The Department of Home Affairs is inviting applications from unemployed South African youth who have obtained a Grade 12 or NQF Level 4 equivalent qualification for the 2026/2027 Cadet Learnership Programme. The programme is offered in collaboration with PSETA for a period of 12 months.
This youth development initiative supports the National Development Plan’s idea of formalized recruitment schemes that through theoretical training and experiential learning afford unemployed youth of South Africa an opportunity to gain skills, knowledge and experience whilst at the same time positioning themselves for active and meaningful participation in the labour market through employment and development opportunities.
The Cadet Learnership Programme comprises both theoretical and practical components aimed at training on the National Certificate: Immigration Services, which exposes learners to the core business of the Department of Home Affairs (Immigration Services).
Quick Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Cadet Learnership Programme 2026/2027 |
| Department | Department of Home Affairs |
| Programme Type | Learnership |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Qualification | National Senior Certificate (Matric/Grade 12) |
| Experience | No previous work experience stated |
| Stipend | R4 500 per month |
| Number of Posts | Multiple posts across nine provinces |
| Closing Date | 18 September 2026 at 16:00 |
Stipend
Successful candidates will receive a stipend of R4 500 per month for the duration of the 12-month Cadet Learnership Programme.
About the Opportunity
The Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership Programme is aimed at unemployed youth who want an opportunity to gain theoretical knowledge and practical workplace experience.
The programme comprises both theoretical and practical components aimed at training learners toward the National Certificate: Immigration Services.
Successful learners will be exposed to the core business of the Department of Home Affairs within Immigration Services while gaining skills, knowledge and practical experience.
Available Vacancies
Gauteng – Post 32/114
Cadet Learnership Programme – Gauteng
Centres:
- Krugersdorp – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/1a – 1 post
- Benoni – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/1b – 2 posts
- Cresta – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/1c – 1 post
- Sedibeng – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/1d – 1 post
- Mamelodi – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/1e – 2 posts
Important: The official advert labels the Gauteng opportunity as X5 posts, although the individual centre allocations displayed in the advert add up to seven. Applicants should therefore refer to the official advert when selecting a centre and reference number.
Eastern Cape – Post 32/115
Cadet Learnership Programme – Eastern Cape: 6 Posts
- King Williams Town – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/2a – 1 post
- Gqeberha – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/2b – 1 post
- Libode – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/2c – 1 post
- Queenstown – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/2d – 1 post
- East London – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/2e – 1 post
- Port St John – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/2f – 1 post
North West – Post 32/116
Cadet Learnership Programme – North West: 5 Posts
- Klerksdorp – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/3a – 4 posts
- Mahikeng – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/3b – 1 post
Northern Cape – Post 32/117
Cadet Learnership Programme – Northern Cape: 4 Posts
- Kimberley – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/4a – 2 posts
- Galeshewe – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/4b – 2 posts
Mpumalanga – Post 32/118
Cadet Learnership Programme – Mpumalanga: 6 Posts
- Witbank – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/5a – 1 post
- Kwa-Mhlanga – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/5b – 1 post
- Eerstehoek – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/5c – 1 post
- Standerton – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/5d – 1 post
- Nelspruit/Mbombela – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/5e – 1 post
- White River – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/5f – 1 post
Free State – Post 32/119
Cadet Learnership Programme – Free State: 5 Posts
- Bloemfontein – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/6a – 2 posts
- Phuthaditjhaba – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/6b – 1 post
- Reitz – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/6c – 1 post
- Bethlehem – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/6d – 1 post
Western Cape – Post 32/120
Cadet Learnership Programme – Western Cape: 6 Posts
- Wynberg – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/7a – 3 posts
- Khayelitsha – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/7b – 1 post
- Vredendal – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/7c – 1 post
- George – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/7d – 1 post
KwaZulu-Natal – Post 32/121
Cadet Learnership Programme – KwaZulu-Natal: 6 Posts
- Ixopo – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/8a – 1 post
- New Hanover – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/8b – 1 post
- Eshowe – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/8c – 1 post
- Estcourt – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/8d – 1 post
- Umgeni – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/8e – 1 post
- Richards Bay – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/8f – 1 post
Limpopo – Post 32/122
Cadet Learnership Programme – Limpopo: 5 Posts
- Polokwane – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/9a – 1 post
- Giyani – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/9b – 1 post
- Jane Furse – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/9c – 1 post
- Thohoyandou – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/9d – 1 post
- Mokopane – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/9e – 1 post
Minimum Requirements and Qualifications
Applicants must have:
- A National Senior Certificate (Matric/Grade 12) or NQF Level 4 equivalent qualification.
- Be unemployed youth.
- An interest in participating in the full 12-month Cadet Learnership Programme.
Preference will be given to youth who reside within close proximity of the office where the post is based.
Experience
The official advert does not state a previous work experience requirement.
This makes the programme accessible to qualifying unemployed youth with Grade 12 or an NQF Level 4 equivalent qualification who are seeking workplace exposure.
Training and Skills Gained
The programme provides both theoretical training and experiential learning. Learners will have an opportunity to gain:
- Practical workplace experience
- Knowledge of Immigration Services
- Exposure to the core business of the Department of Home Affairs
- Theoretical and practical training
- Skills and experience that may support future participation in the labour market
The training is aimed at the National Certificate: Immigration Services.
Required Documents
Applications must be submitted using the prescribed New Z83 Application for Employment Form, effective from 1 January 2021.
Applicants must also submit a comprehensive CV indicating:
- Start and end dates of employment, where applicable
- Job title
- Duties performed
- Reasons for leaving previous employment
- At least two contactable employment references, as recent as possible
Applicants are not required to submit copies of qualifications or other documents when initially applying.
Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit a copy of their ID document and Grade 12 certificate before or on the day of the interview.
Applicants with foreign qualifications will be required to submit evaluation results from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Useful Career27 Links
Applicants looking for more opportunities can also visit:
- Learnership Opportunities – browse current learnership opportunities for South African youth.
- Internship Opportunities – browse current internship and graduate opportunities.
- In-Service Training Opportunities – find workplace and in-service training opportunities.
How to Apply
Applications that comply with the Department’s Directions to Applicants must be submitted by email, post or hand delivery.
Email Applications
Send applications to:
Applicants should ensure that they use the correct post and centre reference number for the position they are applying for.
Postal Applications
Applications may be posted to:
Private Bag X114
Pretoria
0001
Hand-Delivered Applications
Applications may be hand delivered to:
230 Johannes Ramokhoase Street
Pretoria
0001
Important Application Information
Successful candidates will be subjected to pre-employment screening and security checks.
The Department of Home Affairs states that due to the large number of applications expected, applications will not be acknowledged in writing.
Applicants who have not received a response within three months after the closing date should regard their application as unsuccessful.
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, will not be eligible for consideration.
Closing Date
18 September 2026 at 16:00
Applicants should ensure that their applications are submitted before the closing date.
Sources and References
Official Source/Advert: Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) – Department of Home Affairs, Annexure G, Posts 32/114 to 32/122.
Official Application Information: Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership Programme 2026/2027 advert.
Editorial Note
Career27 has structured the information from the official government advert to make the opportunity easier for applicants to read and understand. Applicants should always check the official advert carefully and use the correct centre and reference number when applying.
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Career27 is an independent career information platform and is not the Department of Home Affairs, DPSA or PSETA. Career27 does not charge applicants to access this information or submit an application. Applicants should never pay anyone who promises placement in the programme.
