Published: 3 October 2026
Last checked: 3 October 2026
Circular: Public Service Vacancy Circular 35 of 2026
Date issued: 2 October 2026
Closing date: Varies by vacancy
Reviewed by / Author: Godwin Samuel, Founder and Publisher, DPSACircular.co.za
Advertisement status: Current circular, with individual vacancies subject to their own closing dates and vacancy-specific notices
Download PDF PSV Circular 35 of 2026
Download and read the official Public Service Vacancy Circular 35 of 2026 before applying.
The official advertisement is the final source for the requirements of each vacancy.
The circular contains vacancies from national departments and provincial administrations. The document also contains amendments, extensions, withdrawals, corrections and re-advertised vacancies from earlier circulars.
This distinction matters because Circular 35 does not have one universal closing date.
Each vacancy has its own:
- Job title
- Post number
- Reference number
- Salary
- Qualification requirements
- Experience requirements
- Location
- Application method
- Application address or email
- Closing date
- Closing time where stated
- Special conditions
The general directions also require applicants to use the new Z83 where applicable, provide the required information about training, qualifications, competencies, knowledge and experience, indicate the vacancy reference number and submit the application to the department where the vacancy exists.
Quick Answer
DPSA Circular 35 of 2026 is Public Service Vacancy Circular Publication No. 35 of 2026.
The circular was issued on 2 October 2026.
The document contains government vacancies as well as notices affecting vacancies published in earlier circulars.
The most important point for an applicant is this:
Do not treat Circular 35 as one large job advertisement with one set of application rules.
Each vacancy must be checked separately.
The official circular states that applications must be sent to the relevant advertising department. Questions about a specific vacancy should also go to the department advertising the post rather than DPSA.
Table of Contents
- What DPSA Circular 35 of 2026 is about
- How I reviewed Circular 35
- Editorial Review
- What We Noticed During the Review
- What the Official Advertisement Actually Requires
- How to Read Qualification Requirements
- How to Read Experience Requirements
- Who Should Apply
- Who Should Not Apply
- Re-Advertised Vacancies
- Amendments, Extensions, Withdrawals and Corrections
- Z83 and CV Requirements
- Where Applications Must Be Sent
- What Documents Should You Prepare?
- Common Application Mistakes
- How to Verify a Government Job Advertisement
- What Happens After Applying?
- What “Relevant Experience” Means in Practice
- Which Qualification Wording Matters?
- How to Compare Your CV With the Vacancy
- What Information Comes Directly From the Official Advertisement?
- What DPSACircular Adds Beyond the Official PDF
- Does This Guide Provide Useful Information Beyond the Advertisement?
- Practical Application Checklist
- How Circular 35 Fits Government Recruitment
- Four Useful DPSACircular Guides
- Official Source
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Editorial Review
- About the Author
- About DPSACircular.co.za
- Why This Article Was Created
- Independence Notice
What Is DPSA Circular 35 of 2026 About?
Public Service Vacancy Circular 35 of 2026 contains advertised vacancies in South African Public Service departments.
The circular was issued on 2 October 2026.
The opening section explains the purpose of the circular and gives general directions to applicants.
One detail deserves particular attention.
DPSA issues the circular, but the individual advertising department is responsible for the content of its vacancy advertisement.
The official circular expressly directs applicants with questions about an advertisement to the department where the vacancy exists.
This means two sources play different roles:
DPSA circular → brings the advertisements together.
Advertising department → provides the vacancy-specific requirements and handles the application process.
For a job seeker, the second part is important.
You should read the specific advertisement for the position you want rather than relying only on the general directions at the beginning of the circular.
READ: DLRRD Vacancies in DPSA Circular 34 of 2026: Application Guide & Requirements
How I Reviewed Circular 35
A vacancy circular is easy to read as a list of job titles.
That is not how I review one for DPSACircular.
When working through a circular, I first look for information capable of changing an applicant’s decision.
My review starts with the opening directions.
I then check the amendments section before working through the vacancy pages.
