The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is inviting applications from unemployed South African youth for its Cadet Learnership Programme 2026/2027. The programme is offered in collaboration with PSETA and provides a 12-month opportunity to gain theoretical training, practical workplace experience and skills related to Immigration Services.
Successful candidates will receive a monthly stipend of R4,500 for the duration of the 12-month learnership contract.
If you are looking for a government learnership opportunity for Grade 12 applicants, here is everything you need to know about the Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership Programme, including the requirements, stipend, locations, closing date and application process.
Quick Overview
| Opportunity | Details |
| Programme | Cadet Learnership Programme 2026/2027 |
| Department | Department of Home Affairs |
| Opportunity Type | Learnership |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Stipend | R4,500 per month |
| Qualification | National Certificate: Immigration Services |
| Minimum Qualification | National Senior Certificate (Matric) |
| Locations | Various locations across South Africa |
| Closing Date | 18 September 2026 at 16:00 |
| Reference | HRMC 58/26 |
| Application Method | Email or postal submission |
About the Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership Programme
The Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership Programme is a 12-month Youth Development Empowerment initiative implemented in collaboration with PSETA.
The programme is designed to help unemployed youth gain skills, knowledge and practical workplace experience while preparing themselves for participation in the labour market.
The learnership combines theoretical training and experiential learning and is focused on the National Certificate: Immigration Services. Through the programme, learners will be exposed to the core business of the Department of Home Affairs, particularly Immigration Services.
Preference will be given to young people who live close to the office or centre where the learnership position is based.
What You Will Learn / Experience
Successful learners will receive exposure to:
- Theoretical training related to Immigration Services
- Practical workplace experience
- The operations of the Department of Home Affairs
- Skills and knowledge relevant to Immigration Services
- Workplace procedures and professional environments
- Experiential learning as part of the National Certificate: Immigration Services
The combination of classroom-based training and practical experience can help unemployed youth develop skills that may be useful when pursuing future employment opportunities.
Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirement:
- National Senior Certificate (Matric) or an NQF Level 4 equivalent qualification.
Applicants must also be unemployed youth who meet the eligibility requirements for participation in the programme.
Important: Applicants who have previously participated in a Public Service Youth Development Programme covered by the relevant government directive, and applicants who are currently receiving financial assistance from government for a youth development programme, will not be eligible for consideration.
Successful candidates will also be subjected to pre-employment screening and security checks.
Explore Other Opportunities:
- Learnerships 2026
- Graduate Programmes
- Internships
- People With Grade 12
- Retail Jobs
- Vacancies
- Paid Learnerships
- Apprenticeships
- Bursaries
- Career Advice
- SETAs
- Youth Opportunities
Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is aimed at unemployed youth in South Africa who have obtained Grade 12 or an NQF Level 4 equivalent qualification.
The Department states that preference will be given to applicants who reside within close proximity to the office where the learnership is based.
Applicants who hold foreign qualifications must provide evaluated results from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) if shortlisted.
Stipend
Successful candidates will receive a stipend of R4,500 per month for the duration of the 12-month Cadet Learnership Programme contract.
The stipend is provided for the duration of the learnership, subject to the terms and conditions of the programme.
Available Positions and Locations
The Department of Home Affairs has advertised Cadet Learnership opportunities across several provinces.
Gauteng – 5 Posts
Available centres include:
- Krugersdorp – Ref: HRMC 58/26/1a – 1 post
- Benoni – Ref: HRMC 58/26/1b – 2 posts
- Cresta – Ref: HRMC 58/26/1c – 1 post
- Sedibeng – Ref: HRMC 58/26/1d – 1 post
- Mamelodi – Ref: HRMC 58/26/1e – 2 posts
Application email: Cadetrecruitmentgp@dha.gov.za
Eastern Cape – 6 Posts
Available centres include:
- King Williams Town – Ref: HRMC 58/26/2a
- Gqeberha – Ref: HRMC 58/26/2b
- Libode – Ref: HRMC 58/26/2c
- Queenstown – Ref: HRMC 58/26/2d
- East London – Ref: HRMC 58/26/2e
- Port St John – Ref: HRMC 58/26/2f
Application email: Cadetrecruitmentec@dha.gov.za
North West – 5 Posts
Available centres include:
- Klerksdorp – Ref: HRMC 58/26/3a – 4 posts
- Mankwe – Ref: HRMC 58/26/3b – 1 post
Application email: Cadetrecruitmentnw@dha.gov.za
Northern Cape – 4 Posts
Available centres include:
- Kimberley – Ref: HRMC 58/26/4a – 2 posts
- Galeshewe – Ref: HRMC 58/26/4b – 2 posts
Application email: Cadetrecruitmentnc@dha.gov.za
Mpumalanga – 6 Posts
Available centres include:
- Witbank – Ref: HRMC 58/26/5a
- Kwa-Mhlanga – Ref: HRMC 58/26/5b
- Eerstehoek – Ref: HRMC 58/26/5c
- Standerton – Ref: HRMC 58/26/5d
- Nelspruit/Mbombela – Ref: HRMC 58/26/5e
- White River – Ref: HRMC 58/26/5f
Application email: Cadetrecruitmentmp@dha.gov.za
Free State – 5 Posts
Available centres include:
- Bloemfontein – Ref: HRMC 58/26/6a – 2 posts
- Phuthaditjhaba – Ref: HRMC 58/26/6b – 1 post
- Ref: HRMC 58/26/6c – 1 post
- Bethlehem – Ref: HRMC 58/26/6d – 1 post
Application email: Cadetrecruitmentfs@dha.gov.za
Western Cape – 6 Posts
Available centres include:
- Wynberg – Ref: HRMC 58/26/7a – 3 posts
- Khayelitsha – Ref: HRMC 58/26/7b – 1 post
- Vredendal – Ref: HRMC 58/26/7c – 1 post
- George – Ref: HRMC 58/26/7d – 1 post
Application email: Cadetrecruitmentwc@dha.gov.za
KwaZulu-Natal – 6 Posts
Available centres include:
- Ixopo – Ref: HRMC 58/26/8a
- New Hanover – Ref: HRMC 58/26/8b
- Eshowe – Ref: HRMC 58/26/8c
- Estcourt – Ref: HRMC 58/26/8d
- Umgeni – Ref: HRMC 58/26/8e
- Richards Bay – Ref: HRMC 58/26/8f
Application email: Cadetrecruitmentkzn@dha.gov.za
Limpopo – 5 Posts
Available centres include:
- Polokwane – Ref: HRMC 58/26/9a
- Giyani – Ref: HRMC 58/26/9b
- Jane Furse – Ref: HRMC 58/26/9c
- Thohoyandou – Ref: HRMC 58/26/9d
- Mokopane – Ref: HRMC 58/26/9e
Application email: Cadetrecruitmentlp@dha.gov.za
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted in accordance with the Department of Home Affairs’ directions to applicants.
