Published: 11 September 2026
Last checked: 12 September 2026
Last updated: 12 September 2026
Closing dates: 28 September 2026 and 30 September 2026, depending on the advertised post
Advertisement status: Active at the time of the latest check
Amended advertisement: An erratum appears at the beginning of the DHET section concerning a Transport Officer advertised in Circular 32 of 2026. The salary notch for that earlier post is corrected to R338,106 per annum. This erratum is not a new Circular 33 vacancy.
Withdrawal: No specific Circular 33 DHET post is identified as withdrawn in the supplied advertisement. Some participating TVET colleges state that they reserve the right to withdraw or amend advertisements or decide not to fill posts.
Employer: Department of Higher Education and Training
Circular: Public Service Vacancy Circular 33 of 2026
Employment type: Mainly permanent public-service positions, including PERSAL appointments where stated in the advertisement
Locations: Pretoria, King William’s Town/Qonce, Randfontein, Carletonville, Krugersdorp, Krugersdorp West and other college locations specified in the advertisement
Salary range: R144,024 to R1,885,710 per annum, depending on the position and salary level
Application method: Varies by post. Applications include online submission, email, hand delivery and courier, according to the individual advertisement.
Important: DPSACircular.co.za is an independent South African job information website. We publish information about DPSA Vacancy Circulars to help readers understand government recruitment advertisements. We are not the official DPSA website and do not accept, process or decide government job applications. Always use the official government advertisement as the final source before applying.
Download the Official DPSA Circular 33 of 2026 PDF
[DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL DPSA CIRCULAR 33 OF 2026 PDF]
The official PDF should be used to confirm the exact position, reference number, qualification requirements, application address, closing date and other instructions before you submit an application.
Quick Answer
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) section of DPSA Circular 33 of 2026 contains advertisements numbered 33/29 through 33/55.
There are 27 advertised post numbers and 34 individual positions because several advertisements contain more than one post.
The section covers senior management, administration, finance, information technology, student support, curriculum, examinations, financial aid, marketing and communication, driving, maintenance and cleaning roles.
The advertised salaries range from R144,024 per annum for Cleaner positions at Level 2 to R1,885,710 per annum for the Deputy Director-General: Corporate Services position at Level 15.
The closing date is not the same for every advertisement. Some posts close on 28 September 2026, while others close on 30 September 2026. Several Western TVET College applications have a stated closing time of 12:00, while the Chief Administration Clerk advertisement closes at 16:00.
This difference matters. Applicants should not assume that every DHET vacancy in Circular 33 has one common deadline.
Vacancy Summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Circular | Public Service Vacancy Circular 33 of 2026 |
| Department covered | Department of Higher Education and Training |
| Advertised post numbers | 33/29 to 33/55 |
| Individual positions | 34 |
| Highest salary | R1,885,710 per annum |
| Lowest salary | R144,024 per annum |
| Employment arrangements | Mainly permanent/PERSAL positions |
| Main locations | Pretoria, King William’s Town/Qonce, Randfontein, Carletonville, Krugersdorp and Krugersdorp West |
| Main application routes | Online, email, hand delivery or courier |
| Closing dates | 28 September 2026 or 30 September 2026, depending on post |
| Application form | New Z83 where required by the advertisement |
| Primary source | Official DPSA/DHET vacancy advertisement |
Table of Contents
- What This DHET Circular 33 Guide Covers
- Important DHET and GTAC Clarification
- What Is in the DHET Section of Circular 33?
- Vacancy Groups and Salary Levels
- What the Requirements Mean
- How to Check Whether a Vacancy Fits You
- How the Application Process Works
- Different Application Methods in Circular 33
- What Applicants Should Prepare
- Who Should Apply?
- Who Should Not Apply?
- Application Checklist
- Common Application Mistakes
- How to Read the Closing Dates Correctly
- How to Read the Salary Information
- What Happens After Application?
