za
- Disclaimer
What the Department of Defence Circular 36 of 2026 Vacancy Is About
The Department of Defence Senior Secretary vacancy focuses on providing administrative and secretarial support to a Director within the Chief Directorate: Human Resource Management in Pretoria.
The duties described in the advertisement show the type of work applicants should expect. The successful candidate will handle telephone calls, record appointments, coordinate travel arrangements, organise meetings, prepare routine correspondence, maintain filing systems, process invoices, and help manage the Director’s office administration.
The role also involves arranging meeting venues, inviting participants, organising refreshments, preparing schedules, managing incoming and outgoing correspondence, and ensuring documents submitted for approval follow applicable standards.
These responsibilities require more than the ability to perform basic office tasks. The advertisement specifically identifies communication skills, computer literacy, organisational ability, reliability, interpersonal skills, tact, and discretion.
For example, an applicant who has previously maintained an appointment diary, prepared meeting documents, managed correspondence, and organised office records should explain those responsibilities clearly in the CV. A job title alone does not show the actual work performed.
The vacancy offers a salary of R237,453 to R279,708 per annum at Salary Level 05. Pretoria is the listed employment centre.
Applicants should review the complete official advertisement before applying. This article explains the information available in the supplied extract and does not replace the department’s formal recruitment instructions.
Editorial Review
This guide was prepared from the supplied two-page Department of Defence advertisement extract, identified as Annexure B, pages 7 and 8.
The review examined the following details:
- Post title and reference number.
- Salary range and salary level.
- Employment location.
- Minimum qualification.
- Secretarial experience wording.
- Skills and duties.
- Required application documents.
- Application submission routes.
- Closing date and time.
- Shortlisting, assessment, screening, security clearance, and probation conditions.
The review also separated formal requirements from practical explanations. For example, the advertisement identifies Grade 12/NQF Level 4 as the minimum qualification and secretarial experience as an advantage. This distinction matters because the two statements do not carry the same meaning.
The supplied extract does not state the vacancy’s publication date or confirm whether the position is a re-advertisement. Those details remain unconfirmed in this guide.
The review establishes what the supplied document says. It does not establish that the department has independently confirmed the vacancy’s current recruitment status.
What the Qualification Requirement Means for the Senior Secretary Vacancy
The advertisement states: “A minimum of Grade 12/NQF Level 4.”
This is the stated minimum educational requirement for the Senior Secretary position.
The supplied extract does not specify a compulsory diploma, degree, or secretarial certificate. Applicants should therefore avoid treating an unlisted qualification as a mandatory condition.
Start by checking the qualification you hold against the wording in the official advertisement. If your certificate uses different terminology, or you obtained your qualification outside South Africa, seek clarification from the relevant authority before assuming equivalence.
The department also explains that shortlisted candidates must submit certified copies of qualifications and other related documents on or before the interview date. Those documents must not be older than six months.
The initial application requirements are different. The advertisement specifies the prescribed Z83 and a detailed CV at the application stage.
A practical approach is to prepare your education details accurately in the CV and keep your qualification documents ready in case the department shortlists you.
What the Experience Requirement Means
The advertisement states that secretarial experience “will be an advantage.”
This wording is important. The supplied extract does not list previous secretarial employment as a compulsory minimum requirement.
Applicants with relevant experience should explain the duties they performed. Useful examples include managing appointments, preparing meeting documents, handling telephone calls, maintaining filing systems, arranging travel, processing correspondence, and supporting office administration.
Applicants without formal secretarial employment should assess their qualifications and skills against the stated requirements before deciding not to apply. Experience in reception, administration, office support, or similar work might provide relevant examples, provided the experience is genuine.
Experience being an advantage does not guarantee selection. The department will assess candidates through its recruitment process.
Do not claim professional experience you do not have. Describe your actual duties, training, computer skills, and administrative responsibilities honestly.
Who Should Apply for the Department of Defence Senior Secretary Vacancy?
Consider applying if you meet the minimum qualification and possess skills relevant to the advertised duties.
The position is worth considering if you:
- Hold at least Grade 12/NQF Level 4.
- Communicate clearly with people at different organisational levels.
- Use Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Handle telephone calls professionally.
- Organise meetings, appointments, and office activities.