After this, I look at individual advertisements and compare:
- Post number
- Reference number
- Position title
- Salary
- Centre
- Qualification
- Experience
- Licence or registration requirements
- Duties
- Application instructions
- Application address
- Email address
- Closing date
- Closing time
- Re-advertisement wording
- Special notes
I also look for information capable of causing confusion between an old advertisement and the current version.
This approach comes from a practical problem with government vacancy information.
Applicants often find a vacancy through search results, social media or an older job post before reaching the latest government advertisement.
A vacancy might look correct at first glance while the closing date, application channel or status has changed.
That is why checking the current source is part of the review rather than an optional extra.
READ: Chief State Law Adviser Vacancy (Pretoria): Requirements & DPSA Circular 34 Info
Editorial Review
I reviewed Circular 35 with an applicant’s workflow in mind.
The review focused on information needed before an application is submitted.
Review areas
The review covered:
- Vacancy status
- Amendments
- Extensions
- Withdrawals
- Re-advertisements
- Qualification requirements
- Experience requirements
- Application instructions
- Z83 requirements
- CV requirements
- Reference numbers
- Closing dates
- Closing times
- Department-specific submission methods
- Shortlisting information
- Assessment information
- Suitability checks
The purpose was not to reproduce every line of the government PDF.
The purpose was to identify the details most likely to affect an applicant and explain how to use those details correctly.
What We Noticed During the Review
One of the first things I check in a new circular is whether earlier vacancies have received changes.
Circular 35 provides several examples.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate section states that two posts advertised in Circular 34 have had their closing date extended from 5 October 2026 to 9 October 2026.
The Department of Transport section states that three posts advertised in Circular 33 have an amended closing date of 16 October 2026.
These notices demonstrate why an applicant should not rely on an old vacancy page alone.
A practical example
Suppose you saved a vacancy from Circular 34.
You remember the original closing date.
You then see Circular 35.
The position is still relevant to you.
A quick check of the latest amendment section shows a new closing date.
Your old copy now contains outdated application timing.
This is one of the reasons I check amendments before summarising new vacancies.
What the Official Advertisement Actually Requires
The general directions in Circular 35 require applicants to use the new Z83 where applicable.
Applicants must provide the required particulars relating to:
- Training
- Qualifications
- Competencies
- Knowledge
- Experience
The applicant must also indicate the reference number.
The application must reach the relevant advertising department on or before the applicable closing date.
The individual vacancy might add more requirements.
For example, a department might specify:
- A particular email address
- A particular subject line
- One PDF attachment
- A specific online recruitment portal
- Post or hand delivery
- Separate applications for separate vacancies
- A particular Z83 completion procedure
The individual advertisement should therefore be treated as the final instruction sheet for the vacancy.
How to Read Qualification Requirements
A qualification requirement should be read from beginning to end.
Do not reduce:
“National Diploma in Information Technology or Computer Science at NQF Level 6”
to:
“IT qualification.”
The complete requirement contains several conditions.
You need to check:
- Qualification type
- Field of study
- NQF level
- Additional requirements
- Experience requirements attached to the qualification
Example from Circular 35
One Agriculture vacancy for an ICT System Administrator requires Grade 12, a National Diploma in Information Technology or Computer Science at NQF Level 6, together with specified relevant experience.
The practical lesson is important.
Do not decide eligibility from the job title.
Compare your qualification with the complete requirement.
What Does “Appropriate Qualification” Mean?
Where an advertisement uses wording such as “appropriate qualification”, read the complete requirement.
Do not assume every qualification at the same NQF level is automatically accepted.
The field of study, occupational requirements and wording of the advertisement still matter.
Where the advertisement specifies particular fields, compare your qualification against those fields.
Where the meaning is unclear, use the contact information supplied by the advertising department.
What Does “Equivalent Qualification” Mean?
An equivalent qualification is not the same as any qualification you personally regard as similar.
The advertisement determines the relevant requirement.
