How to Find and Apply for Government Jobs Using DPSA Circular 35 of 2026

This guide will walk you through how to find and apply for government job vacancies using the DPSA Circular 35 of 2026. It’s designed for job seekers in South Africa looking for opportunities in national departments and provincial administrations. By the end, you’ll know how to locate the circular, identify suitable vacancies, and understand the application process. Prerequisites include having a stable internet connection and a basic understanding of job application procedures.

Step 1: Access DPSA Circular 35 of 2026

To begin your job search, you need the official document that lists all available government positions. This is the DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular 35 of 2026.

Action: Visit the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) website or use the direct link to download the PDF version of Circular 35 of 2026.

Expected Outcome: You will have the complete circular document saved on your computer or device, ready for you to review.

Mistakes to Avoid: Do not rely on unofficial summaries of the circular. Always use the official DPSA document to ensure you have accurate and complete information. Make sure you are downloading the correct circular for the specified date, which is 02 October 2026.

Download DPSA Circular 35 of 2026 Here: [Link to Circular PDF]

Step 2: Identify Vacancy Categories

The circular is organized to help you find jobs more easily. Understanding its structure will save you time.

Action: Look at the circular’s table of contents or section headings. This will help you see how it separates vacancies into national departments and provincial administrations.

Expected Outcome: You will know which parts of the circular to focus on, depending on whether you are looking for jobs at a national level or within a specific province.

Mistakes to Avoid: Do not skip this step. Knowing the structure helps you target your search effectively and avoid looking through sections that don’t match your preferences.

• National Departments: Vacancies in government ministries and agencies operating nationwide.
• Provincial Government Vacancies: Jobs within the administrations of specific South African provinces.

Step 3: Browse National Department Vacancies

This step involves looking at job openings within the various national government departments.

Action: Go to the section of the circular that lists national department vacancies. You can then browse through departments like Agriculture, Defence, or Home Affairs. Click on the provided links for each department to see their specific job openings.

Expected Outcome: You will see a list of available positions within different national departments. This list usually includes job titles, reference numbers, and brief details about each role.

Mistakes to Avoid: Do not assume that every national department will have vacancies listed in this circular. Always check the full circular for completeness. Also, remember that a single department might have multiple job openings.

Department Name	Link to Vacancies
Department of Agriculture	Click here
Department of Defence	Click here
Department of Employment and Labour	Click here
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment	Click here
Government Technical Advisory Centre	Click here
Government Printing Works	Click here
Department of Higher Education and Training	Click here
Department of Home Affairs	Click here
Department of Land Reform and Rural Development	Click here
Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources	Click here
National Prosecuting Authority	Click here
Office of the Chief Justice	Click here
Department of Public Works and Infrastructure	Click here
Department of Small Business Development	Click here
National Treasury	Click here
Department of Water and Sanitation	Click here

Step 4: Browse Provincial Government Vacancies

This step focuses on finding job opportunities within the different provincial administrations across South Africa.

Action: Navigate to the section of the circular that is dedicated to provincial government vacancies. Click on the links provided for provinces such as Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, or Western Cape to view their specific job openings.

Expected Outcome: You will gain access to a list of vacancies within the government departments of various provinces.

Mistakes to Avoid: Make sure you are looking at the correct provincial listings. Do not confuse these roles with those in national government departments, as application processes and requirements can differ.

Province Name	Link to Vacancies
Free State	Click here
KwaZulu-Natal	Click here
Mpumalanga	Click here
Northern Cape	Click here
North West	Click here
Western Cape	Click here

Step 5: Review Individual Vacancy Details

Once you find a position that interests you, it’s crucial to examine all the provided information carefully. This ensures you meet the requirements and understand how to apply.

Action: Click on the link for a specific vacancy or refer to the detailed information within the circular. Pay close attention to the following:

• Job Title: The exact name of the position.
• Salary Package: The remuneration offered for the role.
• Location: Where the job is based.
• Minimum Requirements: The essential qualifications, experience, and skills needed.
• Duties and Responsibilities: What the job entails on a day-to-day basis.
• Reference Number: A unique identifier for the vacancy.
• Application Address/Contact Details: Where and how to send your application.
• Closing Date: The deadline for submitting your application.

Expected Outcome: You will have a clear and comprehensive understanding of a specific job opening. This will help you determine if you are a suitable candidate and how to proceed with your application.

Mistakes to Avoid: Do not overlook any requirement or detail. Missing crucial information, such as the correct reference number or the closing date, can lead to your application being disqualified.

Step 6: Prepare Your Application

With a clear understanding of the vacancy, the next step is to gather all necessary documents and complete the application form accurately.

Action: Download and complete the new Z83 Application Form, which has been effective since 01 January 2021, if it is required for the position. Ensure you fill in all sections correctly and accurately. Crucially, include the correct vacancy reference number as stated in the advertisement. Attach any other supporting documents that are specified in the advert, such as your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and certified copies of your qualifications.

Expected Outcome: You will have a complete and accurate application package ready for submission, meeting all the requirements of the job advertisement.

Mistakes to Avoid: Common errors include using an outdated Z83 form, leaving sections of the application blank, or failing to include all the required supporting documents. Always ensure that all the information you provide is truthful and accurate.

Step 7: Submit Your Application

The final step in the application process is to send your completed application to the correct department before the specified closing date.

Action: Carefully follow the exact submission instructions provided in the vacancy advertisement. This might involve emailing the application, posting it to a specific physical address, or submitting it through an online portal. It is essential to ensure that your application reaches the relevant department on or before the closing date.

Expected Outcome: Your application is successfully submitted to the correct government department for consideration.

Mistakes to Avoid: Submitting your application late is the most critical mistake and will almost certainly lead to disqualification. Additionally, double-check that you are sending your application to the correct address or email, and not to the DPSA itself, unless the advertisement specifically instructs you to do so.

Remember, the closing date and the correct submission method are vital for your application to be considered.

Step 8: Follow Up and Stay Informed

After submitting your application, it’s important to know how to get more information and how to stay updated on future vacancy circulars.

Action: If you need further details about a specific vacancy, contact the department that advertised the position directly. Do not contact the DPSA for specific vacancy queries, as they are not responsible for individual job postings. To stay informed about future circulars and job opportunities, consider joining the DPSA Vacancy Circular WhatsApp channel.

Expected Outcome: You will know who to contact if you have questions about a specific job and have a reliable way to receive notifications about future government vacancies.

Mistakes to Avoid: Contacting the DPSA for details about a specific job can cause delays or lead to you receiving incorrect information. Not staying updated on new circulars means you might miss out on future opportunities that align with your career goals.

• Who to Contact: The department that advertised the specific vacancy.
• How to Stay Updated: Join the DPSA Vacancy Circular WhatsApp channel for regular updates.

Frequently Asked Questions