- Maintain accurate records and filing systems.
- Handle sensitive information with tact and discretion.
- Work reliably and manage administrative tasks.
- Have secretarial experience or related office administration experience.
The final point is an advantage rather than a compulsory minimum requirement according to the supplied extract.
Before applying, check the full advertisement for any additional conditions and confirm the submission details.
Who Should Not Apply for the Senior Secretary Vacancy?
Applicants who do not meet the stated minimum qualification should first seek clarification from the department if they are uncertain about their eligibility.
The position is also unlikely to suit applicants who cannot follow the required application procedure or perform the administrative duties described in the advertisement.
Think carefully before applying if you:
- Do not meet the Grade 12/NQF Level 4 minimum.
- Cannot provide the prescribed, correctly completed Z83.
- Are unable to provide a detailed CV.
- Intend to submit a faxed or photocopied application.
- Plan to use one Z83 for multiple posts.
- Expect the department to consider an application received after the deadline.
- Are unwilling to perform the listed office administration duties.
A lack of formal secretarial employment alone is not identified as a compulsory disqualification condition in the supplied extract.
Application Checklist for the Department of Defence Vacancy
Use this checklist before submitting your application.
- Confirm the position is Senior Secretary.
- Check Post 36/05 and Reference CDHRM/33/36/26.
- Confirm Pretoria as the employment centre.
- Check that you meet the Grade 12/NQF Level 4 minimum.
- Complete the prescribed Z83 form.
- Sign and date the Z83.
- Prepare a detailed CV.
- Include your training, qualifications, competencies, knowledge, and experience.
- Check your telephone number and email address.
- Confirm the correct application destination.
- Submit before 16:00 on 23 October 2026.
- Keep a copy of your application and available proof of submission.
- Prepare a separate Z83 and application package for every additional post.
The advertisement warns that applications submitted using an incorrect Z83 will be disqualified. It also states that failure to follow the required document instructions will result in the application not being considered.
What the Advertisement Actually Requires
The following table summarises the vacancy details in the supplied extract.
| Requirement | Official advertisement details |
|---|---|
| Department | Department of Defence |
| Post title | Senior Secretary |
| Post number | 36/05 |
| Reference number | CDHRM/33/36/26 |
| Directorate | Chief Directorate: Human Resource Management |
| Salary | R237,453 to R279,708 per annum |
| Salary level | Level 05 |
| Centre | Pretoria |
| Minimum qualification | Grade 12/NQF Level 4 |
| Secretarial experience | An advantage |
| Computer literacy | MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint |
| Other skills | Communication, organisation, interpersonal skills, reliability, tact, and discretion |
| Initial documents | Prescribed Z83 and detailed CV |
| Signature requirement | Z83 originally signed and dated |
| Closing date | 23 October 2026 at 16:00 |
| Email address | Tshegofatso.Leburu@dod.mil.za |
| Postal address | Private Bag X976, Pretoria, 0001 |
| Hand-delivery address | Bank of Lisbon Building, 400 Paul Kruger Street, Pretoria, 0001 |
The advertisement also describes pre-entry assessments, personnel suitability checks, security clearance, and a twelve-month probation period for successful candidates.
Which Qualification Wording Matters?
The key qualification wording is “A minimum of Grade 12/NQF Level 4.”
Applicants should distinguish this minimum from the skills listed in the same section. Computer literacy, communication, organisation, reliability, tact, and discretion are also important to the advertised role.
The supplied extract does not list a specific diploma or degree as a compulsory qualification. Do not add an unlisted requirement when assessing your eligibility.
If your qualification does not use the same wording, contact the department for clarification. Do not assume a qualification is equivalent without appropriate confirmation.
What Relevant Experience Means in Practice
Relevant experience refers to duties related to the work advertised. The strongest CV examples describe actual responsibilities rather than relying on broad statements such as “good administrative skills.”
Consider an applicant who previously worked as an administrative assistant. If the applicant genuinely maintained an appointment diary, prepared meeting documents, managed telephone enquiries, and organised office files, those tasks relate directly to several duties in the advertisement.
A useful CV entry might read:
“Maintained office records, coordinated appointments, prepared meeting documents, directed telephone enquiries, and managed incoming and outgoing correspondence.”