- How to Read the Official PDF
- Why This Guide Does Not Copy the Vacancy PDF
- Editorial Review
- Internal Resources
- Official Source
- Frequently Asked Questions
- About the Author
- Final Advice
What This DHET Circular 33 Guide Covers
This page is a guide to the Department of Higher Education and Training vacancies contained in DPSA Circular 33 of 2026.
It is not intended to replace the official advertisement.
The purpose is to help applicants understand the structure of the DHET section before they spend time preparing an application.
The advertisement covers a wide range of functions. These include:
- corporate services
- partnerships and linkages
- student support
- curriculum development
- curriculum implementation
- examinations and assessments
- student registration
- management information systems
- financial accounting
- labour relations
- information technology
- office management
- financial aid and bursary administration
- marketing and communication
- administration
- driving and messenger services
- building maintenance
- cleaning
The positions also span several salary levels and qualification requirements.
This means the most useful way to approach the circular is to identify the right vacancy first, then compare your qualifications, experience and application method with that specific advertisement.
Important DHET and GTAC Clarification
There is an important naming issue that applicants should understand.
Government Technical Advisory Centre, commonly called GTAC, and the Department of Higher Education and Training are separate entries in DPSA Circular 33 of 2026.
This guide covers the Department of Higher Education and Training section.
It does not combine GTAC vacancies with DHET vacancies.
Therefore, a title such as:
Department of Higher Education and Training Centre (GTAC)
would be misleading.
The correct department name for this guide is:
Department of Higher Education and Training
If you are looking specifically for GTAC positions, use the separate GTAC section of Circular 33.
This distinction also matters when completing the Z83 because applicants should identify the department or employer connected to the vacancy they are applying for.
What Is in the DHET Section of Circular 33?
The DHET advertisement starts with Post 33/29 and continues through Post 33/55.
The first position is a senior management post:
Deputy Director-General: Corporate Services
It is based in Pretoria and carries a salary of R1,885,710 per annum at Level 15. The advertisement requires an appropriate postgraduate qualification at NQF Level 8, extensive senior management experience and other senior management requirements. The application is submitted online through the DHET application route.
The remaining advertisements cover a much broader range of functions, including professional, administrative, technical and support roles.
Rather than copying every duty from the government document, this guide groups the positions by the type of work and level of experience involved.
That approach helps readers decide which parts of the official advertisement deserve closer attention.
Vacancy Groups and Salary Levels
1. Senior Management
The highest-level vacancy in the DHET section is the Deputy Director-General: Corporate Services.
This position is different from most of the other advertisements because it requires:
- a postgraduate qualification at NQF Level 8
- substantial senior management experience
- Public Service SMS experience
- the required SMS pre-entry programme
- leadership and strategic management capability
- other requirements stated in the advertisement
The position is based in Pretoria and has a salary of R1,885,710 per annum.
Applicants should not treat this vacancy as an ordinary administrative opportunity. The minimum requirements are designed for senior public-service management.
2. Assistant Director Positions
A large part of the DHET section consists of Assistant Director positions.
These include functions connected with:
- partnerships and linkages
- student support services
- curriculum development
- curriculum implementation
- examinations and assessments
- student registration
- management information systems
- financial accounting
- labour relations
- information technology
- office management
Several Assistant Director posts are advertised at Level 10 with a salary of R605,742 per annum, while others are advertised at Level 9 with R487,197 per annum.
The qualification and experience requirements differ between positions.
For example, some posts require a qualification in project management or marketing, while others focus on psychology, education, finance, labour relations, information technology or office management.
This is why applicants should assess each reference number separately rather than assuming that all Assistant Director vacancies have identical requirements.
3. Senior Officer Positions
The DHET section also contains Level 8 senior officer positions.
Examples include:
- Senior Management Information System Officer
- Senior Financial Aid/Bursary Officer
- Senior State Accountant: Financial Accounting
- Senior Marketing and Communication Officer
These positions are advertised at R413,001 per annum plus applicable benefits.
The requirements generally combine Grade 12 or Matric with a recognised three-year diploma or degree and relevant work experience. The exact qualification and experience requirements differ by function.
