South African job seekers can now review PUBLIC SERVICE VACANCY CIRCULAR, PUBLICATION NO 29 OF 2026, issued by the Department of Public Service and Administration on 14 August 2026. The 272-page circular brings together vacancy notices from 15 national departments and seven provincial administrations.

The August 2026 publication covers public-service work in education, correctional services, employment and labour, environmental management, higher education, prosecution, the judiciary, infrastructure, finance, water services and provincial government. Each annexure contains the relevant posts, reference numbers, requirements, closing dates and department-specific application instructions.

Circular 29 details

• Circular: PUBLIC SERVICE VACANCY CIRCULAR, PUBLICATION NO 29 OF 2026
• Date issued: 14 August 2026
• National department sections: 15
• Provincial administration sections: 7
• Full document: View the full DPSA Circular 29 of 2026

National department vacancy documents

Applicants can open the relevant annexure directly from the full circular:

• View BASIC EDUCATION vacancies – Annexure A, pages 3–4
• View CORRECTIONAL SERVICES vacancies – Annexure B, pages 5–8
• View EMPLOYMENT AND LABOUR vacancies – Annexure C, pages 9–11
• View FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT vacancies – Annexure D, pages 12–42
• View GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION SYSTEM vacancies – Annexure E, pages 43–45
• View HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING vacancies – Annexure F, pages 46–61
• View LAND REFORM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT vacancies – Annexure G, pages 62–67
• View MINERAL AND PETROLEUM RESOURCES vacancies – Annexure H, pages 68–71
• View NATIONAL PROSECUTING AUTHORITY vacancies – Annexure I, pages 72–88
• View OFFICE OF THE CHIEF JUSTICE vacancies – Annexure J, pages 89–100
• View PLANNING, MONITORING AND EVALUATION vacancies – Annexure K, pages 101–103
• View PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE vacancies – Annexure L, pages 104–113
• View SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT vacancies – Annexure M, pages 114–115
• View TREASURY vacancies – Annexure N, pages 116–120
• View WATER AND SANITATION vacancies – Annexure O, pages 121–129

Provincial administration vacancy documents

Circular 29 also includes posts advertised through the following provincial administrations:

• View FREE STATE vacancies – Annexure P, pages 130–133
• View GAUTENG vacancies – Annexure Q, pages 134–144
• View KWAZULU NATAL vacancies – Annexure R, pages 145–198
• View LIMPOPO vacancies – Annexure S, pages 199–217
• View MPUMALANGA vacancies – Annexure T, pages 218–228
• View NORTHERN CAPE vacancies – Annexure U, pages 229–230
• View WESTERN CAPE vacancies – Annexure V, pages 231–272

How to apply through the circular

Applicants should open the annexure for the department or provincial administration in which they want to work. Every vacancy notice should be checked for its job title, centre, salary, reference number, eligibility requirements, closing date and submission channel.

The general circular directions require applicants to use the new Z83 application form effective from 1 January 2021 and include the correct vacancy reference number. Applications must be sent to the department advertising the post and must arrive by the closing date stated in that section.

Some annexures provide online recruitment portals, while others direct applications by email, post or hand delivery. Applicants should follow the method stated for their chosen vacancy rather than sending applications to DPSA.

Candidates applying for Senior Management Service posts should also review the official SMS pre-entry programme information.

Amendment included in Circular 29

The publication carries an amendment concerning a vacancy previously advertised by the DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION in Public Service Vacancy Circular 28, dated 7 August 2026.

For Deputy Director: Human Resources (Recruitment and Selection), Ref No: 0731/02, the corrected application email address is ddhr26@dirco.gov.za. The closing date is 4 September 2026.

Important circular guidance

DPSA issues the circular, but questions about individual vacancies must be directed to the department advertising the post. Applicants should use the enquiry contact supplied in the relevant annexure when seeking clarification about requirements or the application process.

Closing dates, supporting-document requirements and submission methods differ between departments and provincial administrations. Candidates should therefore read the complete vacancy notice before preparing their Z83 form and curriculum vitae.

Before submitting your application

Start by confirming that your qualifications and experience meet the requirements of the exact post. Record the job title and reference number carefully, check the stated work centre, and prepare the application in the format required by the advertising department.

Before sending the application, review the closing date and submission address or portal for that vacancy. Applications should be directed through the official channel in the relevant annexure, with enquiries addressed to the named departmental contact.