Use this example as a guide to the level of detail, not as text to copy if the duties do not reflect your own experience.
An applicant with no formal secretarial position should describe relevant skills gained through genuine work, training, or other responsibilities. Do not invent employment history or claim software proficiency without supporting experience.
The advertisement lists secretarial experience as an advantage. Your application should therefore communicate your actual strengths without presenting preferred experience as a compulsory requirement.
Is the Senior Secretary Vacancy a Re-Advertisement?
The supplied extract does not confirm whether the position is a re-advertisement.
Applicants should not infer re-advertisement status from the reference number or post number. Check the complete Circular 36 document and any relevant official department notice for an explicit statement.
The known identifiers are Post 36/05 and Reference CDHRM/33/36/26. Use these details when contacting the department about the vacancy.
Does the Application Require Z83 Plus CV?
Yes. The supplied advertisement requires the prescribed Z83 application form and a detailed CV.
The Z83 must be originally signed and dated. The CV must contain full particulars of training, qualifications, competencies, knowledge, and experience.
The department warns that using an incorrect Z83 form results in disqualification. It also states that applicants applying for multiple posts must submit a separate form and the specified documentation for each post.
Shortlisted candidates must provide certified copies of qualifications and other related documents on or before the interview date. The copies must not be older than six months.
The supplied extract does not require every applicant to attach certified qualification copies to the initial application. Follow the stated initial submission instructions and prepare the additional documents for the shortlisting stage.
Where the Application Must Be Sent
The advertisement lists three submission routes.
Email:
Hand delivery:
Department of Defence
Chief Directorate Human Resource Management
Bank of Lisbon Building
400 Paul Kruger Street
Pretoria, 0001
Post:
Department of Defence
Chief Directorate Human Resource Management
Private Bag X976
Pretoria, 0001
The deadline is 23 October 2026 at 16:00.
For email applications, check the recipient address, attachments, and completed Z83 before sending. Retain the sent email and its attachments.
For postal applications, allow sufficient delivery time. For hand delivery, plan to arrive before the deadline and retain available proof of submission.
The advertisement states that late applications and faxed copies will not be considered. It also states that the department will not acknowledge receipt of applications because of the anticipated volume.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
The supplied advertisement identifies several errors that applicants should avoid.
Using the wrong Z83 form. Check the form against the official instructions before completing it.
Leaving the signature or date blank. The Z83 must be originally signed and dated.
Using one form for multiple posts. Submit a separate Z83 and the required documents for each position.
Sending faxed or photocopied applications. The advertisement states that such copies will not be accepted.
Missing the closing time. Applications received after 16:00 on 23 October 2026 will not be considered.
Submitting an incomplete CV. Include the requested particulars of training, qualifications, competencies, knowledge, and experience.
Treating preferred experience as compulsory. Secretarial experience is listed as an advantage.
Assuming minimum eligibility guarantees shortlisting. The department determines which applicants progress through its recruitment process.
Using an unverified email address. Compare the destination with the official vacancy notice before sending personal information.
What Documents Should You Prepare Before Applying?
Prepare these items before submitting your application:
- The prescribed Z83 application form, completed, signed, and dated.
- A detailed and updated CV.
- Accurate education and qualification details.
- Details of relevant training and competencies.
- A clear description of employment history and experience.
- Correct contact details.
- Separate application documents for every additional post.
Keep copies of your application for your records.
The department states that shortlisted candidates must submit certified copies of qualifications and other related documents on or before the interview date. The copies must not be older than six months.
Follow the advertisement’s instructions rather than sending unnecessary sensitive documents.
How to Verify That the Advertisement Is Genuine
Before submitting personal information, compare the vacancy details with an official source.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official DPSA vacancy circular page.
- Locate Public Service Vacancy Circular 36 of 2026.
- Find the Department of Defence section.
- Match the position, post number, and reference number.
- Check the salary, minimum qualification, location, and deadline.
- Confirm the email address and delivery addresses against the official notice.
- Contact the department using the enquiry details listed in the advertisement if any information differs.
The supplied extract lists the following contacts:
Brigadier General M.J. Ledwaba: (012) 339 5019.
Leading Seaman T.B. Leburu: (012) 339 5001.