4. Administration and Technical Positions
The section also contains Level 7 and Level 5 administration and technical opportunities.
These include:
- Chief Administration Clerk
- IT Technician
- Financial Aid/Bursary Officers
- Administrative Clerks: Finance
- Admin Clerk: Administration Services
- Admin Clerk: Marketing and Communication
The salaries in this group include R338,106 per annum for Level 7 posts and R237,453 per annum for Level 5 posts.
5. Support and Facilities Positions
The lower salary levels include:
- Driver/Messenger
- Handyman
- Cleaner
The Driver/Messenger positions are advertised at R201,093 per annum, the Handyman positions at R170,226, and the Cleaner positions at R144,024.
These positions still have specific minimum requirements. Lower salary level does not mean applicants should ignore the advertised qualification, licence, experience or competency requirements.
What the Requirements Mean
One of the most important parts of a government vacancy advertisement is the difference between minimum requirements and additional advantages.
Applicants should read the wording carefully.
Qualification
If the advertisement states that a specific qualification is required, compare your actual qualification with the stated field and NQF level.
Do not assume that every qualification at the same academic level is automatically acceptable.
For example, one position might require a three-year qualification in Financial Management, while another could require Information Technology, Communication, Psychology or Education.
The subject area matters.
Experience
Experience requirements also differ.
Some positions require:
- one to two years
- two to three years
- three to five years
- five years
- eight years at senior management level
The type of experience matters as much as the number of years.
If the advertisement asks for financial aid experience, general office experience should not automatically be treated as equivalent.
Driver’s Licence
Several DHET advertisements require a valid driver’s licence.
Other positions list it as an advantage.
Applicants should distinguish between:
required
and
added advantage.
Do not treat an advantage as though it were a mandatory requirement, and do not ignore a licence requirement when the advertisement clearly makes it compulsory.
Professional Registration
Some education-related positions require professional registration such as SACE.
For example, the Curriculum Development and Implementation position in the KSDTVET section requires a recognised teacher qualification and SACE registration.
If a professional registration is stated as a requirement, applicants should verify their status before applying.
How to Check Whether a Vacancy Fits You
Use this five-step test before completing your application.
Step 1: Identify the reference number
Write down the exact reference number.
Step 2: Check the qualification
Compare your qualification with the advertised field and NQF level.
Step 3: Check your experience
Compare the required years and type of experience with your actual employment history.
Step 4: Check special conditions
Look for:
- driver’s licence
- professional registration
- specific certificates
- supervisory experience
- sector experience
- SMS requirements
- SAQA evaluation requirements for foreign qualifications
Step 5: Check the application method
Do not prepare the application until you know where and how the selected vacancy must be submitted.
This final step is important because Circular 33 does not use one application method for every DHET position.
How the Application Process Works
There is no single application route for every DHET vacancy in this section.
The advertisement contains different instructions depending on the employer or TVET college.
Some applications are submitted online.
Some are sent by email.
Some allow or require hand delivery or courier submission.
This means applicants should avoid copying an email address from one vacancy and using it for another.
The reference number and application instructions attached to the specific vacancy should control your submission.
Different Application Methods in Circular 33
DHET Online Application
The Deputy Director-General: Corporate Services advertisement directs applicants to apply online using the new Z83 process through the Department’s website or the specified online application route.
The advertisement also states that a comprehensive CV and completed, signed Z83 are considered, with certified supporting documents requested from shortlisted candidates.
KSDTVET College Applications
Several KSDTVET College posts instruct applicants to send their applications to the email address specified for the individual post.
The application instructions generally require:
- a completed and signed new Z83
- a detailed CV
- contactable references
- additional documents when requested after shortlisting
The email address differs by position.
Lovedale TVET College Applications
The Lovedale TVET College advertisements allow applications to be hand-delivered or sent by courier to the stated address, with an email address also provided.
Applicants are instructed to quote the relevant reference number.
The advertisement also requires a signed and completed new Z83 and comprehensive CV.
