Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership: 50 Opportunities

The Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership is open to unemployed South African youth with Grade 12 or an equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification, offering 50 opportunities across nine provinces with a monthly stipend of R4,500.

Unemployed young South Africans looking for an opportunity to gain workplace experience can now apply for the Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership for the 2026/2027 intake.

The 12-month learnership provides theoretical training and practical workplace experience in Immigration Services. Successful candidates will receive a R4,500 monthly stipend for the duration of the programme.

Applications are available across Gauteng, Eastern Cape, North West, Northern Cape, Mpumalanga, Free State, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo, with applications closing on 18 September 2026 at 16:00.

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Key Points & Vacancy Summary

• Hiring Institution: Department of Home Affairs (DHA)
• Opportunity Name: DHA Cadet Learnership Programme (2026/2027 Cycle)
• Target Audience: Unemployed South African youth interested in public administration and civic services
• Minimum Qualifications: Grade 12 (Matric) / National Senior Certificate; basic computer literacy and strong communication skills
• Key Benefits: Monthly stipend, structured operational training, and practical workplace experience across regional Home Affairs offices
• Primary Responsibilities: Frontline client services, processing civic documentation, identity management, and queue facilitation
• Submission Portal: Complete application via the official Department of Home Affairs careers portal or designated government submission channel

What Is the Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership?

The programme is a youth development opportunity offered by the Department of Home Affairs in collaboration with the Public Service Education and Training Authority (PSETA).

It combines theoretical learning with practical workplace experience and focuses on the National Certificate: Immigration Services.

Learners will be exposed to core functions of the Department of Home Affairs, particularly work relating to Immigration Services.

How Many Learnership Positions Are Available?

There are 50 positions listed across nine provinces.

The provincial breakdown is:

Applicants should carefully check the reference number attached to the centre where they want to apply.

Gauteng Cadet Learnership Opportunities

Gauteng has seven positions available.

The opportunities are located at:

• Krugersdorp – 1 position
• Benoni – 2 positions
• Cresta – 1 position
• Sedibeng – 1 position
• Mamelodi – 2 positions

The relevant reference numbers run from HRMC 58/26/1a to HRMC 58/26/1e.

Eastern Cape Opportunities

There are six positions available in the Eastern Cape.

The listed centres are:

• King Williams Town
• Gqeberha
• Libode
• Queenstown
• East London
• Port St John

Each centre has one position, with reference numbers from HRMC 58/26/2a to HRMC 58/26/2f.

North West and Northern Cape Positions

The North West has five positions available.

Four are based in Klerksdorp, while one is based in Mankwe.

The Northern Cape has four positions, with two in Kimberley and two in Galeshewe.

Mpumalanga and Free State Opportunities

Mpumalanga has six positions available at centres including Witbank, Kwa-Mhlanga, Eerstehoek, Standerton, Nelspruit/Mbombela and White River.

The Free State has five positions, including two in Bloemfontein, one in Phuthaditjhaba and one in Bethlehem. The source also lists one additional reference, HRMC 58/26/6c, without clearly identifying the associated centre, so applicants should verify this reference in the official vacancy notice before applying.

Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal Positions

The Western Cape has six positions:

• Wynberg – 3
• Khayelitsha – 1
• Vredendal – 1
• George – 1

KwaZulu-Natal also has six positions, located in:

• Ixopo
• New Hanover
• Eshowe
• Estcourt
• Umgeni
• Richards Bay

Each KwaZulu-Natal centre has one position.

Limpopo Cadet Learnership Opportunities

Limpopo has five positions available.

The listed centres are:

• Polokwane
• Giyani
• Jane Furse
• Thohoyandou
• Mokopane

Each location has one position, with references ranging from HRMC 58/26/9a to HRMC 58/26/9e.

Who Can Apply?

The learnership is aimed at unemployed South African youth.

Applicants must have:

• A National Senior Certificate (Grade 12/Matric) or equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification.
• Unemployed status.
• Eligibility to participate in the programme.