Do not pay anyone who promises an interview, shortlisting, or an appointment. The supplied advertisement does not state that applicants must pay a recruitment fee.
What Happens After the Closing Date?
The department will process applications under its recruitment procedures and selection requirements.
The advertisement states that correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates. It also states that applications will not be acknowledged because of the anticipated volume of responses.
Shortlisted applicants must provide certified copies of qualifications and other related documents on or before the interview date. Those copies must not be older than six months.
The advertisement also describes two pre-entry assessments for shortlisted candidates. One is a practical exercise, and the other is an Integrity (Ethical Conduct) Assessment. Selection panels will score the technical exercises as an additional criterion in the interview process. The notice states that competency assessment will be limited to candidates successful in the interview process.
Successful candidates will undergo personnel suitability checks, which include criminal record, citizenship, financial or asset record, qualification, and employment verification. The advertisement also refers to security clearance and a twelve-month probation period.
Applicants who receive no confirmation or feedback within three months after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful, according to the advertisement.
How This Vacancy Fits into Government Recruitment
Government recruitment generally involves receiving applications, screening applicants, shortlisting, interviews or assessments, verification, and appointment. The exact procedure depends on the department and the post.
For this vacancy, the supplied advertisement specifically identifies the initial application documents, shortlisting requirements, pre-entry assessments, personnel suitability checks, security clearance, and probation conditions.
Your first responsibility is to submit an accurate application within the stated period. Meeting the minimum qualification does not guarantee an interview or appointment. The department determines which candidates progress through its recruitment process.
Applicants should also understand that employment verification and security clearance form part of the stated conditions for successful candidates. Providing truthful information and following official instructions is essential throughout the process.
Official Requirements Versus Editorial Explanation
Clear sourcing helps readers distinguish formal requirements from practical advice.
Information taken directly from the supplied advertisement
- Senior Secretary, Post 36/05.
- Reference CDHRM/33/36/26.
- Chief Directorate: Human Resource Management.
- Pretoria as the centre.
- Salary of R237,453 to R279,708 per annum at Level 05.
- Minimum Grade 12/NQF Level 4.
- Secretarial experience as an advantage.
- Listed skills and duties.
- Prescribed Z83 and detailed CV.
- Submission email and delivery addresses.
- Closing date of 23 October 2026 at 16:00.
- Shortlisting, assessment, suitability checks, security clearance, and probation conditions.
Editorial explanation provided by DPSACircular.co.za
- Examples of how office administration duties relate to the position.
- Suggestions for describing relevant experience in a CV.
- A pre-submission checklist.
- Guidance on separating mandatory requirements from preferred experience.
- Steps for checking official vacancy information.
- Suggestions for keeping application records.
These explanations help readers understand the advertisement. They do not create additional official selection criteria.
What This Guide Adds Beyond the Official Advertisement
The official advertisement sets out the requirements and application instructions. This guide explains how applicants should interpret those details while preparing an application.
One important distinction concerns secretarial experience. Applicants might assume the department requires previous secretarial employment, but the supplied extract describes this experience as an advantage. The minimum qualification is stated separately.
The guide also highlights the original signature and date required on the Z83, the rule for separate applications, the exact closing time, and the distinction between initial application documents and certified copies required from shortlisted candidates.
These practical explanations help applicants review their documents before submission. They do not guarantee shortlisting, an interview, or appointment.
Official Source
Primary source: Department of Defence vacancy advertisement supplied in the PDF extract for Public Service Vacancy Circular 36 of 2026, Annexure B, pages 7 and 8.
Official DPSA vacancy circular page
Departmental enquiries:
- Brigadier General M.J. Ledwaba, (012) 339 5019.
- Leading Seaman T.B. Leburu, (012) 339 5001.
Application email listed in the advertisement: Tshegofatso.Leburu@dod.mil.za.
The publication date and re-advertisement status are not confirmed by the supplied extract. Consult the complete official circular for additional information.
READ: Public Service Vacancy Circular 36 of 2026: Latest Government Jobs & Application Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Department of Defence Circular 36 of 2026
1. What position appears in Department of Defence Circular 36 of 2026?
The supplied extract lists a Senior Secretary position in the Chief Directorate: Human Resource Management in Pretoria.
2. What is the reference number?
The reference number is CDHRM/33/36/26. The post number is 36/05.
