The Department of Employment and Labour has advertised 26 government job opportunities in DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular 33 of 2026.
The vacancies cover areas such as labour activation, labour centre operations, counselling, human resources, employment services, occupational health and safety, UIF administration, statutory services, inspections, records administration, claims processing, management support and acquisition management.
The official circular was issued on 11 September 2026. The closing date for the Department of Employment and Labour vacancies is 28 September 2026.
This guide explains the vacancies, application methods, closing times, salary information, locations, Z83 requirements and important checks you should complete before applying.
Quick information
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Employer | Department of Employment and Labour |
| Circular | DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular 33 of 2026 |
| Annexure | Annexure C |
| Posts covered | 33/04 to 33/26 |
| Number of advertised posts | 26 |
| Publication date | 11 September 2026 |
| Last checked | 12 September 2026 |
| Last updated | 12 September 2026 |
| Closing date | 28 September 2026 |
| Walk-in closing time | 16:00 |
| Online closing time | 23:59 |
| Advertisement status | Open as of 12 September 2026 |
| Employer section | Department of Employment and Labour |
| Employment type | Varies by post; several positions are specifically advertised on 3-year contracts |
| Salary range | Approximately R237,453 to R1,317,384 per year, depending on the post |
| Official source | DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular 33 of 2026 |
Download the official DPSA Circular 33 of 2026 PDF
Download Department of Employment and Labour Vacancies DPSA Circular 33 of 2026 PDF
Use the official DPSA circular before submitting your application.
The Department of Employment and Labour vacancies appear under Annexure C of the circular. The Department’s section runs from pages 09 to 19 of the full circular.
Official PDF:
https://www.dpsa.gov.za/dpsa2g/documents/vacancies/2026/PSV%20CIRCULAR%2033%20of%202026.pdf
Official DPSA circular page:
https://www.dpsa.gov.za/newsroom/psvc/circular-33-of-2026/
Always compare your application with the official advertisement before submission. The official circular remains the controlling source for each vacancy.
Important: these are the Department of Employment and Labour vacancies
The Department of Employment and Labour advertisements in Circular 33 of 2026 run from Post 33/04 through Post 33/26.
Posts 33/27 and 33/28 appear later in the circular under Annexure D for the Government Technical Advisory Centre.
Those two posts should not be presented as Department of Employment and Labour vacancies.
This distinction helps applicants avoid applying against the wrong department or using the wrong application instructions.
Department of Employment and Labour vacancies in Circular 33 of 2026
The following 26 posts appear under the Department of Employment and Labour section.
| Post | Position | Location / area | Application route |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33/04 | Director: Labour Activation Programmes | UIF | Email application |
| 33/05 | Deputy Director: Labour Centre Operations | Labour centre operations | Email application |
| 33/06 | Counsellor Grade 1 | Free State | Email application |
| 33/07 | Assistant Director: Human Resources Office & Employment Relations | Free State | Email application |
| 33/08 | Assistant Director: HRM & ER | Gauteng | Email application |
| 33/09 | Employment Service Practitioner | Limpopo | Email application |
| 33/10 | Senior Administrative Officer: Public Employment Services | Mpumalanga | Email application |
| 33/11 | Senior Administration Officer: Anti-Fraud and Anti-Corruption | Mpumalanga | Email application |
| 33/12 | OHS Inspector | Secunda | Email application |
| 33/13 | Senior Practitioner: HRD & Performance Management | Department of Employment and Labour | ESSA online |
| 33/14 | Senior Practitioner: Human Resource Management | Department of Employment and Labour | ESSA online |
| 33/15 | Senior Practitioner: Employee Relations X2 | Department of Employment and Labour | ESSA online |
| 33/16 | Statutory Services Officer | Department of Employment and Labour | Hand delivery and ESSA online |
| 33/17 | Inspector | Department of Employment and Labour | ESSA online |
| 33/18 | Administrative Officer: Performance Information Management | Mpumalanga | Email application |
| 33/19 | Records Administrator | Limpopo | Email application |
| 33/20 | Claims Credit Officer X3 | Limpopo | Email application |
| 33/21 | Client Service Officer: Public Employment Service | Makhado | Email application |
| 33/22 | Inspector X4 | Free State | Email application |
| 33/23 | Administrative Clerk: Management Support Services | Free State | Email application |
| 33/24 | Human Resource Clerk X4 | Department of Employment and Labour | ESSA online |
| 33/25 | Senior Administration Clerk: Management Support Services | Mbombela | Email application |
| 33/26 | Senior Practitioner: Acquisition Management | UIF | Email application |
The table is a navigation guide. Always read the individual advertisement in the official PDF for the full requirements, duties, salary level, reference number and application instructions.
