Department of Agriculture Vacancies 2026

Department of Agriculture Vacancies 2026

Looking for the latest vacancies at the Department of Agriculture? This page provides access to official job opportunities available within the National Government.

These vacancies may include administrative roles, internships, learnerships, and professional posts. Opportunities are open to qualified candidates who meet the requirements specified in the official advertisement.

The full vacancy details are provided in the document below. This may include multiple job listings, requirements, application instructions, and closing dates.

If the document does not display properly, you can view or download the original vacancy notice here, or visit the official careers page for more information and additional opportunities.

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National Government Vacancies / Careers

 National Government Departments

1. Updated:  27 March 2025. Apply Now at Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD)
2. Updated:  27 March 2025. Apply Now at Basic Education (DBE)
3. Updated:  27 March 2025. Apply Now at Civilian Secretariat for Police Service
4. Updated:  27 March 2025. Apply Now at Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT)
5. Updated:  27 March 2025. Apply Now at Cooperative Governance (DCoG)
6. Updated:  27 March 2025. Apply Now at Correctional Services (DCS)
7. Updated:  27 March 2025. Apply Now at Defence and Military Veterans (DODMV)
8. Updated:  27 March 2025. Apply Now at Employment and Labour (DEL)
9. Updated:  27 March 2025. Apply Now at Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DFFE)
10. Updated:  27 March 2025. Apply Now at Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)
11. Updated:  27 March 2025. Apply Now at Health (DoH)
12. Updated:  27 March 2025. Apply Now at Higher Education, Science and Innovation (DHET & DSI)
13. Updated:  27 March 2025. Apply Now at Home Affairs (DHA)
14. Updated:  27 March 2025. Apply Now at Human Settlements (DHS)
15. Updated:  27 March 2025. Apply Now at International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO)
16. Updated:  27 March 2025. Apply Now at Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJCD)
17. Updated:  27 March 2025. Apply Now at Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE)
18. Updated:  27 March 2025. Apply Now at National School of Government (NSG)
19. Updated:  27 March 2025. Apply Now at National Treasury
20. Updated:  27 March 2025. Apply Now at Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME)
21. Updated:  27 March 2025. Apply Now at Police (SAPS)
22. Updated:  27 March 2025. Apply Now at Public Enterprises (DPE)
23. Updated:  27 March 2025. Apply Now at Public Service and Administration (DPSA)
24. Updated:  27 March 2025. Apply Now at Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI)
25. Updated:  27 March 2025. Apply Now at Small Business Development (DSBD)
26. Updated:  27 March 2025. Apply Now at Social Development (DSD)
27. Updated:  27 March 2025. Apply Now at Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC)
28. Updated:  27 March 2025. Apply Now at Statistics South Africa (Stats SA)
29. Updated:  27 March 2025. Apply Now at Tourism (NDT)
30. Updated:  27 March 2025. Apply Now at Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC)
31. Updated:  27 March 2025. Apply Now at Traditional Affairs
32. Updated:  27 March 2025. Apply Now at Transport (DOT)
33. The Presidency (including Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities)
34. Updated:  27 March 2025. Apply Now at Water and Sanitation (DWS)

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Public Protector South Africa mandate and functions in Summary

The Public Protector South Africa, established under Section 182 of the South African Constitution and governed by the Public Protector Act (Act No. 23 of 1994), is an independent Chapter 9 institution with a broad mandate aimed at protecting the public from government misconduct. Below are more detailed aspects of its functions, powers, and jurisdiction:

Here’s a more detailed explanation of the mandate and functions of the Public Protector South Africa, elaborating on its role, powers, and scope:

1. Constitutional Foundation

The Public Protector's office is a key part of South Africa’s democratic governance system. Established under Section 181 of the Constitution of South Africa, it is a Chapter 9 institution, designed to support and enhance democracy. It operates independently from the government, and its powers are defined primarily under Section 182 of the Constitution, as well as in other legislative frameworks such as the Public Protector Act (1994).

