The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has opened applications for its 2026/27 Cadet Learnership Programme, creating opportunities for unemployed South African youth who have completed Grade 12 or an NQF Level 4 equivalent qualification.
The programme will run for a 12-month contract period and is designed to provide young people with practical workplace exposure, theoretical learning and valuable skills that can improve their readiness for the labour market.
Successful candidates will receive a monthly stipend for the duration of the learnership contract.
Applications are open across several provinces, including Gauteng, Eastern Cape, North West, Northern Cape, Mpumalanga, Free State, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo.
The closing date for applications is 18 September 2026.
Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership Programme 2026/27
The Cadet Learnership Programme is a youth development and empowerment initiative aimed at helping unemployed young South Africans gain workplace experience.
According to the programme information, the initiative supports the National Development Plan’s focus on formalised recruitment schemes that combine theoretical training and experiential learning.
This means successful candidates can gain exposure to a working environment while developing skills and knowledge that may help them participate more meaningfully in the labour market.
The programme is particularly relevant to young people looking for:
- Government learnerships
- Department of Home Affairs jobs and opportunities
- Learnerships for matriculants
- Learnerships for unemployed youth
- Government youth development programmes
- Entry-level career opportunities
- Public-sector workplace experience
Department of Home Affairs Learnership Requirements
The main qualification requirement provided for the 2026/27 Cadet Learnership Programme is:
- Grade 12 / Matric certificate or NQF Level 4 equivalent qualification
The programme is aimed at unemployed youth in South Africa.
Applicants should carefully select the location and corresponding reference number applicable to the opportunity for which they wish to apply.
Available Cadet Learnerships in Gauteng
The Department of Home Affairs has listed several locations in Gauteng for the Cadet Learnership Programme.
| Location | Reference Number |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Requirement: Grade 12 / Matric certificate.
Cadet Learnership Programme in Eastern Cape
Applicants in the Eastern Cape can apply for opportunities based at the following locations:
| Location | Reference Number |
|---|---|
| King Williams 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 |
Requirement: Grade 12 / Matric certificate.
Cadet Learnership Programme in North West
The North West opportunities are available in two locations:
| Location | Reference Number |
|---|---|
| Klerksdorp | HRMC 58/26/3a |
| Mankwe | HRMC 58/26/3b |
Requirement: Grade 12 / Matric certificate.
Cadet Learnership Programme in Northern Cape
The Northern Cape opportunities include:
| Location | Reference Number |
|---|---|
| Kimberley | HRMC 58/26/4a |
| Galeshewe | HRMC 58/26/4b |
Requirement: Grade 12 / Matric certificate.
Cadet Learnership Programme in Mpumalanga
A number of opportunities are available across Mpumalanga:
| Location | Reference Number |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Requirement: Grade 12 / Matric certificate.
Cadet Learnership Programme in Free State
The Free State listing includes opportunities in:
- Bloemfontein – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/6a
- Phuthaditjhaba – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/6b
- Bethlehem – Ref No: HRMC 58/26/6d
The supplied vacancy information also contains HRMC 58/26/6c, but the associated location is not clearly shown in the provided listing.
Requirement: Grade 12 / Matric certificate.
Applicants should verify the applicable reference number and location when completing their application.
Cadet Learnership Programme in Western Cape
Western Cape applicants can apply for opportunities in:
| Location | Reference Number |
|---|---|
| Wynberg | HRMC 58/26/7a |
| Khayelitsha | HRMC 58/26/7b |
| Vredendal | HRMC 58/26/7c |
| George | HRMC 58/26/7d |
Requirement: Grade 12 / Matric certificate.
Cadet Learnership Programme in KwaZulu-Natal
The KwaZulu-Natal opportunities include:
| Location | Reference Number |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Requirement: Grade 12 / Matric certificate.
Cadet Learnership Programme in Limpopo
Young people in Limpopo can apply for the following locations:
| Location | Reference Number |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Requirement: Grade 12 / Matric certificate.
What Does the Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership Offer?
The programme is structured around the combination of theoretical training and experiential learning.
For unemployed young people, this type of programme can be particularly valuable because it provides exposure to a professional working environment while they continue developing workplace skills.
The supplied programme information confirms that successful candidates will receive a monthly stipend throughout the 12-month contract.
However, the exact stipend amount and additional employee benefits were not specified in the supplied vacancy information.
Salary and Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme duration | 12 months |
| Monthly stipend | Provided; amount not specified |
| Medical Aid | Not specified |
| Pension Fund | Not specified |
| Life Insurance | Not specified |
| Disability Cover | Not specified |
| Employee Wellness | Not specified |
| Bonuses | Not specified |
| Paid Leave | Not specified |
| Training Opportunities | Theoretical training and experiential learning |
Applicants should therefore avoid assuming that the learnership carries the same salary and benefits as permanent Department of Home Affairs employees.
Why This Learnership Could Be Valuable for Matriculants
Finding your first job after Matric can be challenging, particularly when employers require previous work experience.
A structured learnership can help address this challenge by giving participants an opportunity to develop workplace exposure.