If a vacancy accepts an equivalent qualification, check the complete wording and any recognition requirements.
For foreign qualifications, check whether the advertisement requests SAQA evaluation.
Do not add your own interpretation where the advertisement gives a specific requirement.
How to Read Experience Requirements
Experience requirements should be read alongside the duties.
Suppose a vacancy asks for three years of relevant experience.
The important question is not:
“Have I worked for three years?”
The better question is:
“Does my three years of work relate to the experience requested for this post?”
The answer should come from your actual work history.
Example
If an advertisement asks for recruitment and selection experience, a CV stating only:
“Administrative experience”
does not explain the connection.
If accurate, a stronger description would identify the recruitment-related work performed, such as:
- Supporting recruitment administration
- Maintaining candidate records
- Assisting with interview arrangements
- Processing recruitment documentation
The description must reflect genuine work.
Do not add duties because a vacancy uses particular keywords.
What Does “Relevant Experience” Mean in Practice?
“Relevant experience” should be connected to the work required by the post.
A useful way to test your experience is to create three columns:
| Vacancy requirement | Your experience | Evidence in your CV |
|---|---|---|
| Recruitment and selection | Recruitment support | Recruitment duties listed |
| Financial administration | Financial records | Financial duties listed |
| IT support | User and system support | IT responsibilities listed |
This simple comparison exposes gaps before submission.
If your CV contains the experience but does not explain the duties, the reader might struggle to identify the connection.
If you do not have the experience, do not manufacture a match.
Who Should Apply?
Consider applying when your qualifications and experience meet the requirements stated in the individual advertisement.
Before preparing the application, check:
- Qualification
- NQF level
- Field of study
- Experience
- Professional registration
- Licence
- Competencies
- Knowledge
- Location
- Reference number
- Application method
- Closing date
- Closing time
- Special conditions
Then check the application instructions again before submission.
READ: IPID Vacancies Circular 34 of 2026: Application Guide & PDF Download
Who Should Not Apply?
Do not submit an application based only on a familiar job title.
Pause first if you:
- Do not meet a mandatory qualification
- Do not meet the required experience
- Lack a mandatory licence
- Lack required professional registration
- Cannot comply with the application method
- Miss the closing date
- Find that the vacancy has been withdrawn
- Have not followed a re-advertisement instruction
- Have not supplied a required document
Meeting one requirement does not cancel out another missing mandatory requirement.
Re-Advertised Vacancies
Circular 35 contains re-advertised vacancies.
One example is Post 35/07 under the Department of Employment and Labour.
The advertisement identifies the position as a re-advertisement for Ficksburg and Welkom Labour Centres and states that applicants who previously applied for those centres must re-apply.
This wording has a practical consequence.
A previous application should not be assumed to remain active.
If the new advertisement says previous applicants must re-apply, follow the new instruction.
What I check when I see “re-advertisement”
I check:
- Whether the reference number changed
- Whether the closing date changed
- Whether requirements changed
- Whether previous applicants must re-apply
- Whether the application method changed
- Whether the vacancy appears in the latest circular
This prevents an applicant from using an old application instruction for a new advertisement.
Amendments, Extensions, Withdrawals and Corrections
These terms should not be treated as interchangeable.
Amendment
An amendment changes information attached to an existing advertisement.
Extension
An extension gives applicants additional time under a revised closing date.
Withdrawal
A withdrawal removes the vacancy or advertisement from the recruitment process.
Correction
A correction fixes information published incorrectly.
Re-advertisement
A vacancy is advertised again, often with a new application period and specific instructions for previous applicants.
Circular 35 contains examples across these categories.
The opening amendment section includes IPID extensions and Department of Transport closing-date changes. The document also contains other vacancy-specific changes and notices.
Why Amendments Matter to Applicants
Old government job information often continues to circulate.
A person might find:
- An old Facebook post
- An old WhatsApp message
- An old screenshot
- An older website article
- A saved PDF
- An old search result
The vacancy itself might still look genuine.
