DPSA Circular 35 of 2026: Your Guide to Latest Government Vacancies

The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) has released Public Service Vacancy Circular 35 of 2026, bringing forth a new wave of government job opportunities across South Africa. This circular, dated October 2, 2026, serves as a crucial resource for job seekers looking to enter or advance within the public service. It details available positions in various national departments and provincial administrations, offering a clear pathway to explore diverse career options.

Understanding how to navigate these circulars is key to successfully applying for government roles. Each circular provides essential information such as job titles, salary scales, required qualifications, and application procedures. For those interested in public service, staying updated with these weekly publications is a vital step in finding suitable employment.

Understanding the DPSA Vacancy Circular

The DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular is a weekly publication, with the exception of December. Its primary purpose is to list all vacant posts within the public service. This means that job seekers can find opportunities ranging from entry-level positions to senior management roles, all consolidated in one place.

Circular 35 of 2026, issued on October 2, 2026, specifically highlights vacancies advertised by national government departments and provincial administrations. It acts as a central directory, allowing individuals to search for jobs based on their qualifications, desired experience, preferred government department, and the province they wish to work in. It is important for applicants to note that each vacancy has its own specific closing date, which must be carefully checked.

How to Access and Use DPSA Circular 35 of 2026

The full DPSA Circular 35 of 2026 can be downloaded from the official DPSA website. This comprehensive document contains all the necessary details for each advertised vacancy. This includes:

• Job Titles: The specific name of the position being advertised.
• Salary Packages: Information on the remuneration offered for the role.
• Centres and Locations: Where the job is based.
• Minimum Requirements: The essential qualifications and experience needed.
• Duties and Responsibilities: A description of the tasks involved in the job.
• Reference Numbers: Unique identifiers for each vacancy.
• Application Addresses: Where to send your application.
• Contact Details: For inquiries about the specific vacancy.
• Closing Dates: The deadline for submitting applications.

To apply, individuals must carefully read the instructions for each specific vacancy. The DPSA generally requires the use of the new Z83 Application Form, effective from January 1, 2021, along with any other supporting documents requested by the advertising department. It is essential to include the correct vacancy reference number on your application.

National Departments with Vacancies in Circular 35

Circular 35 of 2026 lists vacancies in numerous national government departments. These include opportunities within departments such as:

• Agriculture: Roles related to farming, food security, and rural development.
• Defence: Positions within the military and related administrative functions.
• Employment and Labour: Jobs focused on workforce development and labor relations.
• Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment: Opportunities in conservation, resource management, and environmental protection.
• Government Technical Advisory Centre: Roles requiring specialized technical expertise.
• Government Printing Works: Positions in printing, publishing, and related services.
• Higher Education and Training: Jobs in the education sector, focusing on post-secondary learning.
• Home Affairs: Vacancies in identity management, immigration, and civic services.
• Land Reform and Rural Development: Positions aimed at addressing land distribution and rural community development.
• Mineral and Petroleum Resources: Opportunities in the mining and energy sectors.
• National Prosecuting Authority: Roles within the legal system, focused on prosecution.
• Office of the Chief Justice: Positions supporting the judiciary at the highest level.
• Public Works and Infrastructure: Jobs related to government buildings, infrastructure projects, and maintenance.
• Small Business Development: Opportunities supporting the growth of small businesses.
• National Treasury: Roles in financial management and economic policy.
• Water and Sanitation: Positions focused on water resource management and infrastructure.

Each of these departments has specific vacancies detailed within the circular, often with dedicated links to view the available positions.

Provincial Government Vacancies

In addition to national departments, Circular 35 of 2026 also features vacancies within several provincial administrations. This allows job seekers to find opportunities closer to home or in specific regions. The provinces with listed vacancies include:

• Free State: Opportunities within the provincial government departments of the Free State.
• KwaZulu-Natal: Vacancies across various departments in the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government.
• Mpumalanga: Job openings within the Mpumalanga provincial administration.
• Northern Cape: Positions available in the Northern Cape provincial government.
• North West: Opportunities within the North West provincial government.
• Western Cape: Vacancies across the Western Cape provincial government departments.

These provincial listings provide a wide range of employment options for individuals seeking to serve their communities at a regional level.

Applying for Vacancies: Key Steps

Applying for government positions requires careful attention to detail. Applicants must adhere to the specific instructions provided for each vacancy. The general process involves:

1. Locate the Department: Identify the government department advertising the position you are interested in.
2. Find the Vacancy: Open the relevant departmental vacancy document within the circular.
3. Match Qualifications: Ensure your qualifications and experience align with the minimum requirements listed.
4. Note the Reference Number: Record the unique reference number for the position.
5. Check Details: Review the salary, location, and specific duties.
6. Complete Application Form: Fill out the required Z83 form accurately and completely.
7. Gather Supporting Documents: Collect all necessary supporting documents as specified in the advert.
8. Follow Submission Instructions: Submit your application to the correct address or via the specified online system before the closing date.

It is critical to submit applications by the applicable closing date to be considered.

Important Considerations for Applicants

While the DPSA publishes the vacancy circular, individual government departments are responsible for their own job advertisements and recruitment processes. Therefore, if you have questions about a specific vacancy, it is best to contact the department that advertised the position directly, rather than the DPSA.

Applicants should also avoid sending a single, generic application to multiple departments. Each vacancy may have unique requirements, including different reference numbers, closing dates, application addresses, and necessary supporting documents. Always follow the precise instructions provided in each individual advertisement to ensure your application is processed correctly.

Amendments in Circular 35 of 2026

Circular 35 of 2026 also includes updates and amendments to vacancies that were previously advertised in earlier circulars. For instance, closing dates for certain director positions in the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, initially advertised in Circular 34, have been extended to October 9, 2026. Similarly, closing dates for senior positions in the Department of Transport, advertised in Circular 33, have been amended to October 16, 2026. Applicants who have already applied for these affected vacancies should review the amendment section of Circular 35 for any relevant changes.

Conclusion

DPSA Circular 35 of 2026 offers a comprehensive list of current government job opportunities across South Africa. By understanding how to access and interpret the circular, and by carefully following application instructions, job seekers can effectively pursue careers in the public service. Staying informed through these weekly publications is an essential step for anyone looking to contribute to government operations and build a stable career.