• The Public Protector must act impartially and cannot be influenced by any external force or pressure.
• It must be accessible to all people in South Africa, ensuring that ordinary citizens have a place to turn when they experience unfair treatment by government institutions.

2. Key Functions and Scope

The Public Protector’s mandate is broad, and its work spans various areas of public life. Here’s an in-depth look at its primary functions:

a. Investigation of Maladministration:

The Public Protector investigates acts of maladministration, which refer to improper conduct, bureaucratic delays, unfair discrimination, and mismanagement in the public sector. This includes:

• Improper conduct by government departments or agencies: e.g., unfair denial of services, inefficiencies, and administrative failures.
• Abuse of power or unfair treatment by public officials: This includes cases where government authorities misuse their positions for personal gain or prejudice citizens.
• Corruption or illegal conduct: The Public Protector has the power to investigate any indication of corruption or improper influence in government affairs, including bribery, fraud, and nepotism.

b. Remedial Action:

After conducting investigations, the Public Protector can propose remedial actions. These are recommendations for the government or responsible parties to:

• Rectify the wrongdoing.
• Compensate victims where necessary.
• Make structural changes to policies or systems to prevent future malpractices.

Though these remedial actions are not legally binding, they carry significant weight and government departments are expected to comply, as non-compliance could result in further scrutiny or legal consequences.

c. Investigation of Ethical Violations:

The Public Protector also ensures compliance with ethical standards by public officials, such as members of Parliament, ministers, and government executives. This includes ensuring that they declare conflicts of interest, avoid nepotism, and uphold ethical norms as per the Executive Members’ Ethics Act.

d. Protection of the Public’s Rights:

The Public Protector works to protect South Africans’ constitutional rights by ensuring that government institutions serve the public fairly, efficiently, and without bias. For example:

• Complaints about the denial of basic services, such as access to water, healthcare, or social grants, can be investigated.
• Issues concerning unfair treatment, such as discrimination based on race, gender, or disability by public institutions.

e. Good Governance Promotion:

One of the broader mandates of the Public Protector is to promote good governance. This means:

• Encouraging transparency, accountability, and integrity in public service.
• Advising government departments on improving service delivery, enhancing public participation, and preventing corruption.

The Public Protector’s work contributes to a culture of accountability within public administration, making government officials aware that improper actions will be scrutinized and addressed.

f. Ombudsperson Role:

The Public Protector acts similarly to an ombudsperson for individuals who have exhausted other avenues of resolving disputes with government agencies. This ensures that even when a person is up against a powerful state institution, they still have a chance for redress.

3. Powers of the Public Protector

The Public Protector has several significant powers to carry out its mandate:

• Subpoena Power: The Public Protector can subpoena individuals, including government officials, to appear for questioning and submit relevant documents or information.
• Search and Seizure: In some cases, the Public Protector has the authority to conduct searches and seize documents or other materials that may assist in investigations.
• Engagement with the Courts: Although the Public Protector’s findings are not directly enforceable, its reports can be reviewed and enforced through South Africa's judicial system. The courts have upheld the binding nature of the Public Protector’s remedial actions when reviewed.

4. Types of Complaints Addressed

The Public Protector handles a variety of complaints, which can come from any South African citizen or resident. Some of the most common include:

• Service Delivery Failures: Complaints related to government services such as housing, healthcare, education, and public utilities.
• Corruption Allegations: Reports of corrupt activities within government departments, procurement fraud, or unethical conduct by public officials.
• Unfair Treatment: Issues concerning unfair labor practices, employment discrimination, and biased or unequal treatment in government services.
• Abuse of Public Resources: Complaints about the misuse of state funds, resources, or equipment for personal gain or unauthorized purposes.

5. Independence and Accountability

The Public Protector is accountable to Parliament, and its office must report to the National Assembly. Parliament has oversight of the office’s budget and operations, and the Public Protector is expected to submit annual reports detailing the institution’s work and the results of its investigations.

Although independent, the office is not entirely immune from scrutiny. The Public Protector's findings can be reviewed by the courts, and there have been instances where court judgments have influenced the interpretation of the Public Protector's powers.