The problem is the information attached to the vacancy might no longer be current.
For this reason, my normal checking sequence is:
Latest circular → vacancy reference → amendment section → closing date → application method
This is more reliable than relying on the date of a social media post.
Z83 and CV Requirements
The general Circular 35 directions refer to the new Z83.
The circular states that applicants must provide full particulars of training, qualifications, competencies, knowledge and experience, using a separate sheet or CV where necessary.
The reference number must also be included.
Individual advertisements provide additional instructions.
For example, one advertisement in the circular states that the new Z83 must be used, that relevant sections must be completed, and that only an updated comprehensive CV and completed Z83 are required at the initial application stage. The same advertisement explains that certified documents are requested from shortlisted candidates at the relevant stage.
This illustrates an important rule:
Do not assume that every department handles supporting documents in exactly the same way.
How to Complete Your Z83 for Circular 35
Before completing the form:
- Select the vacancy.
- Read the full advertisement.
- Record the exact department name.
- Record the exact job title.
- Record the exact reference number.
- Check the department’s Z83 instructions.
- Complete the required sections.
- Answer suitability questions honestly.
- Initial and sign where required.
- Compare the finished form against the advertisement.
- Attach the required CV.
- Check the final file before submission.
A useful practice is to keep the vacancy advertisement open while completing the Z83.
Do not rely on memory for the reference number.
Where Must the Application Be Sent?
The application method depends on the specific vacancy.
Circular 35 contains different application channels.
These include:
- Online recruitment systems
- Post
- Hand delivery
- Department-specific recruitment platforms
The general directions state that applications must be forwarded to the department where the vacancy exists.
Why the exact email address matters
Some departments use different email addresses for different vacancies.
The Circular 35 material includes department-specific application addresses.
Copy the address directly from the advertisement.
Do not search for a general department email and assume the application belongs there.
What Documents Should You Prepare?
Prepare documents based on the vacancy.
A typical application might require:
- New Z83
- Detailed CV
- Qualification information
- Professional registration information
- Driver’s licence information
- Supporting documents where requested
- SAQA evaluation report where required for foreign qualifications
Do not send every document you have unless the advertisement requests them.
A large attachment does not make an application stronger.
Compliance with the advertisement matters more.
Common Application Mistakes
1. Using the wrong Z83
Check the version specified by the advertisement.
2. Using the wrong reference number
Copy the reference number from the vacancy.
3. Sending the application to the wrong email address
Use the address associated with the specific post.
4. Missing a closing time
A closing date does not always mean midnight.
Some advertisements specify a particular closing time.
5. Using an old closing date
Check the latest circular for amendments and extensions.
6. Applying to DPSA instead of the advertising department
DPSA publishes the circular.
The relevant department receives applications for its advertised posts.
7. Using one application for several posts
Follow the individual advertisement where separate applications are required.
8. Leaving required Z83 sections incomplete
Read the department’s instructions carefully.
9. Sending an old CV
Update your CV before applying.
10. Copying keywords into your CV without evidence
A keyword list does not demonstrate work experience.
11. Adding duties you never performed
Accuracy matters more than matching every phrase in the advertisement.
12. Waiting until the final hour
Technical problems, email failures, missing documents or incorrect attachments are easier to fix before the deadline.
How to Verify a Government Job Advertisement
Use this checklist before sending personal information.
Check 1: Department
Confirm the department named in the advertisement.
Check 2: Circular number
Confirm the vacancy appears in the stated circular.
Check 3: Post number
Record the post number.
Check 4: Reference number
Record the exact reference number.
Check 5: Position
Confirm the job title.
Check 6: Requirements
Read qualification, experience, licence, registration and competency requirements.
Check 7: Application method
Confirm email, portal, post or hand delivery instructions.
Check 8: Closing date
Check the individual advertisement.
Check 9: Closing time
Check whether a specific time is stated.
Check 10: Amendments
Check the latest circular for changes.
Check 11: Withdrawal
Confirm the vacancy has not been withdrawn.
