There’s a time‑sensitive opening for unemployed South African youth with a Matric certificate: the Department of Home Affairs is accepting applications for its 2026/2027 Cadet Learnership Programme. The deadline is 18 September 2026 at 16:00, so you need to act now.
What is the Cadet Learnership?
Successful applicants will enter a 12‑month programme that leads to a National Certificate in Immigration Services. The learnership combines classroom theory with hands‑on work in the department’s Immigration Services units.
Who can apply?
- South African citizens who are unemployed.
- Must hold a National Senior Certificate (Matric) or an equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification.
- Preference is given to candidates who live near the office where the post is based.
- You must not have participated in a Public Service Youth Development Programme or be receiving government assistance for a youth development scheme.
What will you gain?
- A monthly stipend of R4 500 for the full 12 months.
- Theoretical training on immigration services.
- Practical exposure to day‑to‑day operations within the department.
- Workplace experience that can be added to your CV.
How to apply – step by step
- Download the new Z83 Application for Employment Form (effective 1 January 2021).
- Complete the form in full. Include the correct job title, provincial post number, and office reference code.
- Prepare a detailed curriculum vitae that lists at least two recent, contactable references. If you have never been employed, contact the recruitment team for guidance.
- Gather copies of your ID document and Matric certificate (or SAQA‑evaluated foreign qualification).
- Send your Z83 form and CV by one of the following methods:
- Email: Use the provincial recruitment email that matches your chosen office (see list below). Mention “Cadet Learnership Programme”, the post number, and the office reference.
- Post: Private Bag X114, Pretoria, 0001.
- Hand delivery: 230 Johannes Ramokhoase Street, Pretoria, 0001.
Provincial offices and reference numbers
Gauteng – Post 32/114
- Krugersdorp – HRMC 58/26/1a
- Benoni – HRMC 58/26/1b
- Cresta – HRMC 58/26/1c
- Sedibeng – HRMC 58/26/1d
- Mamelodi – HRMC 58/26/1e
Email: cadet.gauteng@homeaffairs.gov.za
Eastern Cape – Post 32/115
- King William’s Town – HRMC 58/26/2a
- Gqeberha – HRMC 58/26/2b
- Libode – HRMC 58/26/2c
- Queenstown – HRMC 58/26/2d
- East London – HRMC 58/26/2e
- Port St John – HRMC 58/26/2f
Email: cadet.ec@homeaffairs.gov.za
North West – Post 32/116
- Klerksdorp – HRMC 58/26/3a
- Mankwe – HRMC 58/26/3b
Email: cadet.nw@homeaffairs.gov.za
Northern Cape – Post 32/117
- Kimberley – HRMC 58/26/4a
- Galeshewe – HRMC 58/26/4b
Email: cadet.nc@homeaffairs.gov.za
Mpumalanga – Post 32/118
- Witbank – HRMC 58/26/5a
- Kwa‑Mhlanga – HRMC 58/26/5b
- Eerstehoek – HRMC 58/26/5c
- Standerton – HRMC 58/26/5d
- Nelspruit/Mbombela – HRMC 58/26/5e
- White River – HRMC 58/26/5f
Email: cadet.mp@homeaffairs.gov.za
Free State – Post 32/119
- Bloemfontein – HRMC 58/26/6a
- Phuthaditjhaba – HRMC 58/26/6b
- Centre not specified – HRMC 58/26/6c
- Bethlehem – HRMC 58/26/6d
Email: cadet.fs@homeaffairs.gov.za
For HRMC 58/26/6c, confirm the exact location with Ms Iris Dibakwane (012 406 4195) before submitting.
Western Cape – Post 32/120
- Wynberg – HRMC 58/26/7a
- Khayelitsha – HRMC 58/26/7b
- Vredendal – HRMC 58/26/7c
- George – HRMC 58/26/7d
Email: cadet.wc@homeaffairs.gov.za
KwaZulu‑Natal – Post 32/121
- Ixopo – HRMC 58/26/8a
- New Hanover – HRMC 58/26/8b
- Eshowe – HRMC 58/26/8c
- Estcourt – HRMC 58/26/8d
- Umgeni – HRMC 58/26/8e
- Richards Bay – HRMC 58/26/8f
Email: cadet.kzn@homeaffairs.gov.za
Limpopo – Post 32/122
- Polokwane – HRMC 58/26/9a
- Giyani – HRMC 58/26/9b
- Jane Furse – HRMC 58/26/9c
- Thohoyandou – HRMC 58/26/9d
- Mokopane – HRMC 58/26/9e
Email: cadet.lp@homeaffairs.gov.za
Tips to improve your chances
- Double‑check that the province, post number, and HRMC code on your Z83 match the email you are using.
- Use the exact wording “Cadet Learnership Programme” in the subject line of your email.
- Ensure your CV lists dates in DD/MM/YY format, job titles, duties, and reasons for leaving.
- If you have no work history, reach out early to the recruitment contact for guidance on references.
- Send your application well before the deadline to allow for postal delays.
Next steps
Gather the required documents, select the office that fits your location, and submit a complete application before 18 September 2026 at 16:00. Good preparation and attention to detail will give you the best possible shot at this valuable entry‑level role.