6. Notable Investigations and Reports

Over the years, the Public Protector’s office has been involved in several high-profile cases, which have had significant political and social impact. Some of these include:

• State Capture Investigations: Probing into large-scale corruption and the undue influence of private interests over state institutions.
• Nkandla Report: A major investigation into the misuse of public funds for the personal residence of a former president, which led to significant political consequences.
• Investigations into Public Procurement Corruption: Especially in the context of COVID-19 procurement irregularities.

7. Public Accessibility

The Public Protector’s office has a network of provincial and regional offices across South Africa to ensure that citizens can easily lodge complaints. Additionally, it can accept complaints online, via email, or through post to ensure broad access.

Conclusion

The Public Protector South Africa plays a crucial role in safeguarding democratic governance, protecting citizens from abuse of power, and holding public officials accountable. Through its wide-ranging investigative powers, remedial actions, and advisory role, it ensures that the government remains transparent and responsive to the needs of the people.

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PSC mandate in Summary

The Public Service Commission (PSC) of South Africa is a constitutional body mandated to oversee the public service to ensure that it is governed by high standards of professional ethics, accountability, and good governance. It derives its mandate primarily from Chapter 10, Section 196 of the South African Constitution, and the Public Service Commission Act. Below is a detailed breakdown of its key functions and responsibilities:

1. Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Promotion of Values and Principles:
  • The PSC monitors and evaluates the public service based on the principles outlined in Section 195 of the Constitution. These principles include:
    • Professional ethics: Upholding integrity and ethical behavior among public servants.
    • Efficient and economic use of resources: Ensuring public resources are used effectively and economically.
    • Development-oriented administration: Promoting policies that support development and service delivery.
    • Accountability and transparency: Ensuring that public administration is open and accountable to the public.
    • Good human resource management: Managing human resources to maximize productivity and fairness.
• The PSC assesses whether these values are applied consistently and effectively across all departments and levels of government.

2. Investigative Powers:

• The PSC has the authority to investigate complaints of maladministration, corruption, or unethical behavior within the public service. It can conduct these investigations on its own initiative or based on complaints received from public servants, members of the public, or whistleblowers.
• The PSC can access information and documents relevant to its investigations and make recommendations to rectify any maladministration or unethical conduct it identifies.

3. Grievance Management:

• The PSC is responsible for handling and resolving grievances lodged by public servants regarding issues like unfair labor practices, maladministration, or unethical behavior.
• It provides an impartial platform for public servants to seek redress outside their immediate work environment, promoting fairness and accountability in the handling of employee issues.
• The PSC analyzes these grievances and may issue directives or recommendations to relevant departments to resolve these matters.

4. Evaluation of Public Administration:

• The PSC conducts evaluations of various aspects of public administration, such as:
  • Service delivery assessments: Evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of services provided by government departments and institutions.
  • Human resource management: Assessing recruitment practices, staff performance, and the overall management of human resources to ensure fairness and equality.
  • Policy implementation: Evaluating how government policies are being implemented and whether they align with constitutional principles and public service regulations.
• These evaluations are often published in reports that provide insight into the state of the public service, offering recommendations for improvement.

5. Advisory and Reporting Functions:

• The PSC serves as an advisory body to Parliament, the Executive, and government departments. It provides policy advice on matters related to public administration, ethics, and governance.
• It submits regular reports to the National Assembly, provincial legislatures, and other stakeholders detailing its findings and recommendations on public service performance.
• The PSC's reports cover a range of issues, such as anti-corruption strategies, public service improvement plans, and assessments of ethical behavior in government.

6. Promoting Professionalism and Ethics:

• The PSC has a crucial role in promoting and enforcing ethical behavior within the public service. It develops and oversees frameworks, codes of conduct, and guidelines to encourage professionalism and ethical behavior.
• It also supports initiatives aimed at building capacity and raising awareness among public servants about ethical standards, anti-corruption measures, and professional responsibilities.
• The PSC collaborates with other institutions such as the Public Protector, Auditor-General, and Special Investigating Unit to ensure a coordinated approach to promoting ethics and combating corruption.