Applicants must:
- Complete the New Z83 Application for Employment Form, effective from 1 January 2021.
- Clearly indicate the correct post number and job title.
- Prepare a comprehensive CV.
- Ensure the CV includes employment start and end dates in dd/mm/yy format where applicable.
- Include job titles, duties performed and reasons for leaving previous employment.
- Provide details of at least two contactable employment references, where applicable.
- Submit the application to the correct provincial email address listed above, or use the postal/physical address specified by the Department.
Postal/physical submission address:
Private Bag X114
Pretoria
0001
or
230 Johannes Ramokhoase Street
Pretoria
0001
Applicants should ensure that they use the correct email address for the province and reference number they are applying for.
Documents You May Need
Applicants should prepare the following documents as required:
- Completed New Z83 Application for Employment Form
- Comprehensive CV
- Copy of ID document – required from shortlisted candidates
- Grade 12 certificate – required from shortlisted candidates
- SAQA evaluation of foreign qualifications, where applicable
- Any other supporting documents specifically requested during the recruitment process
The Department states that shortlisted candidates will be required to submit copies of their ID and Grade 12 certificate.
Important Information for Applicants
The Department of Home Affairs expects a large number of applications and states that applications will not be acknowledged in writing.
A systematic selection process will be followed, and only a certain number of applicants will be selected.
The Department also reserves the right to place or reject applications based on its service delivery needs and requirements.
Applicants should be aware that successful candidates will undergo pre-employment screening and security checks.
Do not pay anyone who claims they can secure a Department of Home Affairs learnership for you. Legitimate government opportunities should be verified through official government recruitment information and the stated application channels.
Why This Opportunity Is Worth Considering
The Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership Programme provides an opportunity for unemployed Grade 12-qualified youth to gain formal training, practical workplace experience and a recognised qualification pathway in Immigration Services.
The R4,500 monthly stipend can also provide financial support while learners participate in the 12-month programme.
However, applicants should remember that completing a learnership does not automatically guarantee permanent employment unless the Department explicitly confirms such an arrangement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership Programme 2026/2027 open for applications?
Yes. Applications are invited for the 2026/2027 Cadet Learnership Programme, with applications closing on 18 September 2026 at 16:00.
Who can apply?
The programme is aimed at unemployed youth who have obtained Grade 12/National Senior Certificate or an NQF Level 4 equivalent qualification.
How much is the stipend?
Successful learners will receive a stipend of R4,500 per month for the duration of the 12-month contract.
How long is the learnership?
The Cadet Learnership Programme runs for 12 months.
What qualification is offered?
The programme includes theoretical and practical components aimed at training learners towards the National Certificate: Immigration Services.
Where is the programme available?
Positions are available in selected centres across Gauteng, Eastern Cape, North West, Northern Cape, Mpumalanga, Free State, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo.
How do I apply?
Applicants must submit a completed New Z83 form and comprehensive CV to the correct provincial application email address or the postal/physical address specified in the advertisement.
Can someone who previously participated in a government youth programme apply?
According to the advertisement, applicants who have previously participated in a Public Service Youth Development Programme covered by the relevant directive, or who are currently receiving government financial assistance for a youth development programme, will not be eligible for consideration.
Final Thoughts
The Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership Programme 2026/2027 is an opportunity for unemployed Grade 12-qualified youth to gain practical experience and training in Immigration Services while receiving a R4,500 monthly stipend.
With a 12-month contract, opportunities available across multiple provinces and training linked to the National Certificate: Immigration Services, the programme may be worth considering for eligible applicants interested in public-sector and immigration-related career opportunities.
Before applying, carefully check your eligibility, use the correct provincial reference number and application email address, and ensure that your New Z83 form and CV are complete and accurate.
Most importantly, submit your application before 18 September 2026 at 16:00 and verify all recruitment information through official Department of Home Affairs and government channels.
Simphiwe Dube is the Founder and Managing Editor of sa-learnership.co.za, an independent South African platform dedicated to publishing accurate information about learnerships, bursaries, internships and skills development programmes.
He specialises in researching and verifying updates from official government departments, SETAs, TVET colleges and accredited institutions to ensure readers receive clear, reliable and up-to-date guidance.
Simphiwe is committed to simplifying complex education and career information so that South African students, graduates and job seekers can make informed decisions with confidence.
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