The Department of Home Affairs programme can potentially help successful candidates develop transferable skills such as:
- Workplace communication
- Professional conduct
- Administration
- Working with colleagues
- Following organisational procedures
- Customer-facing skills
- Time management
- Responsibility and accountability
- Practical workplace experience
These skills can be useful when applying for future positions in the public sector, administration, customer service, business administration and other career fields.
Career Opportunities After a Learnership
Completing a learnership does not automatically mean that a candidate will receive permanent employment. However, the workplace experience and skills gained can strengthen a candidate’s CV when applying for future opportunities.
Depending on their interests and qualifications, young people can explore career paths in areas such as:
- Government administration
- Public-sector administration
- Customer service
- Human Resources
- Business Administration
- Finance and Accounting
- Procurement
- Supply Chain Management
- Logistics
- Information Technology
- Data Administration
- Compliance
- Records Management
- Project Management
- Career Development
Candidates who later pursue further qualifications through TVET colleges, universities, professional certifications or online courses can also build on the foundation gained from workplace experience.
How to Prepare Your Application
Before applying, candidates should make sure their information is accurate and up to date.
A professional CV should clearly include:
- Full name and contact details
- Educational qualifications
- Grade 12 subjects and results
- Relevant certificates
- Computer skills, where applicable
- Previous work experience, if any
- Volunteer experience
- Learnership or training experience
- References, where appropriate
Even applicants with no previous employment should avoid submitting an incomplete CV. School achievements, community involvement, short courses, computer skills and other relevant experience can help demonstrate their capabilities.
Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership 2026 Closing Date
The closing date for applications is:
18 September 2026
The programme was listed on 7 September 2026, giving eligible applicants a limited period to submit their applications.
Candidates should not wait until the final day to apply. It is better to review the requirements, select the correct location and reference number, prepare the necessary information and submit the application as early as possible.
How to Apply for the Department of Home Affairs Learnership
Applications for the Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership Programme can be submitted through the application facility provided for the vacancy.
Application deadline: 18 September 2026
Candidates should ensure that they select the correct province, location and reference number when applying.
Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership 2026/27: Job Summary
| Vacancy Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Company/Department | Department of Home Affairs |
| Programme | Cadet Learnership Programme 2026/27 |
| Location | South Africa |
| Contract | 12 months |
| Target group | Unemployed youth |
| Minimum qualification | Grade 12 / NQF Level 4 equivalent |
| Stipend | Monthly stipend; amount not specified |
| Date listed | 7 September 2026 |
| Closing date | 18 September 2026 |
| Opportunity type | Learnerships / Internships |
| Provinces | Gauteng, Eastern Cape, North West, Northern Cape, Mpumalanga, Free State, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo |
Regional Email Applications
Gauteng Posts (HRMC 58/26/1a-e): Cadetrecruitmentgp@dha.gov.za
Eastern Cape Posts (HRMC 58/26/2a-f): Cadetrecruitmentec@dha.gov.za
North West Posts (HRMC 58/26/3a-b): Cadetrecruitmentnw@dha.gov.za
Northern Cape Posts (HRMC 58/26/4a-b): Cadetrecruitmentnc@dha.gov.za
Mpumalanga Posts (HRMC 58/26/5a-f): Cadetrecruitmentmp@dha.gov.za
Postal & Physical Submission
Postal Address: Private Bag X114, Pretoria, 0001
07/09/2026, 11:47 Department of Home Affairs X48 Cadet Learnership Programme 2026
Physical Address: 230 Johannes Ramokhoase Street, Pretoria, 0001
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership?
The programme invites applications from unemployed youth in South Africa who have obtained Grade 12 or an NQF Level 4 equivalent qualification.
How long is the Department of Home Affairs learnership?
The Cadet Learnership Programme runs for 12 months under a contract arrangement.
Is there a stipend?
Yes. Successful candidates will receive a monthly stipend for the duration of the learnership. The exact amount was not specified in the supplied vacancy information.
Which provinces have opportunities?
Opportunities are listed in Gauteng, Eastern Cape, North West, Northern Cape, Mpumalanga, Free State, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo.
When does the application close?
The closing date is 18 September 2026.
Can I apply if I only have Matric?
Yes. The listed requirement for the programme is Grade 12 / Matric certificate, or an NQF Level 4 equivalent qualification.
Does completing the learnership guarantee permanent employment?
The supplied information does not state that successful learners are guaranteed permanent employment. Candidates should therefore view the programme primarily as an opportunity to gain training, workplace exposure, skills and experience.
Apply Before the Closing Date
The Department of Home Affairs Cadet Learnership Programme 2026/27 provides an important opportunity for unemployed South African youth who have completed Matric and want to gain practical workplace experience.
With opportunities available across nine provinces, eligible candidates have several locations to consider. The programme combines theoretical training with experiential learning and provides a monthly stipend during the 12-month contract.
If you meet the minimum qualification requirements, prepare your application carefully and submit it before the 18 September 2026 closing date.
Job seekers should also continue monitoring opportunities in government jobs, learnerships, internships, graduate programmes, TVET colleges, universities and entry-level careers rather than relying on a single application.
This version keeps the supplied vacancy information as the source of truth, including the unclear Free State reference HRMC 58/26/6c, rather than guessing its location.