Western TVET College Applications
Several Western TVET College positions allow hand delivery or email submission.
The email must follow the vacancy-specific instruction and the application should be sent in the required PDF format where stated.
For example, the Senior MIS Officer advertisement gives a specific email address and requires the application in PDF format as one attachment.
Umfolozi TVET College Application
The Chief Administration Clerk advertisement requires email submission to the specified address.
It also states that the post name and reference number should appear in the email subject line and that the application should be sent as one PDF document without qualifications attached at the initial stage.
What Applicants Should Prepare
Before starting an application, prepare a simple application folder containing:
- the correct new Z83 form
- your updated comprehensive CV
- the vacancy reference number
- the exact job title
- qualification information
- employment history
- contactable references where required
- driver’s licence details where required
- professional registration information where applicable
- SAQA information where applicable
- the correct email address or application portal
- the correct closing date and time
Do not attach documents simply because another vacancy requested them.
Follow the instructions for the specific post.
Who Should Apply?
This guide is relevant to applicants who meet the minimum requirements for one or more of the advertised positions.
The DHET section is broad enough to cover people with backgrounds in areas such as:
- public administration
- management
- finance
- accounting
- information technology
- information management
- education
- curriculum development
- psychology
- student support
- labour relations
- human resources
- communication
- marketing
- office administration
- driving
- facilities maintenance
The key point is fit, not the number of vacancies.
Applying for a large number of positions does not improve an application that fails to meet the minimum requirements.
Who Should Not Apply?
Applicants should reconsider applying for a specific post when they do not meet a stated minimum requirement.
Examples include:
- missing the required qualification
- lacking the required experience
- missing compulsory professional registration
- lacking a required driver’s licence
- failing to meet a stated supervisory requirement
- missing a required professional or technical qualification
- applying after the closing date
- ignoring the specified application method
The better approach is to identify another vacancy whose minimum requirements match your actual background.
Application Checklist
Before submitting your DHET Circular 33 application, check the following:
- Correct department identified
- Correct position selected
- Correct reference number recorded
- Qualification matches the advertisement
- Required NQF level checked
- Required experience checked
- Required licence checked
- Professional registration checked where applicable
- New Z83 completed where required
- Z83 signed where required
- CV updated
- Contact details checked
- References included where required
- Correct email address or portal selected
- Email subject checked
- Correct PDF format used where required
- Separate application prepared where required
- Closing date checked
- Closing time checked
- Application submitted before the deadline
- Copy of the submitted application saved
Common Application Mistakes
1. Treating every DHET vacancy as having the same deadline
This is one of the biggest risks in Circular 33.
Some positions close on 28 September 2026, while others close on 30 September 2026.
Some also specify a closing time.
Always check the individual advertisement.
2. Using the wrong email address
Many TVET College positions have vacancy-specific email addresses.
Do not send an application to an email address copied from another post.
3. Using the wrong reference number
The reference number identifies the vacancy.
Check it before sending the application.
4. Sending the same application everywhere
A single generic application is risky when different posts require different qualifications, experience and application methods.
5. Ignoring the Z83 instructions
The advertisement repeatedly refers to the new Z83.
Follow the instructions attached to your chosen vacancy.
6. Sending certificates too early
Several advertisements state that certified qualifications or supporting documents are required from shortlisted candidates rather than at the initial application stage.
Follow the specific advertisement instead of attaching unnecessary documents.
7. Missing the closing time
A date without checking the time can result in a late application.
Some Western TVET College positions close at 12:00, while the Umfolozi Chief Administration Clerk advertisement gives 16:00.
8. Confusing an added advantage with a minimum requirement
Read the wording carefully.
An advantage is not the same as a mandatory qualification.
9. Ignoring foreign qualification requirements
Where the advertisement requires SAQA evaluation for foreign qualifications, applicants should follow that requirement.
10. Applying because the job title sounds suitable
A job title alone is not enough.
Read the minimum requirements before deciding whether to apply.
How to Read the Closing Dates Correctly
The DHET section has more than one deadline.
