Home Affairs Cadet Learnership 2026/27: Grade 12 and R4,500 Stipend

The Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership Programme 2026/27 is inviting unemployed South African youth with Grade 12 or an equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification to apply for a 12-month workplace-based learning opportunity.

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Successful candidates will receive a reported R4,500 monthly stipend and gain practical workplace exposure within the Department of Home Affairs. Applications are available across nine provinces, with applicants required to select the relevant province, centre and reference number.

The closing date is 18 September 2026 at 16:00. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline and carefully check the requirements before sending their documents. Current public vacancy listings reproduce the relevant Home Affairs posts from DPSA Circular 32 of 2026.

Home Affairs Cadet Learnership 2026/27

The programme is being offered through the Department of Home Affairs’ Chief Directorate: Learning & Development, with PSETA involved in the public-service learning environment.

PSETA defines a learnership as workplace-based learning that culminates in an occupational qualification or part qualification. Its current policy also describes learnerships as programmes containing both structured learning and structured workplace experience.

For eligible young people, this means the programme is intended to combine theoretical learning with practical exposure rather than functioning as a conventional permanent job appointment.

Programme details

Category	Details
Employer	Department of Home Affairs
Programme	Cadet Learnership Programme 2026/27
Duration	12 months
Stipend	R4,500 per month
Minimum qualification	National Senior Certificate (Grade 12) / equivalent NQF Level 4
Target applicants	Unemployed South African youth
Work experience	Not required in the advertised minimum requirement
Provinces	Gauteng, Eastern Cape, North West, Northern Cape, Mpumalanga, Free State, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo
Closing date	18 September 2026 at 16:00

Public listings of the vacancy state that the programme runs for a 12-month contract and that shortlisted applicants may subsequently be required to provide their ID and Grade 12 certificate.

Home Affairs Cadet Learnership Requirements

Applicants should carefully check the eligibility conditions before submitting an application.

The main requirement is a National Senior Certificate (Matric) or equivalent qualification. The programme is aimed at unemployed South African youth.

Applicants should also be prepared to participate in both the theoretical and practical components of the programme.

The advertisement further indicates that applicants who have previously participated in certain Public Service Youth Development Programmes may not qualify where the applicable government directive prevents repeat participation. Applicants currently receiving government financial assistance for another youth development programme may also be excluded.

Successful candidates will be subjected to the applicable pre-employment screening and security checks.

Applicants should therefore provide accurate and verifiable information throughout the application process.

Home Affairs Cadet Learnership Training and Workplace Exposure

The Cadet Learnership is designed to provide exposure relevant to the operations of the Department of Home Affairs.

Depending on the assigned workplace and training arrangements, learners may gain exposure to areas such as:

• Immigration Services
• Government service delivery procedures
• Customer and client services
• Public-service administration
• Immigration-related administrative functions
• Workplace communication
• Records and information management
• General workplace responsibilities
• Practical workplace procedures
• Theoretical learning linked to Immigration Services

PSETA’s role in public-service learning programmes includes facilitating workplace-based learning and supporting the development of skills needed within the public service.

Home Affairs Cadet Learnership Locations

The advertised opportunities are spread across nine provinces. Applicants must identify the centre they want to apply for and use the corresponding reference number.

Gauteng – Post 32/114

Centres include:

• Krugersdorp – HRMC 58/26/1a – 1 post
• Benoni – HRMC 58/26/1b – 2 posts
• Cresta – HRMC 58/26/1c – 1 post
• Sedibeng – HRMC 58/26/1d – 1 post
• Mamelodi – HRMC 58/26/1e – 2 posts

Application email: Cadetrecruitmentgp@dha.gov.za

An important point for applicants is that the Gauteng advert heading reportedly refers to five posts, while the centre breakdown adds up to seven. Applicants should rely on the official vacancy circular and the specific centre/reference information when preparing their applications.