7. Research and Development:

• The PSC conducts research to understand trends, challenges, and best practices within public administration. It uses this research to inform policy recommendations and to develop strategies aimed at improving governance and efficiency in the public service.
• Through this research function, the PSC identifies areas where public service delivery needs enhancement and proposes targeted interventions.

8. Public Participation and Transparency:

• The PSC encourages public involvement in the evaluation of the public service. It facilitates feedback mechanisms where citizens can express their views on government services and report instances of maladministration or poor service delivery.
• By engaging with the public, the PSC promotes transparency and ensures that government services are aligned with the needs and expectations of the citizens.

9. Collaboration with Other Oversight Bodies:

• The PSC works in conjunction with other oversight institutions such as:
  • The Public Protector: To investigate complaints about public administration and ensure accountability.
  • Auditor-General: To align efforts in promoting transparency and sound financial management in the public service.
  • Special Investigating Unit (SIU): To collaborate on combating corruption and other maladministration issues within government institutions.
• This cooperation helps create a cohesive and integrated oversight framework aimed at strengthening the integrity and effectiveness of the public sector.

10. Capacity Building and Training:

• The PSC is involved in capacity-building initiatives aimed at improving the skills and knowledge of public servants. It provides training programs focused on ethics, leadership, and management, supporting the professional development of public sector employees.

The PSC’s mandate ensures that the public service operates with high standards of efficiency, ethical conduct, and responsiveness to the needs of the public. Its work is critical to improving governance and service delivery in South Africa, holding public servants and institutions accountable to constitutional values and principles.

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SAHRC mandate in Summary

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is a constitutional body established to support constitutional democracy in South Africa. Its mandate is set out primarily in the Constitution of South Africa and the Human Rights Commission Act of 1994. The key aspects of the SAHRC’s mandate include:

1. Promotion of Human Rights

The SAHRC is responsible for promoting respect for human rights in the country. This includes raising public awareness about human rights through education campaigns, public outreach programs, and policy advice.

• The SAHRC runs public education campaigns to raise awareness about human rights and the Constitution. These campaigns target schools, communities, and organizations to inform people about their rights and responsibilities.
• The Commission organizes workshops, seminars, and public lectures on various human rights topics, such as equality, dignity, and socio-economic rights (e.g., access to water, healthcare, and education).
• It also works closely with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society to advocate for human rights.

2. Protection of Human Rights

The Commission ensures that human rights are protected and that everyone in South Africa can enjoy these rights without discrimination. This includes investigating violations and taking steps to rectify injustices.

• The SAHRC actively engages in human rights advocacy, pushing for legislative changes and improved implementation of policies that promote human rights.
• It can take action to stop violations by issuing recommendations, engaging with institutions, or pursuing legal remedies.
• The SAHRC’s work focuses on vulnerable groups, such as women, children, refugees, migrants, and people with disabilities, to ensure their rights are upheld.

3. Monitoring and Assessing Human Rights

The SAHRC monitors and assesses the observance of human rights across various sectors of society, including government institutions, private entities, and other organizations. It reports on these assessments to Parliament and the public.

• The Commission is responsible for the monitoring of public institutions, private entities, and government departments to ensure compliance with constitutional human rights standards.
• The SAHRC produces regular reports to Parliament, including reports on:
• Access to information and freedom of expression.
• Equality in all sectors of society.
• Water, sanitation, healthcare, and other essential socio-economic rights.
• The Commission also monitors compliance with international treaties and agreements to which South Africa is a signatory, including those related to human rights.

4. Investigating Complaints

The SAHRC has the power to investigate human rights violations. Individuals or groups who believe their rights have been infringed can lodge complaints with the Commission. It can conduct investigations, hold hearings, and take appropriate action to resolve issues.