Vacancies by career area
The Circular 33 vacancies cover several career paths.
Human resources and employee relations
Applicants with relevant human resource, labour relations and employee relations experience should review:
- Post 33/07: Assistant Director: Human Resources Office & Employment Relations
- Post 33/08: Assistant Director: HRM & ER
- Post 33/13: Senior Practitioner: HRD & Performance Management
- Post 33/14: Senior Practitioner: Human Resource Management
- Post 33/15: Senior Practitioner: Employee Relations
- Post 33/24: Human Resource Clerk X4
Read each advertisement carefully because qualification, experience and competency requirements differ between posts.
Labour and employment services
Relevant posts include:
- Post 33/05: Deputy Director: Labour Centre Operations
- Post 33/06: Counsellor Grade 1
- Post 33/09: Employment Service Practitioner
- Post 33/10: Senior Administrative Officer: Public Employment Services
- Post 33/21: Client Service Officer: Public Employment Service
These vacancies relate to employment services, labour centre operations, counselling and service delivery.
Inspection and occupational health and safety
Applicants interested in inspection work should review:
- Post 33/12: OHS Inspector
- Post 33/17: Inspector
- Post 33/22: Inspector X4
The exact qualification and experience requirements differ by advertisement.
UIF and administration
The circular also includes positions linked to UIF and administrative functions, including:
- Post 33/04: Director: Labour Activation Programmes
- Post 33/19: Records Administrator
- Post 33/20: Claims Credit Officer X3
- Post 33/26: Senior Practitioner: Acquisition Management
Vacancies by province and location
The Department of Employment and Labour advertisements cover several parts of South Africa.
Locations and regional references in the advertisements include:
- Gauteng
- Free State
- Mpumalanga
- Limpopo
- Pretoria and UIF-related offices
- Johannesburg
- Barberton
- Petrusburg
- Secunda
- Mashishing
- Makhado
- Mbombela
- Welkom
Do not select a vacancy based only on the province. Check the full advertisement for the exact duty station and reporting office.
Salary information
The salaries in this section vary according to the post and salary level.
The Department of Employment and Labour advertisements include salaries ranging from approximately R237,453 to R1,317,384 per annum.
Counsellor OSD grades in the circular include:
| Grade | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| Counsellor Grade 1 | R741,102 to R821,070 |
| Counsellor Grade 2 | R844,128 to R935,045 |
| Counsellor Grade 3 | R953,094 to R1,055,292 |
The salary shown in the individual advertisement should be used when assessing a particular vacancy. Do not assume every Department of Employment and Labour position carries the same salary.
Which vacancies are 3-year contracts?
Several positions in the Department of Employment and Labour section are specifically advertised as 3-year contract positions.
These include:
- Post 33/08
- Post 33/13
- Post 33/14
- Post 33/15
- Post 33/24
Employment terms vary between advertisements, so read the employment conditions in the specific post before applying.
How to apply for Department of Employment and Labour vacancies
The Department uses different application routes depending on the vacancy.
Some positions require applications by email.
Other positions use the Department’s Employment Services of South Africa system, known as ESSA.
ESSA:
https://essa.labour.gov.za/EssaOnline/WebBeans/
Some advertisements also provide a hand-delivery option.
Do not send one application to every email address listed in the circular. Use the application method and email address attached to the specific post you want to apply for.
Department of Employment and Labour application emails
The circular provides different email addresses for different posts.