28 September 2026
A number of positions close on 28 September 2026.
Examples include several Lovedale TVET College positions, Western TVET College positions, the Umfolozi Chief Administration Clerk position and other posts.
30 September 2026
Other positions close on 30 September 2026.
These include the Deputy Director-General position and several KSDTVET College positions.
Why the distinction matters
Do not rely on the circular number or department name alone.
The safest process is:
Position → Reference number → Application method → Closing date → Closing time
Then submit.
How to Read the Salary Information
The salary figures in Circular 33 vary substantially because the section contains different levels of responsibility.
The highest stated annual salary is:
R1,885,710
for the Deputy Director-General: Corporate Services position.
The lowest stated annual salary is:
R144,024
for the Cleaner positions.
Between those levels are salaries including:
- R605,742
- R487,197
- R413,001
- R338,106
- R237,453
- R201,093
- R170,226
Some advertisements also state that benefits apply.
Applicants should therefore read the complete salary line for the selected post rather than assuming that every position at a similar job title has identical remuneration.
What Happens After Application?
The advertisement shows that selection processes differ by post.
Shortlisted candidates may be required to provide certified documents, undergo competency exercises, practical assessments, integrity assessments, vetting or other suitability checks.
For the senior management position, the advertisement describes additional assessment and SMS-related requirements.
Several TVET College advertisements also state that shortlisted candidates will undergo suitability checks and assessments.
Applicants should therefore keep their supporting information accurate and consistent with their Z83 and CV.
How to Read the Official PDF
Do not read the circular as one large list of vacancies.
Use this process:
First, locate the department
Find:
Department of Higher Education and Training
Second, identify the post number
For example:
Post 33/43
Third, record the reference number
The reference number is often needed during application.
Fourth, read the requirements
Check qualification, experience, licences and other conditions.
Fifth, read the application instructions
Identify the correct email, portal, delivery address or other method.
Sixth, record the deadline
Write down both the date and time.
Seventh, save the official advertisement
Keep the source document available while completing your application.
Why This Guide Does Not Copy the Vacancy PDF
The official advertisement already contains the authoritative vacancy information.
Repeating the entire government PDF on another website would give readers little additional value.
This guide instead explains:
- how the DHET section is structured
- how the positions differ
- how to interpret qualification requirements
- how to distinguish mandatory requirements from advantages
- how the application methods differ
- how to avoid common application mistakes
- how to interpret the closing dates
- how to prepare before opening the application route
- where to verify the original information
Readers should still use the official advertisement for the final decision before submitting an application.
Editorial Review
DPSACircular.co.za reviewed the vacancy details against the supplied official government advertisement. Our review focused on the advertised positions, reference numbers, salary information, qualification requirements, experience requirements, closing date and application instructions. Readers should use the official advertisement as the final source before submitting an application.
The review also considered the distinction between DHET and GTAC, the different application routes used by the participating TVET colleges, the multiple closing dates and the stated salary levels.
The article does not reproduce the complete government advertisement.
Internal Resources
Readers preparing for these vacancies may also find the following DPSACircular.co.za guides useful:
How to Complete the New Z83 Form
Use the How to Correctly Complete the New Z83 Form in 2026 guide to understand the information required on the current Z83 and how to prepare before submitting an application.
Previous DPSA Circular Guides
The site also provides department-specific guides for earlier circulars. These can help applicants understand how different government departments structure application instructions.
Government Interview Guidance
Applicants who reach the shortlist stage should also review guidance on competency-based interviews and other public-service selection processes.
Internal linking recommendation for WordPress: Link the relevant phrases above to the existing DPSACircular.co.za pages instead of creating generic keyword-only links.
Official Source
The official government advertisement remains the final source for the DHET vacancies.
The DHET section reviewed for this guide is Annexure E of DPSA Circular 33 of 2026.
The supplied document contains 29 pages and covers posts 33/29 through 33/55.
