The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has advertised administrative and support vacancies in Pretoria, giving eligible South African job seekers an opportunity to apply for positions in government. The vacancies include a Senior Secretary and a Senior Administration Clerk, with salaries of R280,278 and R237,453 per year respectively.

The posts appear in Public Service Vacancy Circular 38 of 2026. Applications close on 6 November 2026. Candidates must use the latest approved Z83 application form and submit a detailed CV. Read the requirements carefully before applying.

Department of Education Vacancies 2026: Quick Details

Vacancy detail	Information
Employer	Department of Basic Education
Job categories	Administration, secretarial and supply chain support
Location	Pretoria, Gauteng
Senior Secretary salary	R280,278 per year
Senior Administration Clerk salary	R237,453 per year
Closing date	6 November 2026
Application form	Latest approved Z83
CV	Detailed CV required
Official website	Department of Basic Education
Vacancy circular	Public Service Vacancy Circular 38 of 2026

The vacancy details and deadline are drawn from the advertised Department of Basic Education posts. Applicants should check the official advert before submitting an application.

1. Senior Secretary – Pretoria

The Department of Basic Education is recruiting a Senior Secretary to provide administrative and secretarial support to the Director: Psychosocial Support.

Vacancy details

• Position: Senior Secretary
• Reference number: DBE/78/2026
• Salary: R280,278 per annum
• Location: Pretoria
• Branch: Social Mobilisation and Support Services
• Directorate: Psychosocial Support

Requirements

Applicants should have a Senior Certificate or an equivalent qualification.

One year of relevant experience providing secretarial or administrative support to senior management will be an advantage. Candidates should also have knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures, departmental policies and public service regulations.

The department is looking for applicants with the following skills:

• Good verbal and written communication.
• Planning and organisational skills.
• Telephone etiquette and interpersonal skills.
• Record management and filing.
• Minute-taking and report writing.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks.
• Confidentiality and professional conduct.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams.

A valid driver’s licence will be an added advantage.

Duties

The successful candidate will provide secretarial and administrative support to the Director: Psychosocial Support.

Responsibilities include managing the director’s diary, arranging meetings and appointments, screening telephone calls, handling correspondence and preparing reports and presentations.

The employee will also prepare meeting agendas, take minutes, follow up on decisions, maintain records, arrange travel and accommodation, process related claims and assist with workshops and stakeholder engagements.

This position may suit candidates with office administration, secretarial or management-support experience.

2. Senior Administration Clerk – Pretoria

The department has also advertised a Senior Administration Clerk position within its Finance and Administration branch.

Vacancy details

• Position: Senior Administration Clerk
• Reference number: DBE/79/2026
• Salary: R237,453 per annum
• Salary level: 5
• Location: Pretoria
• Directorate: Supply Chain Management

Requirements

Applicants must have a Senior Certificate or an equivalent qualification.

The advertised requirements include knowledge of:

• The Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
• Treasury Regulations.
• Supply Chain Management policies and procedures.
• Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Administrative procedures and record-keeping practices.

Candidates should also have good communication, organisational, planning and problem-solving skills. The ability to work independently, under pressure and as part of a team is required.

Duties

The successful applicant will assist with receiving and managing goods delivered by service providers.

Duties include checking deliveries against purchase orders and supporting documents, confirming that goods match the required quantities and specifications, and reporting discrepancies for resolution.

The employee will also monitor stock levels, identify damaged or obsolete items, conduct stock counts, reconcile records and ensure that goods are correctly labelled, stored and controlled.

Applicants with stock control, stores administration or supply chain support experience should compare their qualifications and skills with the full advert before applying.

3. Assistant Director: Bids and Contract Administration

This is another administrative opportunity listed in the same Department of Basic Education vacancy advertisement. However, it is a more specialised role and requires relevant post-school qualifications and supervisory experience.

Vacancy details

• Reference number: DBE/77/2026
• Salary: R487,197 per annum
• Location: Pretoria
• Branch: Finance and Administration
• Directorate: Supply Chain Management

Requirements

Applicants must have a relevant three-year post-matric qualification at NQF Level 6, or an equivalent qualification, in a field such as Public Administration, Supply Chain Management, Procurement or Logistics.

At least three years of relevant Supply Chain Management experience at supervisory level is required. Experience in bid management and acquisition management is also specified.

Applicants should have knowledge of procurement policies and legislation, computer literacy, strong numerical skills, attention to detail and good communication skills.

Main responsibilities

The successful candidate will assist with acquisition and contract administration, support bid committees, prepare reports and submissions, monitor contract compliance and maintain contract records.