Post 33/04
Director: Labour Activation Programmes
Application email:
Post 33/05
Deputy Director: Labour Centre Operations
Application email:
Post 33/06
Counsellor Grade 1
Application email:
Post 33/07
Assistant Director: Human Resources Office & Employment Relations
Application email:
Post 33/08
Assistant Director: HRM & ER
Application email:
Post 33/09
Employment Service Practitioner
Application email:
Post 33/10
Senior Administrative Officer: Public Employment Services
Application email:
Post 33/11
Senior Administration Officer: Anti-Fraud and Anti-Corruption
Application email:
Post 33/12
OHS Inspector
Application email:
Post 33/18
Administrative Officer: Performance Information Management
Application email:
Post 33/19
Records Administrator
Application email:
Post 33/20
Claims Credit Officer X3
Application email:
Post 33/21
Client Service Officer: Public Employment Service
Application email:
Post 33/22
Inspector X4
Application email:
Post 33/23
Administrative Clerk: Management Support Services
Application email:
Post 33/25
Senior Administration Clerk: Management Support Services
Application email:
Post 33/26
Senior Practitioner: Acquisition Management
Application email:
For Posts 33/13, 33/14, 33/15, 33/17 and 33/24, follow the ESSA application instructions in the official advertisement.
For Post 33/16, follow both the hand-delivery and ESSA instructions stated in the advertisement.
What documents do you need?
The Department states that applicants should submit:
- A completed and signed new Z83 form
- An updated comprehensive CV
The Z83 and CV should be submitted as one attachment where the advertisement requires an electronic application.
The Department states that the old Z83 form will not be considered.
Applicants should complete Sections A, B, C and D of the Z83 in full.
Where space is limited, Sections E, F and G may refer applicants to the information contained in the CV. However, the conditions in Part F relating to reappointment must be answered, and the declaration must be completed and signed.
Do not assume your CV replaces the Z83.
Your application should follow the instructions in the specific vacancy advertisement.
Do you need certified copies of your qualifications?
The Department states that applicants should initially submit only the required completed and signed Z83 and updated comprehensive CV unless the advertisement gives different instructions.
Certified copies of qualifications and other supporting documents are requested from shortlisted candidates.
If you hold a foreign qualification, the relevant SAQA evaluation documentation is required where the circular’s conditions apply.
Do not attach a large collection of unnecessary documents if the advertisement does not request them at the initial application stage.
Z83 form requirements
Before submitting your application, check your Z83 carefully.
Make sure:
- You use the latest Z83 form.
- You complete the required sections.
- Your personal information is accurate.
- You enter the correct post title.
- You enter the correct reference number where required.
- You answer the declaration and relevant conditions.
- You sign the form.
- Your CV is updated.
- Your CV and Z83 are submitted in the required format.
- Your application follows the specific method in the advertisement.
Related guide:
How to Complete the Z83 Form for Government Jobs in South Africa
https://dpsacircular.co.za/how-to-complete-z83-form-2026/
Apply for each vacancy separately
If you want to apply for more than one vacancy, check the Department’s instructions for each advertisement.
Do not assume one email application automatically covers several posts.
Where the Department requires a separate application for each post, submit a separate application using the correct reference number, job title, email address and documents.
This is one of the easiest application details to overlook.
What should you write in the email subject line?
Use the job title and reference information requested by the Department.
For example, if the advertisement instructs applicants to place the post title and reference number in the email subject line, copy those details accurately.
Do not replace the official reference with a general subject such as:
“Job Application”
A clear subject helps the receiving office identify the vacancy linked to your application.
Before you click Send
Use this checklist before submitting your application.
Vacancy check
- I read the complete advertisement.
- I meet the minimum qualification requirement.
- I meet the experience requirement.
- I meet any registration or professional requirement.
- I understand the job location.
- I understand the employment term.
- I checked the salary level.
Document check
- I used the new Z83.
- I completed the required Z83 sections.
- I signed the Z83.
- My CV is updated.
- My CV reflects relevant experience.
- My documents follow the required format.
Submission check
- I used the correct email address or ESSA route.
- I used the correct job title.
- I used the correct reference number.
- I followed the advertisement’s attachment instructions.
- I submitted before the deadline.