• Any individual or group can lodge a complaint with the SAHRC if they believe their rights have been violated. Complaints can be submitted online, via mail, or in person.
• The Commission will investigate the complaint and, where appropriate, mediate between the parties to resolve disputes.
• If necessary, the SAHRC can refer cases to the Equality Courts or even initiate its own legal proceedings to ensure justice is served.
• The SAHRC handles cases involving discrimination, inequality, racism, xenophobia, and other human rights abuses.

5. Advising Government on Human Rights

The Commission advises the government on matters related to human rights and constitutional compliance. It makes recommendations to improve laws, policies, and practices in order to align them with human rights standards.

• The SAHRC advises government institutions on aligning their policies and practices with constitutional mandates.
• It gives recommendations on proposed laws and policies, especially those affecting human rights. For example, it may suggest improvements to legislation related to freedom of expression, children’s rights, or land reform.
• The SAHRC also engages with the government on issues of police brutality, detention conditions, and unlawful evictions.

6. Engaging in Research and Reporting

The SAHRC undertakes research into human rights issues and publishes reports, including its annual report to Parliament, on the state of human rights in South Africa.

• The Commission conducts in-depth research on human rights issues, such as:
• Gender-based violence.
• Access to justice for vulnerable groups.
• Environmental rights, especially for communities affected by mining and pollution.
• The SAHRC's research forms the basis of its annual reports to Parliament, where it provides an assessment of human rights developments and challenges in South Africa.
• These reports often include recommendations for policy changes, based on findings from investigations and consultations with stakeholders.

7. Litigation and Legal Intervention

The Commission has the authority to intervene in court cases or to initiate legal action in cases where human rights have been infringed.

• The SAHRC has the authority to intervene in court cases where human rights are at stake. This may involve joining a case as an amicus curiae (friend of the court) or bringing its own legal challenge.
• The Commission may pursue strategic litigation to address widespread human rights violations, aiming for landmark decisions that set a precedent for future cases.
• It also provides legal assistance to complainants in certain cases, especially where the individual or group lacks resources to seek justice.

Additional Functions:

• The SAHRC works with various international organizations, such as the United Nations, African Union, and other human rights bodies, to ensure that South Africa remains compliant with its international human rights obligations.
• It plays a critical role in monitoring the implementation of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA), ensuring that people have the right to access government-held information.
• The Commission is also tasked with ensuring equality and anti-discrimination, which includes handling cases of racism, sexism, and homophobia.

The SAHRC plays a key role in ensuring that South Africa's laws and policies comply with its Constitution and international human rights obligations.

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ICASA mandate in Summary

 

Independent Communications Authority of South Africa - ICASA mandate is defined by several key acts and policies that guide its operations in regulating South Africa's communications, broadcasting, and postal sectors. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of its functions:

1. Telecommunications Regulation

ICASA oversees the telecommunications sector under the Electronic Communications Act (ECA) and the Telecommunications Act. Its role includes:

• Licensing: ICASA grants licenses to telecommunications providers, such as mobile networks and internet service providers (ISPs). Licenses are categorized into individual or class licenses, depending on the service scale.
• Setting Tariffs: ICASA regulates tariffs and rates for services to ensure fairness and prevent price exploitation.
• Service Standards: The regulator sets and monitors standards for service delivery, including coverage, quality, and reliability of services.
• Infrastructure Sharing: ICASA promotes the sharing of telecommunications infrastructure (such as cell towers and fiber networks) to prevent duplication and reduce costs.

2. Broadcasting Regulation

ICASA regulates both public and private broadcasters, ensuring compliance with the Broadcasting Act, which includes:

• Broadcasting Licenses: It allocates licenses to television and radio stations, including community and public broadcasters (e.g., the SABC).
• Content Regulations: ICASA enforces broadcasting standards that promote diverse programming, protect public morality, and ensure that local content quotas (e.g., South African music and shows) are met.
• Public Interest Broadcasting: ICASA ensures broadcasters serve the public interest, providing educational, informative, and entertainment content that caters to the needs of South Africa’s diverse population.

