The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) invites suitably qualified South African job seekers to apply for government vacancies advertised in Public Service Vacancy Circular 38 of 2026.
Vacancy Circular Publication Date: 23 October 2026
Vacancy Application Closing Date: Varies according to the department and advertised position.
Vacancy Location: Various National and Provincial Government Departments, South Africa
DPSA Circular 38 of 2026 includes government job opportunities advertised by 19 national departments and institutions and eight provincial administrations.
South Africans looking for government employment can explore the available vacancies, check the qualifications required and submit applications directly to the relevant departments.
DPSA Circular 38 of 2026 Government Vacancies
The Public Service Vacancy Circular is an important resource for South Africans looking for employment in government.
Published by the Department of Public Service and Administration, the circular provides information about vacancies in national and provincial government departments.
DPSA Circular 38 of 2026 was published on 23 October 2026 and contains advertisements from several government institutions.
Each vacancy includes information about the position, salary, minimum requirements, duties, reference number, application procedures and closing date.
Applicants should read the individual advertisements carefully before applying.
National Government Departments Advertising Vacancies
The following 19 national departments and institutions are included in DPSA Circular 38 of 2026.
Click on the department name to download its vacancy advertisement.
- Department of Agriculture
- Department of Basic Education
- Department of Correctional Services
- Department of Employment and Labour
- Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
- Government Printing Works
- Department of Health
- Department of Higher Education and Training
- Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID)
- Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services
- Department of Land Reform and Rural Development
- Office of the Chief Justice
- Department of Public Works and Infrastructure
- Department of Small Business Development
- South African Police Service (SAPS)
- Department of Tourism
- National Treasury
- Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities
- The Presidency
Applicants can select their preferred department to view the positions advertised and the requirements for each vacancy.
Provincial Government Vacancies in DPSA Circular 38 of 2026
The circular also includes government vacancies advertised by eight provincial administrations.
Job seekers can access the provincial vacancy documents below:
- Eastern Cape Government Vacancies
- Gauteng Government Vacancies
- KwaZulu-Natal Government Vacancies
- Limpopo Government Vacancies
- Mpumalanga Government Vacancies
- Northern Cape Government Vacancies
- North West Government Vacancies
- Western Cape Government Vacancies
Applicants interested in working within their province can download the relevant provincial document and identify positions matching their qualifications and experience.
Free State is not included among the provincial administration sections of this particular circular.
Who Can Apply for DPSA Circular 38 of 2026 Vacancies?
Government departments advertise positions with different qualification and experience requirements.
Depending on the vacancy, public service recruitment may include opportunities for candidates with qualifications such as:
- Grade 10 or Grade 11
- Grade 12 / Matric
- National Certificate
- N4, N5 or N6 qualifications
- National Diploma
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Honours Degree
- Master’s Degree
- Professional and technical qualifications
These are general qualification categories used in government recruitment. Applicants should check the actual requirements in the individual advertisements rather than assume that all these qualification levels are represented in Circular 38.
Some positions may require previous employment experience, professional registration or a valid driver’s licence.
Government Career Fields to Explore
Government employment covers various professional, administrative and technical fields.
Job seekers can look for suitable positions in areas such as administration, finance, human resources, supply chain management, information technology, healthcare, engineering, education, legal services, security, environmental management and project management.
The specific positions available in Circular 38 must be confirmed in the relevant departmental vacancy advertisements.
Documents Required When Applying for Government Jobs
Applicants should prepare the documents requested by the department advertising the vacancy.
Depending on the position, these may include:
- A completed Z83 Application for Employment form
- An updated and comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Copies of academic qualifications, where requested
- South African identity document, where requested
- Driver’s licence, if applicable
- Professional registration documents, if required
- Other supporting documents specified in the advertisement
Not every department requires all supporting documents at the initial application stage.
Applicants should follow the instructions contained in the vacancy advertisement.
How to Complete the Z83 Application Form
Many South African government departments require applicants to complete the prescribed Z83 application form.
When completing the form, applicants should ensure that their personal details are accurate and that the correct job title and reference number are provided.
The form should be completed, signed and submitted according to the instructions in the relevant vacancy advertisement.
Applicants should also prepare a comprehensive CV containing their contact details, qualifications, employment history, relevant skills and references.
How to Apply for DPSA Circular 38 of 2026 Vacancies
Click here to apply for DPSA Circular 38 of 2026 Government Vacancies
The link opens the full vacancy circular, where applicants can find the individual departmental application instructions.
To apply:
- Download DPSA Circular 38 of 2026.
- Find the national department or provincial administration where you want to work.
- Identify a position that matches your qualifications.
- Read the minimum requirements, duties and salary information.
- Check the correct reference number and application closing date.
- Prepare the required documents.
- Submit your application directly to the relevant department using the advertised method.
Applications may be accepted through email, postal delivery, hand delivery or departmental online recruitment systems.
Important: The DPSA circular is a vacancy publication, not a single online application portal. Applicants must follow the application instructions for each individual post.
DPSA Circular 38 of 2026 Closing Dates
DPSA Circular 38 of 2026 was published on 23 October 2026.
However, the advertised vacancies do not all share the same application closing date.
Each department determines the closing date for its positions.
Applicants should carefully check the deadline in the relevant advertisement and submit their applications on time.
Important Application Tips
Applicants are encouraged to:
- Apply only for positions where they meet the minimum requirements.
- Use the correct job title and reference number.
- Complete the Z83 application form accurately, where required.
- Submit the required documents.
- Use the correct email address or recruitment portal.
- Apply separately for different vacancies where instructed.
- Submit applications before the advertised closing date.
Government job seekers should also be cautious of recruitment scams and should never pay anyone who promises to secure government employment.
Follow DPSA Vacancy Circular Updates
Job seekers can follow the DPSA Vacancy Circular WhatsApp Channel to receive information about vacancy circular announcements.
Click here to follow the DPSA Vacancy Circular WhatsApp Channel
Frequently Asked Questions About DPSA Circular 38 of 2026
When was DPSA Circular 38 of 2026 published?
The circular was published on 23 October 2026.
How many national departments are included?
The circular includes vacancy sections for 19 national departments and institutions.
Which provinces are included?
Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West and Western Cape.
Can I apply with Grade 12?
Applicants with Grade 12 may apply for positions that specifically accept Matric as a minimum qualification, provided they meet all other requirements.
Can I apply for more than one vacancy?
Yes. Applicants can apply for multiple positions, provided they follow the instructions for each application.
Where can I download the circular?
The full DPSA Circular 38 of 2026 is available through the official DPSA website using the link provided in the How to Apply section.