Check 12: Payment request
Do not pay a person or company to secure a government job application.
What Happens After Applying?
Submitting a Z83 and CV does not mean you have been shortlisted.
The next steps depend on the department and vacancy.
The Circular 35 material includes advertisements referring to:
- Shortlisting
- Technical exercises
- Practical assessments
- Integrity assessments
- Interviews
- Personnel suitability checks
- Security vetting
- Reference checks
- Qualification verification
- Employment verification
One advertisement, for example, states that shortlisted candidates will undertake pre-entry assessments and that suitable candidates will undergo personnel suitability checks.
Another advertisement states that correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates and provides an eight-week communication period.
The exact process differs by department and post.
What Should You Do After Sending Your Application?
Keep a record of:
- Vacancy title
- Reference number
- Department
- Closing date
- Submission date
- Email address or portal used
- Documents submitted
- Confirmation email
- Online submission reference
- Copy of the final application
This record helps when you apply for several government vacancies.
It also prevents confusion when two vacancies have similar job titles.
READ: DHET Vacancies in DPSA Circular 34 of 2026: Application Guide & Requirements
What If You Are Not Contacted?
Follow the instruction in the individual advertisement.
Some advertisements state that correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates.
Some give a period after the closing date after which applicants should regard the application as unsuccessful.
Do not treat the absence of an immediate response as proof that the recruitment process has ended unless the department’s published instruction says so.
How to Compare Your CV With the Vacancy
A useful review method is to compare the advertisement against your CV line by line.
Qualification
Advertisement:
“National Diploma in Human Resource Management.”
Your CV:
Does your qualification clearly show the same or accepted field?
Experience
Advertisement:
“One year recruitment and selection experience.”
Your CV:
Does your employment history clearly show recruitment and selection work?
Competencies
Advertisement:
“Planning, organising and communication.”
Your CV:
Does your experience provide factual examples of these competencies?
Application
Advertisement:
“Submit new Z83 and detailed CV.”
Your application:
Did you submit both?
This process is more useful than repeatedly reading your CV without comparing it with the vacancy.
Which Qualification Wording Matters?
Pay attention to words such as:
- Appropriate
- Relevant
- Equivalent
- Recognised
- NQF Level
- Degree
- Diploma
- National Diploma
- Professional registration
- Registration with a professional body
Each word carries a different role in the requirement.
Do not replace the complete requirement with a simpler phrase because the shorter phrase is easier to remember.
What Does “Relevant” Mean?
“Relevant” should be interpreted within the context of the vacancy.
For example, a vacancy requesting relevant IT experience is different from a vacancy requesting general administrative experience.
Read the duties and requirements together.
Your CV should make genuine relevant experience easy to identify.
READ: GTAC Chief Director Vacancy (Circular 34 of 2026): Requirements & How to Apply
What Information Comes Directly From the Official Advertisement?
The following information should be treated as official vacancy information:
- Job title
- Post number
- Reference number
- Salary
- Centre
- Qualification
- Experience
- Duties
- Application instructions
- Application address
- Email address
- Closing date
- Closing time
- Amendment
- Re-advertisement
- Withdrawal
- Special conditions
These details should not be changed during editorial rewriting.
What Information Is Editorial Explanation?
This article adds explanations about:
- How to read qualification requirements
- How to compare experience
- How to check an application
- How to identify old vacancy information
- Why amendments matter
- Why reference numbers matter
- How to keep application records
- How to distinguish official information from editorial guidance
These explanations are not government requirements.
They are practical guidance designed to help applicants work through the official information.
What Did DPSACircular Actually Do Here That the Official PDF Did Not?
The official PDF contains the actual government advertisements.
This article provides a second layer.
The editorial work involves reading the document from an applicant’s perspective and identifying information that is easy to overlook.