Applicants should also select a centre that is suitable for them, as preference may be given to people who live close to the relevant Department of Home Affairs office or centre.

Who May Not Qualify?

Applicants who have previously participated in a Public Service Youth Development Programme, where excluded under the applicable government directive, may not be eligible.

People who are currently receiving financial assistance from government for another youth development programme are also stated as ineligible.

Applicants should therefore check the complete eligibility conditions before submitting an application.

What Training Will Learners Receive?

The programme combines classroom-based theoretical learning with practical workplace exposure.

The training focuses on the National Certificate: Immigration Services, giving successful candidates exposure to the core business functions of the Department of Home Affairs.

This means the opportunity is designed to provide more than short-term workplace exposure, with structured learning forming part of the 12-month programme.

What Documents Are Required?

Applicants must submit:

• A fully completed and signed New Z83 Application for Employment Form.
• A comprehensive CV.
• The correct post number and job title.

The CV should provide employment dates, job titles, duties performed, reasons for leaving previous employment and details of at least two contactable employment references.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide additional documentation, including a copy of their ID and Grade 12 certificate. Applicants with foreign qualifications must provide the relevant SAQA evaluation results.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted using the provincial email address allocated to the relevant province.

Applicants should clearly indicate the correct reference number and job title and attach all required documents.

The application information also provides a postal and physical delivery option:

Private Bag X114
Pretoria
0001

or

230 Johannes Ramokhoase Street
Pretoria
0001

Because the email address differs by province, applicants should check the application instructions for the province and position they are applying for before sending their documents.

How Long Is the Learnership?

The Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership runs for 12 months.

It is a fixed-term learnership contract rather than a permanent appointment.

Successful learners receive a R4,500 monthly stipend during the programme.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is 18 September 2026 at 16:00.

Late applications may not be considered.

With multiple centres and reference numbers available, applicants should not leave their application until the final day.

What Happens After Applying?

Applicants should not necessarily expect an individual written acknowledgement because the Department anticipates receiving a high number of applications.

A systematic selection process will be used to identify suitable candidates.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership positions are available?

There are 50 positions listed across nine provinces.

What qualification is required?

Applicants need Grade 12/Matric or an equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification.

How much is the stipend?

Successful learners will receive R4,500 per month.

How long is the programme?

The learnership runs for 12 months.

Which provinces have opportunities?

Positions are available in Gauteng, Eastern Cape, North West, Northern Cape, Mpumalanga, Free State, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo.

Can unemployed youth apply?

Yes. The programme is intended for unemployed South African youth who meet the stated requirements.

Do I need previous work experience?

The source lists Grade 12/NQF Level 4 as the minimum qualification and does not state previous work experience as a general minimum requirement. Applicants should still check the complete official advert before applying.

What application form is required?

Applicants must use the New Z83 Application for Employment Form together with a comprehensive CV.

When does the learnership close?

Applications close on 18 September 2026 at 16:00.

Final Reminder

The Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership gives unemployed young South Africans with Grade 12 an opportunity to gain theoretical training and practical workplace experience in Immigration Services.

With 50 positions available across nine provinces, applicants have several locations to choose from. However, the correct reference number and application channel must be used for the selected province and centre.

The programme lasts 12 months and offers a R4,500 monthly stipend.

Eligible applicants should prepare their New Z83 and comprehensive CV and submit their applications before 18 September 2026 at 16:00.

Disclaimer

Dailyspark.co.za is not the employer or recruiter and does not offer these learnerships. We share and explain publicly advertised opportunities to help readers find relevant employment and training opportunities. Applicants should apply through the official Department of Home Affairs application channel and verify the latest requirements, reference numbers and application instructions before submitting an application.

Editorial Integrity

Dailyspark.co.za compiles and edits vacancy and learnership information from publicly advertised recruitment sources for our readers. We aim to present information accurately and transparently, but recruitment details can change or be withdrawn by the hiring organisation. Readers should verify the latest information directly with the Department of Home Affairs before applying.