Are you a South African youth looking for a paid entry‑level role right now? The Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership Programme offers a 12‑month paid learnership across all nine provinces, and the deadline is fast approaching.
What is the Cadet Learnership Programme 2026/2027?
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is running a 12‑month Cadet Learnership for unemployed youth. The learnership blends classroom training with on‑the‑job experience in DHA offices.
Who can apply?
To be eligible, you must:
- Have a Grade 12 / Matric certificate, or an NQF Level 4 equivalent qualification.
- Be unemployed and a South African citizen.
What will you gain?
- Monthly stipend for the full 12 months (exact amount not disclosed).
- Practical skills and knowledge of public service functions.
- Work experience that strengthens your CV for future jobs.
How to apply – step by step
- Download the official Z83 application form here and read the instructions.
- Complete the Z83 form. Write the correct reference number, position, and the office location you are applying for.
- Attach a recently updated CV.
- Send your application to the e‑mail address that matches your province (see list below). You may also post or hand‑deliver the form to the address provided.
- If you are shortlisted, you will be asked to submit certified copies of your ID, qualifications and academic records.
E‑mail addresses by province
- 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
Postal and hand‑delivery address
Private Bag X114, Pretoria, 0001 (post) or 230 Johannes Ramokhoase Street, Pretoria, 0001 (hand‑delivery). Remember to include the province, location and reference number on your form.
Available provinces and reference numbers
| Province | Location | Reference Number |
|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | Krugersdorp | HRMC 58/26/1a |
| Gauteng | Benoni | HRMC 58/26/1b |
| Gauteng | Cresta | HRMC 58/26/1c |
| Gauteng | Sedibeng | HRMC 58/26/1d |
| Gauteng | Mamelodi | HRMC 58/26/1e |
| Eastern Cape | King William’s Town | HRMC 58/26/2a |
| Eastern Cape | Gqeberha | HRMC 58/26/2b |
| Eastern Cape | Libode | HRMC 58/26/2c |
| Eastern Cape | Queenstown | HRMC 58/26/2d |
| Eastern Cape | East London | HRMC 58/26/2e |
| Eastern Cape | Port St John | HRMC 58/26/2f |
| North West | Klerksdorp | HRMC 58/26/3a |
| North West | Mankwe | HRMC 58/26/3b |
| Northern Cape | Kimberley | HRMC 58/26/4a |
| Northern Cape | Galeshewe | HRMC 58/26/4b |
| Mpumalanga | Witbank | HRMC 58/26/5a |
| Mpumalanga | Kwa‑Mhlanga | HRMC 58/26/5b |
| Mpumalanga | Eerstehoek | HRMC 58/26/5c |
| Mpumalanga | Standerton | HRMC 58/26/5d |
| Mpumalanga | Nelspruit / Mbombela | HRMC 58/26/5e |
| Mpumalanga | White River | HRMC 58/26/5f |
| Free State | Bloemfontein | HRMC 58/26/6a |
| Free State | Phuthaditjhaba | HRMC 58/26/6b |
| Free State | — | HRMC 58/26/6c |
| Free State | Bethlehem | HRMC 58/26/6d |
| Western Cape | Wynberg | HRMC 58/26/7a |
| Western Cape | Khayelitsha | HRMC 58/26/7b |
| Western Cape | Vredendal | HRMC 58/26/7c |
| Western Cape | George | HRMC 58/26/7d |
| KwaZulu‑Natal | Ixopo | HRMC 58/26/8a |
| KwaZulu‑Natal | New Hanover | HRMC 58/26/8b |
| KwaZulu‑Natal | Eshowe | HRMC 58/26/8c |
| KwaZulu‑Natal | Estcourt | HRMC 58/26/8d |
| KwaZulu‑Natal | Umgeni | HRMC 58/26/8e |
| KwaZulu‑Natal | Richards Bay | HRMC 58/26/8f |
| Limpopo | Polokwane | HRMC 58/26/9a |
| Limpopo | Giyani | HRMC 58/26/9b |
| Limpopo | Jane Furse | HRMC 58/26/9c |
| Limpopo | Thohoyandou | HRMC 58/26/9d |
| Limpopo | Mokopane | HRMC 58/26/9e |
Tips to improve your chances
- Double‑check that the reference number matches the location you choose.
- Proofread your CV for spelling and formatting errors.
- Use a clear, professional email address.
- Submit your application well before the 18 September 2026 deadline.
- If you are shortlisted, provide the requested certified copies promptly.
Next steps
Take action today. Gather your Grade 12 or NQF 4 certificate, update your CV, download the Z83 form, and send your application to the correct provincial e‑mail address. The learnership can launch your career in the public sector, so don’t miss the 18 September 2026 deadline.