For Circular 35, this includes:
- Checking the opening directions
- Checking amendments before new vacancies
- Identifying re-advertised posts
- Highlighting closing-date changes
- Explaining the difference between post numbers and reference numbers
- Explaining qualification wording
- Explaining relevant experience
- Explaining application-method differences
- Building a practical submission checklist
- Separating official requirements from editorial explanation
This is the difference between publishing a vacancy copy and producing an application guide.
Does This Guide Provide Useful Information Beyond the Official Advertisement?
Yes.
The government PDF tells you what the department has published.
A useful guide should also help answer:
- What should I check first?
- Which information has changed?
- What does this qualification requirement mean?
- What experience should I show?
- Where should I send the application?
- Which reference number should I use?
- What should I save after applying?
- What should I check before submitting?
- How should I handle a re-advertised vacancy?
- How do I avoid relying on an old closing date?
Those questions form the practical layer of this article.
How to Verify the Information Again Before Applying
Use a final three-source check where available:
Source 1: Latest DPSA circular
Confirm the vacancy and any amendment.
Source 2: Individual department advertisement
Confirm the application method and vacancy-specific requirements.
Source 3: Department contact information
Use the contact details supplied in the advertisement when a genuine question remains.
Do not replace these sources with an old third-party article.
Third-party job information is useful for finding a vacancy.
The official advertisement should settle the final application details.
Application Checklist
Vacancy details
- I checked the department.
- I checked the job title.
- I recorded the post number.
- I recorded the reference number.
- I checked the location.
- I checked the salary.
- I checked the vacancy status.
- I checked amendments.
Requirements
- I meet the stated qualification.
- I checked the field of study.
- I checked the NQF level where applicable.
- I meet the stated experience requirement.
- I checked licence requirements.
- I checked registration requirements.
- I checked special conditions.
Z83
- I used the required Z83.
- I entered the correct department.
- I entered the correct position.
- I entered the correct reference number.
- I completed the required sections.
- I answered the suitability questions.
- I initialled where required.
- I signed where required.
- I checked the form before submission.
CV
- My CV is current.
- My qualifications are accurate.
- My employment history is accurate.
- Relevant experience is easy to identify.
- My contact details are current.
- I have not added experience I do not have.
Submission
- I checked the correct application channel.
- I checked the correct email address.
- I checked the subject line.
- I checked the attachment format.
- I checked the closing date.
- I checked the closing time.
- I submitted before the deadline.
- I saved proof of submission.
How Circular 35 Fits Into Government Recruitment
A vacancy circular is one part of the public-service recruitment process.
The sequence is broadly:
Government department identifies vacancy → vacancy is advertised → applicants submit applications → applications are assessed against advertised requirements → suitable candidates are shortlisted → further assessments or interviews take place where required → suitability and verification checks take place where applicable → selection and appointment processes continue.
The exact sequence differs by department and position.
This is why meeting the minimum requirements does not mean an applicant has been selected.
The application first needs to comply with the advertisement.
Why Meeting the Minimum Requirements Does Not Guarantee Shortlisting
A vacancy might attract many eligible applications.
The department still has to conduct its recruitment and selection process.
An applicant should therefore separate three questions:
- Do I meet the minimum requirements?
- Did I submit a compliant application?
- Was I selected for the next stage?
The first two are within the applicant’s preparation process.
The third depends on the department’s recruitment and selection process.
READ: DFFE Circular 34 of 2026: Vacancies, Key Requirements & PDF Download Guide
What Happens to Certified Documents?
The answer depends on the advertisement.
Some vacancies request supporting documents during the initial application.
Others state that shortlisted candidates will submit certified copies later.
Circular 35 contains examples of the latter approach. One advertisement states that applicants do not need to submit copies of qualifications during the initial application and that shortlisted candidates will be requested to submit certified documents at the relevant stage.
Always follow the specific vacancy.
What About Foreign Qualifications?
Where an advertisement requires an evaluation report for a foreign qualification, follow the stated requirement.
Do not assume a foreign qualification is automatically accepted because the qualification title appears similar to a South African qualification.
Check the advertisement for the relevant recognition or evaluation requirement.
What About False Information?
