Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership 2026: Apply With Matric and Earn a Stipend
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is offering unemployed South African youth the chance to gain valuable work experience through its Cadet Learnership Programme for 2026/2027. This 12-month opportunity is available across all nine provinces and requires applicants to have completed Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification. Successful candidates will receive a monthly stipend.
Application Closing Date: 18 September 2026
Location: Various Department of Home Affairs offices across South Africa
Programme Duration: 12 months
Stipend: Monthly stipend (amount not specified)
Minimum Qualification: Grade 12 / Matric or NQF Level 4 equivalent
Opportunity Type: Learnership
About the Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership Programme
The Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership Programme is a youth development initiative designed to equip unemployed South African youth with practical skills and knowledge. This programme combines theoretical learning with hands-on workplace experience. The goal is to enhance participants’ employability and prepare them for future career opportunities within the public service or related sectors.
This learnership provides a structured environment for young individuals to develop professionally. It offers exposure to the daily operations of the Department of Home Affairs, a critical government entity responsible for identity management and civic services. Participants will learn about the importance of accurate record-keeping and efficient service delivery.
About the Department of Home Affairs
The Department of Home Affairs is a government department in South Africa responsible for a range of essential services. These include the issuing of identity documents (green bar-coded ID books and smart ID cards), birth certificates, marriage certificates, and death certificates. It also manages population registration and immigration services. The department plays a key role in national security and the administration of the country’s citizens.
Available Learnership Opportunities
This learnership is offered across various offices of the Department of Home Affairs in different provinces. While specific roles are not detailed, the programme focuses on general administrative and operational support within the department. Applicants will be placed in different locations depending on the needs of the department and their application.
What the Learnership Offers
Successful candidates will benefit from a 12-month learnership contract. This includes gaining practical, on-the-job experience in a government department. Participants will receive structured training relevant to the public service sector. A monthly stipend will be provided for the duration of the learnership, helping to cover living expenses.
This opportunity is designed to build a foundation for a career in public administration or related fields. It offers exposure to government processes and the chance to contribute to essential public services. The programme aims to develop a new cohort of skilled individuals for the public sector.
Programme Duration and Location
The Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership Programme runs for a period of 12 months. The learnership is available in various Department of Home Affairs offices located throughout all nine South African provinces. Specific locations include Krugersdorp, Benoni, Cresta, Sedibeng, Mamelodi in Gauteng; King Williams Town, Gqeberha, Libode, Queenstown, East London, Port St John in the Eastern Cape; Klerksdorp, Mankwe in the North West; Kimberley, Galeshewe in the Northern Cape; Witbank, Kwa-Mhlanga, Eerstehoek, Standerton, Nelspruit/Mbombela, White River in Mpumalanga; Bloemfontein, Phuthaditjhaba, Bethlehem in the Free State; Wynberg, Khayelitsha, Vredendal, George in the Western Cape; and Polokwane, Giyani, Jane Furse, Thohoyandou, Mokopane in Limpopo.
Minimum Requirements
To be considered for this learnership, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must have completed Grade 12 / Matric or an equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification.
- Must be unemployed.
- The programme is specifically targeted at youth.
Competencies Required
While not explicitly listed, successful candidates are likely to benefit from possessing the following qualities:
- Good communication skills.
- Ability to follow instructions.
- Willingness to learn and adapt.
- Basic computer literacy.
- A professional attitude towards work.
- Reliability and punctuality.
Who Should Apply?
This learnership is ideal for unemployed South African youth who have completed Grade 12 and are eager to gain practical experience in a government department. It is suitable for individuals looking to start a career in public administration and contribute to public service. If you are motivated, eager to learn, and want to understand how government departments operate, this programme could be a great starting point.
Required Documents
Applicants are required to prepare the following documents for their application:
- A completed Z83 application form.
- A recently updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit certified copies of their ID document, Matric certificate, and academic records. Ensure you download the new Z83 form and fill it out accurately.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted via email, post, or hand delivery. It is crucial to clearly indicate the reference number, position, and area/centre you are applying for on your Z83 form.
- 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
Alternatively, applications can be posted to: Private Bag X114, Pretoria 0001, or hand-delivered to 230 Johannes Ramokhoase Street, Pretoria 0001. Remember to quote the correct province, location, and reference number.
Important Notes
Applicants must ensure they use the correct reference number for their chosen location. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment. Late applications may not be considered. Ensure all information provided on the application is accurate and complete.
Closing Date
The closing date for applications for the Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership Programme 2026/2027 is 18 September 2026. Ensure your application is submitted well before this date.
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