For application decisions, readers should verify:
- position title
- reference number
- qualification
- experience
- application method
- application address
- closing date
- closing time
- supporting-document requirements
against the official advertisement.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Department of Higher Education and Training Circular 33 of 2026?
It is the DHET section of Public Service Vacancy Circular 33 of 2026, containing advertisements numbered 33/29 through 33/55.
2. How many DHET positions are in Circular 33 of 2026?
There are 27 advertised post numbers, covering 34 individual positions because several advertisements contain multiple posts.
3. What is the highest salary in the DHET section?
The highest stated salary is R1,885,710 per annum for Deputy Director-General: Corporate Services.
4. What is the lowest salary?
The lowest stated salary is R144,024 per annum for the Cleaner positions.
5. What are the DHET Circular 33 closing dates?
The advertised closing dates are 28 September 2026 and 30 September 2026, depending on the post. Some advertisements also specify a closing time.
6. Is every DHET Circular 33 vacancy based in Pretoria?
No. The positions are spread across several locations, including Pretoria, King William’s Town/Qonce, Randfontein, Carletonville, Krugersdorp and Krugersdorp West.
7. Is GTAC the same as the Department of Higher Education and Training?
No. GTAC and DHET are separate entries in the circular. This guide covers DHET.
8. Do all DHET Circular 33 vacancies use the same application method?
No. The application method differs between positions. Some use online applications, while others use email, hand delivery or courier.
9. Is the new Z83 required?
Several advertisements require a completed and signed new Z83. Applicants should follow the Z83 instructions stated in the specific vacancy advertisement.
10. Do applicants need certified qualifications when applying?
Not necessarily at the initial application stage. Several advertisements state that shortlisted candidates will later be asked to submit certified documents.
The exact instruction depends on the vacancy.
11. Can I apply for more than one DHET vacancy?
The circular contains different application instructions. Where an advertisement requires a separate application for each post, applicants should submit separate applications.
12. What happens if I send my application after the deadline?
The advertisements state that late applications will not be considered.
13. Do all vacancies close at 16:00?
No. Some positions have different closing times. Several Western TVET College posts close at 12:00, while the Chief Administration Clerk advertisement gives 16:00.
14. Do all Assistant Director positions have the same requirements?
No. The qualification, experience and technical requirements differ according to the function.
15. Are all positions permanent?
Many of the positions are identified as permanent or PERSAL appointments, but applicants should check the employment arrangement stated in the individual advertisement.
16. Are foreign qualifications accepted?
Where a foreign qualification is used, the advertisement states that the applicant is responsible for having it evaluated by SAQA where applicable.
17. What should I check before submitting a DHET application?
Check the position, reference number, qualification, experience, licence requirements, Z83 instructions, CV requirements, application address, closing date and closing time.
18. Does DPSACircular.co.za accept applications?
No. DPSACircular.co.za is an independent information website. It does not accept, process or decide government job applications.
About the Author
Godwin Samuel is the author and editor behind DPSACircular.co.za content covering South African government vacancy circulars and application guides.
The focus of these guides is to make official vacancy information easier to understand without replacing the original government advertisement.
Readers should always verify the final vacancy details against the official source before submitting an application.
Editorial Review
DPSACircular.co.za is an independent South African job information website that publishes the latest DPSA Vacancy Circulars. We are not the official DPSA website and do not accept, process or decide government job applications.
Our editorial approach is to explain official vacancy information in practical language, identify important differences between advertisements and help readers understand the application process.
Government advertisements remain the authoritative source for vacancy details.
If an official advertisement changes, is amended, withdrawn or replaced, readers should rely on the latest official government information.
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Final Advice
The most important lesson from DHET Circular 33 of 2026 is that applicants should not treat the department section as one single job advertisement.
There are different salary levels, different qualification requirements, different locations, different application methods and different closing times.
A better application process is:
Choose the right vacancy → check the requirements → record the reference number → prepare the correct Z83 and CV → follow the exact application method → check the closing date and time → submit early → keep proof of submission.
Use this guide to understand the circular, then return to the official advertisement before submitting your application.
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