Accuracy is essential.
Some advertisements in Circular 35 warn about false or fraudulent qualifications and provide consequences for false information.
Never change employment dates, qualifications, responsibilities or experience to make your application appear stronger.
A compliant application is based on truthful information.
What If the Advertisement Is Confusing?
Do not guess when the answer affects your application.
First check:
- The full advertisement
- The latest circular
- Any amendment or erratum
- The department’s stated contact information
The general Circular 35 directions state that enquiries about an advertisement should go to the relevant advertising department.
Four Useful DPSACircular Guides
1. How to Complete the New Z83 Form
Use this guide when you need help completing the current Z83.
2. What Happens After You Submit a Government Job Application
Use this guide to understand the recruitment stages after submission.
3. Government Vacancy Verification
Use this when you want to check whether a government vacancy is genuine and current.
4. DPSA Salary Levels
Use this when you need help understanding salary levels and advertised government remuneration.
Official Source
The official source for Public Service Vacancy Circular 35 of 2026 is the Department of Public Service and Administration.
Applicants should use the official government vacancy advertisement as the final authority before submitting an application.
The circular itself states that DPSA issues the circular but is not responsible for the content of individual advertisements. Questions about specific advertisements should therefore be directed to the relevant advertising department.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is DPSA Circular 35 of 2026?
DPSA Circular 35 of 2026 is Public Service Vacancy Circular Publication No. 35 of 2026, issued on 2 October 2026.
2. When was Circular 35 issued?
The circular was issued on 2 October 2026.
3. Does Circular 35 have one closing date?
No. Closing dates differ between individual advertisements.
4. Which Z83 should I use?
Use the new Z83 required by the vacancy advertisement. The general Circular 35 directions refer to the new Z83 effective from 1 January 2021.
5. Do I need the vacancy reference number?
Yes. The general directions require applicants to indicate the reference number.
6. Where should I send my application?
Send the application to the department advertising the vacancy using the method stated in the individual advertisement.
7. Should I send my application to DPSA?
No. DPSA issues the circular. The relevant advertising department handles the individual vacancy application.
8. Are there re-advertised vacancies?
Yes. Circular 35 contains re-advertised vacancies.
9. Are there amendments in Circular 35?
Yes. The circular contains amendments affecting earlier advertisements.
10. Are there extended closing dates?
Yes. For example, two IPID posts from Circular 34 have an extended closing date of 9 October 2026.
11. Are there Department of Transport amendments?
Yes. Three posts from Circular 33 have an amended closing date of 16 October 2026.
12. Should I rely on an old social media vacancy post?
No. Check the latest official advertisement and circular for current information.
13. Does every vacancy use the same application method?
No. Application methods differ by department and vacancy.
14. Do I always need certified qualifications when applying?
No. Follow the individual advertisement. Some vacancies request certified documents only after shortlisting.
15. What does relevant experience mean?
Relevant experience refers to experience connected to the duties and requirements of the specific vacancy.
16. What happens after I apply?
The process differs by department and position. Possible stages include shortlisting, interviews, technical exercises, practical assessments, suitability checks, security vetting and reference checks.
17. What should previous applicants do when a vacancy is re-advertised?
Follow the new advertisement. If previous applicants are instructed to re-apply, submit a new application.
18. Who should I contact about a specific vacancy?
Contact the department advertising the vacancy using the contact information provided in the advertisement.
19. Does DPSACircular.co.za accept government job applications?
No. Applications must be sent directly to the relevant government department.
20. Is DPSACircular.co.za the official DPSA website?
No. DPSACircular.co.za is an independent South African job information website.
Editorial Review
What We Noticed
Circular 35 demonstrates why vacancy information needs more than a job-title list.
The document contains new vacancies alongside amendments and other notices affecting previous advertisements.
An applicant reading only the newest job title might miss a change affecting an older vacancy.
The review therefore started with the amendment material and then moved through individual advertisements.