- I kept proof of submission.
Closing date and submission times
The Department of Employment and Labour states that applications close on:
28 September 2026
Walk-in applications close at:
16:00
Online applications close at:
23:59
Do not wait until the final minutes to submit an electronic application.
Technical problems, incorrect attachments, internet interruptions or sending an application to the wrong address do not change the official closing deadline.
Advertisement status
Status as checked on 12 September 2026:
Open
The closing date is 28 September 2026.
The status should be reviewed again as the closing date approaches because government vacancy advertisements sometimes receive amendments or withdrawals.
Amendments
No amendment affecting the Department of Employment and Labour Annexure C vacancies was identified during the 12 September 2026 verification of Circular 33 of 2026.
Last amendment check:
12 September 2026
Always check the official DPSA source before submitting your application for any later amendment.
Withdrawal status
No withdrawal affecting the Department of Employment and Labour posts in Annexure C was identified during the 12 September 2026 verification.
Last withdrawal check:
12 September 2026
A later official notice takes priority over information published in this guide.
What happens after you apply?
The Department states that only shortlisted candidates receive further correspondence.
Shortlisted candidates should expect the relevant assessment processes stated in the advertisement.
The Department also states that shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo practical and integrity assessments.
Applicants applying for Senior Management Service positions should take note of the requirement relating to the Nyukela SMS pre-entry certificate where applicable.
If you do not receive communication within eight weeks after the closing date, the Department states that you should regard your application as unsuccessful.
How to improve your application
Meeting the minimum requirements does not mean you should submit an incomplete or poorly organised application.
Before applying, compare your CV with the duties and requirements in the advertisement.
Look for evidence of:
- Relevant qualifications
- Relevant work experience
- Duties similar to the advertised position
- Technical skills
- Administrative experience
- Supervisory or management experience where required
- Relevant systems or software experience
- Sector-specific knowledge
- Professional registrations where required
Use accurate information.
Do not add qualifications, experience or responsibilities you do not have.
Common mistakes to avoid
Using the old Z83
The Department specifically states that the old Z83 will not be considered.
Sending the application to the wrong email
Each vacancy has its own application instructions.
Check the email address character by character before sending.
Applying after the deadline
Applications submitted after the closing time are not considered.
Leaving required Z83 sections incomplete
Complete the required sections and answer the relevant declarations.
Sending the wrong documents
Follow the advertisement’s document requirements rather than attaching every document you have.
Using one generic application for every post
Different posts have different requirements, reference numbers and application routes.
Ignoring the official PDF
Third-party job websites are useful for finding vacancies, but the official advertisement should be your final reference before applying.
What does “relevant experience” mean?
Relevant experience means previous work experience that relates directly or closely to the duties, responsibilities, technical requirements or field of the advertised position.
For example, an applicant applying for an HR position should show HR-related responsibilities rather than relying only on a general statement such as “administrative experience.”
Your CV should make the connection between your previous work and the advertised duties easy to understand.
Related guide:
What Does Relevant Experience Mean? A Complete Guide for Job Seekers
Government competency-based recruitment
Some government vacancies assess competencies alongside qualifications and work experience.
Review the advertised competencies carefully and prepare examples from your previous work.
Use specific examples instead of broad statements.
Related guides:
Government Competency-Based Interviews Explained in South Africa
How Government Interview Panels Score Candidates in South Africa
About this Department of Employment and Labour vacancy guide
DPSACircular.co.za is an independent South African government vacancy information website.
This article is a guide to the Department of Employment and Labour vacancies published in DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular 33 of 2026.
It is not the official Department of Employment and Labour website and does not recruit candidates on behalf of the South African government.
The official DPSA circular remains the authoritative source for vacancy requirements, closing dates, application instructions and subsequent amendments or withdrawals.