Other duties include following up on supplier payments, tracking contract expiry dates, reviewing contract modifications and extensions, and supporting staff performance management.

This post is not an entry-level clerical position. Candidates should apply only if they meet the stated qualification and experience requirements.

How to Apply for Department of Basic Education Jobs

Applications for the advertised vacancies must follow the instructions in the official advertisement.

Step 1: Open the official vacancy information

Visit the Department of Basic Education vacancies page or access Public Service Vacancy Circular 38 of 2026 on the South African Government website.

Find the Department of Basic Education advertisement and confirm the position you want to apply for.

Step 2: Download the correct Z83 form

Use the latest approved Z83 Application for Employment form. Complete the required sections, sign the form and make sure your details are correct.

The department warns that using an outdated Z83 form may result in disqualification.

Step 3: Prepare your CV

Prepare a detailed and up-to-date CV that highlights your qualifications, relevant work experience, computer skills and administrative abilities.

For the Senior Secretary position, highlight secretarial work, diary management, correspondence, filing and meeting administration where applicable.

For the Senior Administration Clerk position, highlight stock control, record-keeping, goods receiving, inventory management or supply chain administration where applicable.

Step 4: Include the correct reference number

Clearly indicate the reference number of the post you are applying for on your application.

For example:

• Senior Secretary: DBE/78/2026
• Senior Administration Clerk: DBE/79/2026
• Assistant Director: Bids and Contract Administration: DBE/77/2026

Do not use one reference number for a different position.

Step 5: Submit your application

The published advertisement gives the following submission options:

• Email: HR@dbe.gov.za — submit the application in PDF format.
• Post: Private Bag X895, Pretoria, 0001.
• Hand delivery: Department of Basic Education, 222 Struben Street, Pretoria.

Confirm the complete instructions for your chosen position in the official advertisement before sending your application.

Closing date: 6 November 2026. Submit your application before the deadline and allow enough time for delivery or email submission.

Documents to Prepare

The advertisement states that applicants must submit the completed Z83 form and a detailed CV. Copies of qualifications and other supporting documents are not required at the initial application stage; shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide certified documents as instructed.

Before submitting, check that you have:

• A completed and signed current Z83 form.
• A detailed CV.
• The correct vacancy reference number.
• An email-ready PDF application if applying by email.
• Contact details that are correct and accessible.

Follow any additional requirements specified in the full advert.

Who Should Apply?

The Senior Secretary position requires a Senior Certificate or equivalent, with relevant experience being an advantage. The Senior Administration Clerk position also requires a Senior Certificate or equivalent, together with administrative and computer skills.

The Assistant Director vacancy has higher qualification and experience requirements.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an interview or appointment. Applicants may be subjected to personnel suitability checks, qualification verification and security clearance, as applicable.

Important Warning for Job Seekers

Government vacancies should not require you to pay a recruitment fee to secure an interview or appointment. Avoid anyone who promises a guaranteed job in exchange for money.

Use official government websites and verify application instructions before sharing personal documents. The Department of Basic Education states that applications must comply with the advertised requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Department of Education admin posts available in 2026?

The Department of Basic Education vacancies listed in Public Service Vacancy Circular 38 of 2026 include Senior Secretary, Senior Administration Clerk and Assistant Director: Bids and Contract Administration posts in Pretoria.

What is the closing date?

The advertised closing date is 6 November 2026. Confirm the date and submission instructions in the official vacancy notice before applying.

Can I apply with Grade 12?

A Senior Certificate or equivalent is the stated minimum educational requirement for the Senior Secretary and Senior Administration Clerk positions. The Assistant Director position requires a relevant three-year post-matric qualification and supervisory experience.

How much does the Senior Administration Clerk earn?

The advertised salary is R237,453 per annum.

How much does the Senior Secretary earn?

The advertised salary is R280,278 per annum.

Where can I get the Z83 form?

Use the latest approved Z83 form available through the South African Government jobs page or the official Department of Basic Education website.

Where can I find more government vacancies?

Check the weekly Public Service Vacancy Circular for vacancies across national and provincial departments.

You can also browse related opportunities on JobsLink.club:

• Government administration jobs
• Department of Education vacancies
• Government clerk jobs
• Supply chain management jobs
• Government jobs in South Africa

Final Advice

If you meet the requirements, read the full official advertisement, prepare your Z83 form and CV, and submit your application before the closing date. Check the reference number and make sure you follow the correct application method.

For the latest updates, visit the Department of Basic Education vacancies page and the weekly Public Service Vacancy Circular.