What We Checked
The editorial review checked:
- Publication information
- Vacancy references
- Position titles
- Salary information
- Qualification requirements
- Experience requirements
- Application instructions
- Z83 requirements
- CV requirements
- Closing dates
- Closing times
- Amendments
- Extensions
- Withdrawals
- Re-advertisements
- Post-application procedures
Why We Use This Review Method
The goal is accuracy before convenience.
A short summary is easier to write than a careful vacancy review.
A careful review takes more work because each application instruction needs to be connected to the correct post.
For example, a department might publish several vacancies with different email addresses.
A general statement such as “apply by email” does not help enough.
The useful information is the exact application channel attached to the correct vacancy.
This is why the article keeps returning to the reference number, application method and closing date.
How This Article Was Created
This article was prepared from the supplied Public Service Vacancy Circular 35 of 2026 and supporting official vacancy information.
The editorial process involved:
- Reading the general directions.
- Checking the amendment section.
- Reviewing vacancy-specific requirements.
- Identifying qualification and experience wording.
- Checking application instructions.
- Checking closing dates and times.
- Identifying re-advertisements and amendments.
- Separating official information from editorial explanation.
- Turning recurring applicant problems into practical checks.
- Reviewing the final article for clarity and application usefulness.
The article does not treat a third-party summary as the authority for government vacancy requirements.
Source Hierarchy Used for This Article
When information conflicts, use this order:
First
The latest official advertisement from the relevant government department.
Second
The latest Public Service Vacancy Circular.
Third
Official government recruitment information relevant to the application process.
Fourth
DPSACircular editorial explanation.
A third-party job post should not override the current official advertisement.
What We Do When Information Changes
Government vacancy information changes.
A closing date might be extended.
A vacancy might be withdrawn.
An advertisement might contain an erratum.
A vacancy might be re-advertised.
When a material change is identified, the article should be checked and updated.
The “Last checked” date should describe a real editorial check.
A date should not be changed merely to make an old page look fresh.
About the Author
Godwin Samuel is the Founder and Publisher of DPSACircular.co.za.
His work focuses on South African government vacancy information, employment research, recruitment guidance and practical job information publishing.
The editorial role includes reviewing vacancy advertisements, checking application instructions, updating older vacancy information and explaining recruitment terminology for job seekers.
Readers should still use the relevant government department’s current advertisement as the final authority for an application.
READ: How to Verify a South African Government Job Advertisement
About DPSACircular.co.za
DPSACircular.co.za is an independent South African job information website.
The site publishes information about:
- DPSA Vacancy Circulars
- Government vacancies
- Government job applications
- Z83 guidance
- Recruitment terminology
- Internships
- Learnerships
- Graduate programmes
- Bursaries
- Public-service recruitment guidance
The website is not a government recruitment office.
DPSACircular.co.za does not accept, process or decide government job applications.
The relevant government department remains responsible for recruitment decisions.
Why This Article Was Created
The official vacancy PDF is the starting point.
For many applicants, the harder part comes afterward.
They need to work out:
- Whether they meet the requirements
- Which qualification wording matters
- Whether their experience is relevant
- Which Z83 instructions apply
- Where the application must go
- Which reference number belongs on the application
- Whether the closing date has changed
- Whether the vacancy was re-advertised
- What documents should be submitted
- What evidence should be kept after applying
This article was created to address those practical questions.
The aim is not to replace the government advertisement.
The aim is to make the government advertisement easier to understand and use correctly.
Independence Notice
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.
Always verify the vacancy title, reference number, qualification requirements, experience requirements, application method and closing date against the latest official government advertisement before submitting an application.
READ: How to Keep a Record of Your Government Job Applications
Final Applicant Check
Before submitting your Circular 35 application, stop for two minutes and check the following:
Department.
Position.
Reference number.
Qualification.
Experience.
Z83.
CV.
Application address.
Email address.
Subject line.
Closing date.
Closing time.
Amendment status.
Submission proof.
If all of these match the current advertisement, your application has passed an important compliance check before the department begins its recruitment process.
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