The South African Civil Aviation Authority invites qualifying South African graduates to apply for the Forensic Services Trainee Programme 2026.
Trainee Programme Application Closing Date: 24 July 2026
Trainee Programme Location: Gauteng, South Africa
SACAA Forensic Services Trainee Programme 2026
The South African Civil Aviation Authority, commonly known as SACAA, is offering a Forensic Services Trainee opportunity for suitably qualified applicants in Gauteng.
The programme will provide the successful candidate with practical workplace experience in forensic investigations, fraud prevention, evidence gathering, stakeholder communication and fraud-risk management.
This opportunity is suitable for graduates who have completed qualifications in Forensic Investigation, Forensic Auditing, Law or another relevant field.
Trainee Programme Overview
Organisation: South African Civil Aviation Authority
Abbreviation: SACAA
Position: Forensic Services Trainee
Reference number: SA-459
Work level: Skilled
Employment type: Contract
Contract duration: One to two years
Salary: Market related
Location: Gauteng
Employment Equity position: Yes
Closing date: 24 July 2026
Purpose of the Programme
The trainee will gain practical workplace experience while supporting the SACAA Forensic Services Department.
The department works to minimise the effect of financial crime and misconduct through timely and high-quality investigations.
The successful trainee will help protect SACAA’s assets and interests, identify possible fraud risks and support forensic investigation services provided to stakeholders within the organisation.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Applicants must have at least one of the following qualifications:
- National Diploma in Forensic Investigation
- National Diploma in Forensic Auditing
- National Diploma in Law
- Another relevant NQF Level 6 qualification
Preferred Qualifications
Preference may be given to candidates with one or more of the following:
- Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Investigation
- Advanced Diploma in Forensic Investigation
- Bachelor’s degree or Advanced Diploma in Forensic Auditing
- Bachelor’s degree or Advanced Diploma in Law
- Another relevant NQF Level 7 qualification
- Certified Fraud Examiner qualification
Experience Required
Applicants must have at least one year of experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Forensic investigation
- Fraud management
- Fraud-risk assessments
Applicants should clearly show their relevant experience in their CVs.
Forensic Proactive Services Responsibilities
The successful trainee will assist with proactive fraud-prevention activities.
Responsibilities may include:
- Identifying areas where fraud-risk management can support departmental goals.
- Assisting with fraud training and awareness campaigns.
- Promoting internal audit and forensic services.
- Supporting fraud-prevention initiatives.
- Promoting the organisation’s fraud hotline.
Forensic Investigation Responsibilities
The trainee will support forensic investigations conducted by the SACAA.
Duties may include:
- Conducting allocated forensic investigations according to approved methodologies.
- Investigating matters reported through the fraud hotline.
- Following up on cases allocated by management.
- Participating in interviews.
- Obtaining statements and affidavits.
- Gathering factual evidence.
- Analysing information and documentation.
- Reviewing statements, affidavits and other evidence.
- Providing regular progress reports to the Senior Manager.
- Compiling forensic investigation reports.
- Supporting fraud-awareness campaigns involving SACAA officials and stakeholders.
Evidence and Documentation Management
The successful trainee will help document information and transaction flows during investigations.
Responsibilities will include:
- Understanding the relevant business areas under investigation.
- Recording and organising investigation information.
- Maintaining the chain of custody for evidence.
- Protecting the integrity of documents and other evidence.
- Ensuring that evidence can be used to support investigation findings.
Corrective Actions and Tribunal Support
The trainee will help the Forensic Services Department implement corrective actions following investigations.
Duties may include:
- Preparing evidence that supports recommended corrective actions.
- Providing evidence during disciplinary or corrective-action tribunals.
- Assisting with follow-up investigations.
- Liaising with law-enforcement agencies where required.
- Supporting management in addressing identified fraud or misconduct risks.
Unscheduled Forensic Activities
The successful candidate may also be required to:
- Assist the internal audit team when requested.
- Participate in fraud-risk management projects.
- Support unplanned forensic activities.
- Complete additional duties assigned by management.
- Assist with fraud-prevention and awareness projects.
Communication and Stakeholder Management
The trainee will work with investigation clients, colleagues, management and other stakeholders.
The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Keep investigation clients informed about the start and progress of investigations.
- Provide accurate and timely information.
- Communicate professionally with clients, colleagues and senior employees.
- Ensure that written and verbal communication is factual.
- Maintain confidentiality throughout the investigation process.
Skills Applicants Should Have
Suitable candidates should demonstrate the following skills:
- Analytical thinking
- Attention to detail
- Report-writing ability
- Evidence-management skills
- Interviewing skills
- Research skills
- Written and verbal communication
- Confidentiality
- Professional judgement
- Ability to work with sensitive information
- Stakeholder-management skills
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare the following documents before starting the online application:
- Updated CV
- Copy of South African identity document
- Copies of academic qualifications
- Academic record
- Proof of relevant work experience
- Certified Fraud Examiner certificate, where applicable
- Any additional documents requested on the recruitment portal
Applicants must ensure that the information provided in their applications is complete and accurate.
How to Apply for the SACAA Forensic Services Trainee Programme 2026
Applications must be submitted through the official SACAA online recruitment platform.
Click here to apply for the SACAA Forensic Services Trainee Programme 2026
Applicants should use the following reference when searching for or completing the application:
Reference number: SA-459
Complete the online application form, upload all required documents and submit the application before the closing date.
Application Closing Date
The closing date for the SACAA Forensic Services Trainee Programme is 24 July 2026.
Late or incomplete applications may not be considered. Applicants are encouraged to apply before the final day.
Security Vetting
All successful SACAA appointments are subject to Section 98 of the Civil Aviation Act, 13 of 2009.
Successful candidates will be required to undergo security vetting and other employment-related verification processes.
These checks may include:
- Qualification verification
- Identity verification
- Employment-history checks
- Criminal-record checks
- Security screening
Employment Equity
This position is designated as an Employment Equity opportunity.
Employment Equity candidates will be prioritised in line with the SACAA Employment Equity Plan.
Applicants should provide accurate demographic and personal information where requested during the application process.
Application Outcome
Applicants who have not received feedback within 90 days after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Only candidates selected for the next stage of the recruitment process may be contacted.
About the South African Civil Aviation Authority
The South African Civil Aviation Authority is responsible for regulating civil aviation safety and security in South Africa.
The organisation performs oversight, compliance, licensing, certification and enforcement functions within the South African aviation industry.