3. What salary does the position offer?
The advertised salary is R237,453 to R279,708 per annum at Salary Level 05.
4. What is the closing date?
The closing date is 23 October 2026 at 16:00. The department states that late applications will not be considered.
5. What is the minimum qualification?
The advertisement requires a minimum of Grade 12/NQF Level 4.
6. Is secretarial experience compulsory?
No compulsory secretarial experience requirement appears in the supplied extract. The advertisement states that secretarial experience will be an advantage.
7. Which documents must I submit?
Submit the prescribed Z83 application form, originally signed and dated, and a detailed CV.
8. Must I attach certified qualification copies to the initial application?
The advertisement states that shortlisted candidates must submit certified copies of qualifications and other related documents on or before the interview date. The copies must not be older than six months.
9. Which email address appears in the advertisement?
The listed application email is Tshegofatso.Leburu@dod.mil.za.
10. What is the postal address?
Department of Defence, Chief Directorate Human Resource Management, Private Bag X976, Pretoria, 0001.
11. Where is the hand-delivery address?
Bank of Lisbon Building, 400 Paul Kruger Street, Pretoria, 0001.
12. What duties does the Senior Secretary perform?
The listed duties include arranging meetings, managing correspondence, coordinating travel, handling telephone calls, maintaining filing systems, drafting routine correspondence, recording basic meeting minutes, processing invoices, and supporting office administration.
13. Which computer skills does the advertisement mention?
The advertisement specifically lists MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
14. Is the position based in Pretoria?
Yes. Pretoria is the employment centre listed in the supplied extract.
15. Is the vacancy a re-advertisement?
The supplied extract does not confirm re-advertisement status. Check the complete official notice for confirmation.
16. Must I submit a separate Z83 for each post?
Yes. The advertisement requires a separate Z83 and the specified documents for each post. If multiple posts appear on one form, only the first post indicated will be considered.
17. Will the department acknowledge receipt of my application?
The advertisement states that the department will not acknowledge receipt because of the anticipated volume of applications. Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates.
18. Which assessments and checks should shortlisted candidates expect?
The advertisement refers to a practical exercise and an Integrity (Ethical Conduct) Assessment. Successful candidates will undergo personnel suitability checks and security clearance processes.
19. What happens if I receive no feedback?
The advertisement instructs applicants who receive no confirmation or feedback within three months after the closing date to consider their applications unsuccessful.
20. Where should I verify the vacancy?
Visit dpsa newsroom and compare the official circular’s post number, reference, salary, qualification, deadline, and application details.
Editorial Review: What We Noticed
The most important distinction in this vacancy is the difference between the minimum qualification and the experience preference. The advertisement requires Grade 12/NQF Level 4, while secretarial experience is an advantage.
The application instructions also emphasise the prescribed Z83, an original signature and date, a detailed CV, separate applications for different posts, and compliance with the closing time.
These details are easy to overlook when applicants focus mainly on the salary or job title. Checking the application instructions before sending documents helps reduce avoidable errors.
This review is based on the supplied advertisement extract. It does not claim access to the department’s internal recruitment records or confirm whether applications are currently being processed.
About the Author
Godwin Samuel is the Founder and Publisher of DPSACircular.co.za. He researches public sector vacancy information and publishes practical guides to help South African job seekers understand vacancy advertisements, qualification requirements, application documents, closing dates, and recruitment procedures.
His editorial approach focuses on identifying the requirements stated in source documents, explaining application terminology, and directing readers to official sources for verification.
READ: Department of Agriculture Vacancy Circular 36 of 2026: Application Guide & Requirements
About DPSACircular.co.za
DPSACircular.co.za is an independent South African job information website that publishes DPSA Vacancy Circular summaries, government job opportunities, internships, learnerships, graduate programmes, bursaries, and career guidance.
Our articles explain vacancy requirements, application procedures, required documents, and official source information in accessible language. We encourage readers to verify important details against the relevant department’s official advertisement before applying.
Disclaimer
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. We do not accept, process, or decide government job applications. All recruitment decisions remain the responsibility of the relevant department.
This article was prepared to explain the supplied vacancy advertisement and help readers understand the application process. The official circular and departmental instructions take priority if any details differ.
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