Eastern Cape – Post 32/115

Centres include:

• King Williams Town – HRMC 58/26/2a – 1 post
• Gqeberha – HRMC 58/26/2b – 1 post
• Libode – HRMC 58/26/2c – 1 post
• Queenstown – HRMC 58/26/2d – 1 post
• East London – HRMC 58/26/2e – 1 post
• Port St John – HRMC 58/26/2f – 1 post

Application email: Cadetrecruitmentec@dha.gov.za

North West – Post 32/116

Centres include:

• Klerksdorp – HRMC 58/26/3a – 4 posts
• Mankwe – HRMC 58/26/3b – 1 post

Application email: Cadetrecruitmentnw@dha.gov.za

Northern Cape – Post 32/117

Centres include:

• Kimberley – HRMC 58/26/4a – 2 posts
• Galeshewe – HRMC 58/26/4b – 2 posts

Application email: Cadetrecruitmentnc@dha.gov.za

Mpumalanga – Post 32/118

Centres include:

• Witbank – HRMC 58/26/5a – 1 post
• Kwa-Mhlanga – HRMC 58/26/5b – 1 post
• Eerstehoek – HRMC 58/26/5c – 1 post
• Standerton – HRMC 58/26/5d – 1 post
• Mbombela/Nelspruit – HRMC 58/26/5e – 1 post
• White River – HRMC 58/26/5f – 1 post

Application email: Cadetrecruitmentmp@dha.gov.za

Free State – Post 32/119

Centres listed include:

• Bloemfontein – HRMC 58/26/6a – 2 posts
• Phuthaditjhaba – HRMC 58/26/6b – 1 post
• HRMC 58/26/6c – 1 post
• Bethlehem – HRMC 58/26/6d – 1 post

Application email: Cadetrecruitmentfs@dha.gov.za

The centre associated with reference HRMC 58/26/6c should be checked against the official advertisement before applying because the supplied vacancy information does not clearly identify that centre.

Western Cape – Post 32/120

Centres include:

• Wynberg – HRMC 58/26/7a – 3 posts
• Khayelitsha – HRMC 58/26/7b – 1 post
• Vredendal – HRMC 58/26/7c – 1 post
• George – HRMC 58/26/7d – 1 post

Application email: Cadetrecruitmentwc@dha.gov.za

KwaZulu-Natal – Post 32/121

Centres include:

• Ixopo – HRMC 58/26/8a – 1 post
• New Hanover – HRMC 58/26/8b – 1 post
• Eshowe – HRMC 58/26/8c – 1 post
• Estcourt – HRMC 58/26/8d – 1 post
• Umgeni – HRMC 58/26/8e – 1 post
• Richards Bay – HRMC 58/26/8f – 1 post

Application email: Cadetrecruitmentkzn@dha.gov.za

Limpopo – Post 32/122

Centres include:

• Polokwane – HRMC 58/26/9a – 1 post
• Giyani – HRMC 58/26/9b – 1 post
• Jane Furse – HRMC 58/26/9c – 1 post
• Thohoyandou – HRMC 58/26/9d – 1 post
• Mokopane – HRMC 58/26/9e – 1 post

Application email: Cadetrecruitmentlp@dha.gov.za

Home Affairs Cadet Learnership Documents

Applicants should prepare their application carefully. The advertised application process requires a completed New Z83 Application for Employment Form, together with a comprehensive CV.

The CV should contain relevant information such as:

• Education and qualifications
• Employment history, where applicable
• Employment start and end dates
• Job titles
• Duties performed
• Reasons for leaving previous employment
• At least two recent and contactable references

The correct post number, job title, centre and reference number should also be clearly identified.

Shortlisted candidates may subsequently be required to submit supporting documentation such as a South African ID, Grade 12 certificate and other relevant documents. Applicants with qualifications obtained outside South Africa may be required to provide an SAQA evaluation.

How to Apply for the Home Affairs Cadet Learnership

Applicants should apply for the specific province and centre they wish to be considered for.

Step 1: Complete the New Z83 form

Use the New Z83 Application for Employment Form applicable to the advertised government vacancy.

Step 2: Update your CV

Make sure your CV contains your education, employment history where applicable, duties, employment dates and contactable references.

Step 3: Select your centre

Choose the Home Affairs centre you want to apply for and record the correct HRMC reference number.

