Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership Programme South Africa 2026

Employer: Department of Home Affairs

Location: All Provinces

Closing Date: 18 September 2026

Applications are now open for the Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership Programme South Africa 2026. Unemployed South African youth holding a Grade 12 or NQF 4 equivalent qualification can now apply for this 12-month contract opportunity.

This youth development initiative offers successful applicants a monthly stipend of R4 500 while gaining practical and theoretical skills in Immigration Services. If you meet the minimum criteria, you must submit your application before the firm deadline on 18 September 2026 at 16h00.

Below is everything you need to know about the Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership Programme South Africa 2026, including location choices, minimum requirements, stipend details, and the step-by-step application procedure.

Company Overview

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) operates under the strategic guidance of South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) 2030, which targets poverty elimination and inequality reduction across the nation. By enhancing state operational capacity, the Department aims to deliver critical public services while creating structured opportunities for youth empowerment and skill acquisition.

Job Overview

• Job Title: Cadet Learnership Programme (2026/27)
• Employer: Department of Home Affairs (in collaboration with PSETA)
• Location: Multiple centres across all 9 provinces (Gauteng, Eastern Cape, North West, Northern Cape, Mpumalanga, Free State, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo)
• Employment Type: 12-Month Contract
• Closing Date: 18 September 2026, 16h00
• Stipend Band: R4 500 per month

Job Purpose / Role Summary

The Cadet Learnership Programme combines theoretical instruction and practical workplace experience aimed at training candidates for the National Certificate: Immigration Services. The programme exposes learners directly to the core business of the Department of Home Affairs (Immigration Services), helping unemployed youth position themselves for active and meaningful participation in the South African labour market.

Key Responsibilities

• Undergo structured theoretical instruction aligned with the National Certificate: Immigration Services curriculum.
• Perform practical experiential learning tasks within local Department of Home Affairs designated operational centres.
• Execute daily functional duties exposing learners to the core business of Immigration Services.

Minimum Requirements

• Must be an unemployed South African youth.
• Possess a Grade 12 or NQF4 equivalent qualification.
• Must reside within close proximity to the specific office where the post is based (preference will be given to local candidates).
• Candidates holding foreign qualifications must provide an evaluation certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
• Applicants who have previously participated in any Public Service Youth Development Programme (as outlined in the Directive on the Employment of Persons in Developmental Programmes in the Public Service) or who are currently receiving any financial assistance from government for a youth development programme are not eligible.

Preferred Skills / Nice-to-Haves

• Preferred Skills: Not specified by employer.

Salary & Benefits

Successful candidates will receive a fixed monthly stipend of R4 500 for the duration of the 12-month Cadet Learnership Programme contract. Public sector learnership stipends typically range between R3 500 and R7 000 per month depending on qualification levels and department budgets.

In addition to financial compensation, learners receive fully funded theoretical and practical training towards obtaining a National Certificate: Immigration Services.

Location & Work Arrangement

This is an in-person, local operational placement across designated regional Department of Home Affairs centres. Remote or hybrid work arrangements are not specified by employer.

Available posts, contact emails, and reference numbers by province include:

• Gauteng (5 Posts): Krugersdorp (HRMC 58/26/1a), Benoni (HRMC 58/26/1b – 2 Posts), Cresta (HRMC 58/26/1c), Sedibeng (HRMC 58/26/1d), Mamelodi (HRMC 58/26/1e).
  • Application Email: [email protected]
• Eastern Cape (6 Posts): King Williams Town (HRMC 58/26/2a), Gqeberha (HRMC 58/26/2b), Libode (HRMC 58/26/2c), Queenstown (HRMC 58/26/2d), East London (HRMC 58/26/2e), Port St John (HRMC 58/26/2f).
  • Application Email: [email protected]
• North West (5 Posts): Klerksdorp (HRMC 58/26/3a – 4 Posts), Mankwe (HRMC 58/26/3b).
  • Application Email: [email protected]
• Northern Cape (4 Posts): Kimberley (HRMC 58/26/4a – 2 Posts), Galeshewe (HRMC 58/26/4b – 2 Posts).
  • Application Email: [email protected]
• Mpumalanga (6 Posts): Witbank (HRMC 58/26/5a), Kwa-Mhlanga (HRMC 58/26/5b), Eerstehoek (HRMC 58/26/5c), Standerton (HRMC 58/26/5d), Nelspruit/Mbombela (HRMC 58/26/5e), White River (HRMC 58/26/5f).
  • Application Email: [email protected]
• Free State (5 Posts): Bloemfontein (HRMC 58/26/6a – 2 Posts), Phuthaditjhaba (HRMC 58/26/6b), Ref No HRMC 58/26/6c (1 Post), Bethlehem (HRMC 58/26/6d).
  • Application Email: [email protected]
• Western Cape (6 Posts): Wynberg (HRMC 58/26/7a – 3 Posts), Khayelitsha (HRMC 58/26/7b), Vredendal (HRMC 58/26/7c), George (HRMC 58/26/7d).
  • Application Email: [email protected]
• KwaZulu-Natal (6 Posts): Ixopo (HRMC 58/26/8a), New Hanover (HRMC 58/26/8b), Eshowe (HRMC 58/26/8c), Estcourt (HRMC 58/26/8d), Umgeni (HRMC 58/26/8e), Richards Bay (HRMC 58/26/8f).
  • Application Email: [email protected]
• Limpopo (5 Posts): Polokwane (HRMC 58/26/9a), Giyani (HRMC 58/26/9b), Jane Furse (HRMC 58/26/9c), Thohoyandou (HRMC 58/26/9d), Mokopane (HRMC 58/26/9e).
  • Application Email: [email protected]

Application Process

1. Obtain a fully completed official Application for Employment Form (New Z83, effective from 1 January 2021) from www.dpsa.gov.za.
2. Fill out the Z83 form completely, quoting the exact post number and job title corresponding to your preferred local centre.
3. Prepare a comprehensive CV detailing employment duties, exit reasons, start and end dates (dd/mm/yy), and contact information for at least two recent employment references.
4. Submit your application documents either via email to the exact provincial email address listed below or by post/hand delivery to the specified physical address:
   • Gauteng: [email protected]
   • Eastern Cape: [email protected]
   • North West: [email protected]
   • Northern Cape: [email protected]
   • Mpumalanga: [email protected]
   • Free State: [email protected]
   • Western Cape: [email protected]
   • KwaZulu-Natal: [email protected]
   • Limpopo: [email protected]
   • Physical Address: 230 Johannes Ramokhoase Street, Pretoria, 0001.
   • Postal Address: Private Bag X114, Pretoria, 0001.

Required Documents

• Fully completed New Z83 Application Form.
• Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit a copy of their ID document and Grade 12 Certificate.
• SAQA evaluation certificate (mandatory only if holding foreign qualifications).

Important Notes / Deadlines

Closing Date: 18 September 2026 at 16h00.

Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Due to high application volumes, submissions will not be acknowledged in writing. Shortlisted applicants will undergo pre-employment screening and security checks prior to appointment. The Department of Home Affairs reserves the right to place or reject applications based on operational service delivery needs.

Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership Programme South Africa 2026 FAQs

What is the stipend for the Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership Programme South Africa 2026?

Successful candidates receive a fixed stipend of R4 500 per month throughout the 12-month contract duration.

What are the main requirements for the Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership Programme South Africa 2026?

Applicants must be unemployed South African youth holding a Grade 12 or NQF level 4 equivalent certificate. You must also live near the specific office location where the post is advertised.

When is the application deadline for Department of Home Affairs careers 2026?

The closing date for this specific learnership post is 18 September 2026 at 16h00.

What email addresses should I use to submit my application?

You must send your application to the dedicated email address corresponding to your province:

• Gauteng: [email protected]
• Eastern Cape: [email protected]
• North West: [email protected]
• Northern Cape: [email protected]
• Mpumalanga: [email protected]
• Free State: [email protected]
• Western Cape: [email protected]
• KwaZulu-Natal: [email protected]
• Limpopo: [email protected]

Can candidates who previously joined a public service learnership apply?

No. Applicants who have previously participated in any Public Service Youth Development Programme or currently receive government financial assistance for youth development are not eligible.

Is there a remote option for this learnership?

No, learners must perform practical duties on-site at the assigned Home Affairs office centre.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Submitting your application for the Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership Programme South Africa 2026 before the deadline ensures your entry into a government skill creation initiative. Make sure your Z83 form lists the exact post reference number and corresponding provincial email address for your preferred centre.

For related government opportunities and updates on public sector intakes:

• Western Cape Government Graduate Internship Programme 2026/2027
• Limpopo Provincial e-Government Vacancies