3. Radio Frequency Spectrum Management

Spectrum is a finite resource essential for telecommunications, broadcasting, and other wireless services. ICASA’s responsibilities in this area include:

• Allocation and Assignment: ICASA allocates frequency bands for different services (such as mobile networks, television broadcasting, and satellite communications) and assigns licenses to operators.
• Auctioning of Spectrum: ICASA conducts auctions for high-demand spectrum, such as the 5G spectrum, ensuring fair competition and maximizing public benefit.
• Interference Management: The regulator manages and monitors spectrum use to prevent harmful interference between different services using the airwaves.

4. Promoting Competition

ICASA plays a critical role in promoting and safeguarding competition within the communications sector by:

• Anti-competitive Behavior: It investigates and takes action against anti-competitive behavior, such as market dominance and unfair pricing practices.
• Market Regulation: ICASA ensures that smaller operators can compete with larger incumbents by setting rules for fair access to infrastructure and network sharing.
• Wholesale and Retail Price Regulation: The authority intervenes to regulate wholesale and retail prices, ensuring that they are fair and not excessively high, which helps protect consumers from exploitation.

5. Consumer Protection

ICASA’s consumer protection mandate is based on ensuring fairness, transparency, and quality service. It covers:

• Handling Complaints: ICASA provides a platform for consumers to lodge complaints regarding poor service, billing disputes, or false advertising by telecommunications and broadcasting companies.
• Quality of Service: The regulator sets minimum standards for service quality and monitors compliance through key performance indicators (e.g., call drops, network coverage).
• Contracts and Billing: ICASA oversees the transparency of contract terms and billing practices to prevent misleading terms or hidden fees.

6. Universal Service and Access

ICASA has a mandate to promote universal access to communication services across all regions of South Africa. It does this by:

• Connecting Underserved Areas: ICASA works to extend network services to rural and underserved areas through initiatives like the Universal Service and Access Fund (USAF), which finances the rollout of services to remote communities.
• Affordable Access: The authority sets frameworks that promote affordability of services, including voice, data, and internet access, particularly in marginalized communities.
• Bridging the Digital Divide: ICASA supports government efforts to bridge the digital divide by promoting digital literacy and ensuring that all citizens have access to modern communication tools.

7. Postal Sector Regulation

ICASA’s postal regulation mandate is in line with the Postal Services Act, which includes:

• Licensing Postal Operators: ICASA grants licenses to postal service providers, including the South African Post Office (SAPO) and private courier companies.
• Ensuring Delivery Standards: The authority ensures that postal services maintain quality standards in mail delivery times and customer service.
• Access to Postal Services: ICASA ensures that postal services are available nationwide, with a focus on extending services to rural areas and ensuring that SAPO meets its universal service obligations.

8. Compliance and Enforcement

ICASA has the authority to enforce compliance through penalties and fines for non-compliance with regulations or license conditions. It carries out regular inspections and audits of service providers and broadcasters to ensure adherence to standards.

9. ICT Policy Development

ICASA also collaborates with the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies on policy development and implementation. It provides input on the creation of laws and regulations that shape the ICT sector.

10. Public Consultation and Stakeholder Engagement

ICASA regularly conducts public consultations on important regulatory matters, such as spectrum allocation, pricing regulations, or new licensing frameworks. This helps ensure that all stakeholders, including the public, industry players, and government bodies, have a say in shaping the industry.

Legislative Framework

ICASA’s functions are supported by various legislative frameworks, including:

• Independent Communications Authority of South Africa Act (ICASA Act): Establishes ICASA as an independent regulator.
• Electronic Communications Act (ECA): Governs the regulation of electronic communications, broadcasting, and postal services.
• Broadcasting Act: Provides guidelines for broadcasting standards, public service broadcasting, and the SABC.
• Postal Services Act: Governs the regulation of postal services in South Africa.

By fulfilling these roles, ICASA ensures the effective regulation of the country's telecommunications, broadcasting, and postal sectors while promoting universal access and consumer rights.

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