Step 4: Send your application

Use the provincial recruitment email:

• Gauteng: Cadetrecruitmentgp@dha.gov.za
• Eastern Cape: Cadetrecruitmentec@dha.gov.za
• North West: Cadetrecruitmentnw@dha.gov.za
• Northern Cape: Cadetrecruitmentnc@dha.gov.za
• Mpumalanga: Cadetrecruitmentmp@dha.gov.za
• Free State: Cadetrecruitmentfs@dha.gov.za
• Western Cape: Cadetrecruitmentwc@dha.gov.za
• KwaZulu-Natal: Cadetrecruitmentkzn@dha.gov.za
• Limpopo: Cadetrecruitmentlp@dha.gov.za

Applicants should make sure that the correct reference number and centre are clearly indicated.

Applications may also be submitted using the postal or hand-delivery details specified in the vacancy notice: Private Bag X114, Pretoria, 0001, or 230 Johannes Ramokhoase Street, Pretoria, 0001.

Closing date: 18 September 2026 at 16:00.

Home Affairs Cadet Learnership Application Checklist

Before applying, make sure you:

• Update your CV.
• Ensure your contact details are correct.
• Upload clear certified documents if requested.
• Double-check your academic information.
• Apply well before the closing date.
• Keep copies of your application confirmation.
• Submitting an incomplete application may reduce your chances of being shortlisted.

Applicants should also verify the official vacancy advertisement before submitting because individual centres can have different reference numbers and application instructions.

onlinelearnership Advice

If you qualify for this opportunity, do not wait until the final day to apply. Government recruitment systems and email channels can experience heavy traffic close to a closing date, and last-minute technical problems could prevent an application from being submitted successfully.

Before applying, make sure your CV is updated, your academic records are ready, and any required supporting documentation is available. A learnership can provide structured workplace exposure while you develop practical skills, but completing the programme does not automatically mean that you will receive permanent employment.

PSETA explains that workplace-based learning is intended to bridge learning and workplace experience, making practical exposure an important part of the development process.

Also continue applying for similar internships, learnerships and Work-Integrated Learning opportunities instead of relying on a single application. PSETA provides information on several forms of workplace-based learning, including learnerships, internships and WIL programmes.

Does the Home Affairs Learnership Guarantee a Permanent Job?

No. The Cadet Learnership is a fixed-term learning opportunity. Applicants should not assume that completing the 12-month programme automatically results in permanent employment with the Department of Home Affairs.

The main purpose is to provide structured learning and workplace exposure. Candidates should continue developing their skills and applying for other suitable opportunities during and after the programme.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the Home Affairs Cadet Learnership?

The programme is aimed at unemployed South African youth who meet the advertised qualification and eligibility requirements. The listed minimum educational requirement is a National Senior Certificate or equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification.

How much is the Home Affairs Cadet stipend?

The advertised stipend is R4,500 per month for successful learners.

How long is the Cadet Learnership?

The programme runs for 12 months under a learnership contract.

When does the application close?

Applications close on 18 September 2026 at 16:00. Late applications may not be considered.

Is previous work experience required?

The advertised minimum requirement is the National Senior Certificate/Grade 12, and the vacancy does not list previous work experience as a minimum requirement.

Do I need a Z83 form?

Yes. Applicants should complete the New Z83 Application for Employment Form and submit it with the required CV and other application information.

Are certified copies required immediately?

The vacancy information indicates that shortlisted candidates may subsequently be required to provide documents such as their ID and Grade 12 certificate. Applicants should follow the official advert’s directions for their specific application.

Can I apply in any province?

Applicants should select the specific province and centre for which they wish to be considered and use the corresponding reference number and provincial recruitment email.

Will completing the learnership guarantee permanent employment?

No. The programme should be treated as a 12-month learning and workplace-exposure opportunity rather than a guarantee of permanent employment.

Final Reminder for Applicants

The Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership Programme 2026/27 provides an opportunity for eligible unemployed youth with Grade 12 to gain structured workplace experience while receiving a reported R4,500 monthly stipend.

Because the closing date is 18 September 2026 at 16:00, applicants should avoid waiting until the final hours. Check the province, centre, reference number, Z83 form, CV and application email carefully before submitting.

Most importantly, use the official vacancy information as the final authority for the application requirements. Public listings reproducing DPSA Circular 32 of 2026 confirm the provincial posts, reference numbers and closing date, while PSETA’s official material confirms the workplace-based nature of learnership programmes.