Related Vacancy Categories
Continue exploring career opportunities on DPSACircular.co.za:
Department of Agriculture Vacancies
Department of Basic Education Vacancies
Department of Correctional Services
Department of Defence Vacancies
Department of Electricity and Energy vacancies
Department of Employment and Labour Vacancie
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Vacancies
Department of Higher Education and Training Vacancies
Department of Home Affairs Vacancies
Department of International Relations and Cooperation Vacancies
Department of Justice and Constitutional Development Vacancies
Department of Land Reform and Rural Development Vacancies
Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Vacancies
Department of Public Service and Administration Vacancies
Department of Tourism Vacancies
Department of Traditional Affairs Vacancies
Department of Water and Sanitation Vacancies
Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Vacancies
Government Technical Advisory Centre
Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services Vacancies
Latest DPSA Circular PDF Download
National School of Government Vacancies
National Treasury Vacancies
Office of the Chief Justice Vacancies
Editorial review and verification
This guide was prepared by reviewing the Department of Employment and Labour section of DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular 33 of 2026.
Verification details:
Published by DPSA:
11 September 2026
Last checked:
12 September 2026
Last updated:
12 September 2026
Department section:
Annexure C, Department of Employment and Labour
Posts reviewed:
33/04 to 33/26
Closing date:
28 September 2026
The article should be updated when an official amendment, withdrawal, correction or new application instruction affects these vacancies.
About the author
Godwin Samuel is the founder and publisher of DPSACircular.co.za.
His publishing work focuses on South African government vacancies, DPSA Vacancy Circulars, public-sector recruitment information, application guidance and career resources.
The author is not a government recruitment officer and DPSACircular.co.za is not affiliated with the Department of Employment and Labour or the DPSA.
Frequently asked questions
When do Department of Employment and Labour vacancies in DPSA Circular 33 of 2026 close?
The closing date is 28 September 2026. Walk-in applications close at 16:00, while online applications close at 23:59.
How many Department of Employment and Labour posts are in Circular 33 of 2026?
There are 26 advertised posts in the Department of Employment and Labour section, covering Posts 33/04 to 33/26.
Where do I find the official Circular 33 of 2026 PDF?
The official PDF is published by the Department of Public Service and Administration through the DPSA website. Use the official DPSA circular before submitting your application.
Are Posts 33/27 and 33/28 Department of Employment and Labour vacancies?
No. Posts 33/27 and 33/28 appear under Annexure D for the Government Technical Advisory Centre. They are separate from the Department of Employment and Labour vacancies in Annexure C.
Do I need the new Z83 form?
Yes. The Department states that applicants must use the new Z83 and that the old Z83 will not be considered.
Do I need certified qualifications when applying?
The Department states that certified qualifications and related documents are requested from shortlisted candidates, subject to the instructions and requirements of the specific advertisement.
Where do I apply for ESSA vacancies?
The Department uses the Employment Services of South Africa system for specified vacancies.
ESSA:
https://essa.labour.gov.za/EssaOnline/WebBeans/
Should I apply for every vacancy using the same email address?
No. Follow the application instructions for the individual post. Different advertisements use different email addresses or application routes.
What happens if I do not receive a response?
The Department states that if you are not contacted within eight weeks after the closing date, you should regard your application as unsuccessful.
Is DPSACircular.co.za the official government recruitment website?
No. DPSACircular.co.za is an independent information website. Applicants should use the official DPSA and Department of Employment and Labour sources when submitting applications.
Final application checklist
Before submitting your application, confirm all of the following:
- I selected the correct vacancy.
- I read the full official advertisement.
- I meet the minimum requirements.
- I checked the salary and location.
- I checked whether the position is permanent or contract-based.
- I completed the new Z83.
- I signed the Z83.
- I prepared an updated CV.
- I used the correct reference number.
- I used the correct email address or ESSA route.
- I followed the attachment instructions.
- I submitted before 28 September 2026.
- I kept proof of submission.
- I checked the official DPSA source for later amendments or withdrawals.
Important disclaimer
DPSACircular.co.za provides independent employment information for job seekers.
This website is not the Department of Employment and Labour, DPSA or another South African government recruitment authority.
Vacancy details, closing dates, requirements and application procedures may change through official government notices.
Always verify the latest information against the official DPSA circular and the relevant government department before submitting an application.
Do not pay anyone who promises employment, shortlisting or appointment.
Government recruitment follows the official application process stated in the vacancy advertisement.
Leave a Reply