Department of Defence Vacancies 2026 – Apply for Air Force Base Jobs Across SA

The Department of Defence invites interested and suitably qualified South African citizens to apply for permanent support staff positions at various South African Air Force Bases. These opportunities provide stable employment with competitive salaries ranging from R138 486 to R193 131 per annum, depending on the level of the role. Applicants are required to meet the outlined minimum qualifications, which may include Grade 11 with a valid Code C1 driver’s licence for certain categories or an ABET qualification for entry-level support roles, along with essential skills such as effective communication, time management, and commitment to safety and hygiene standards. All applications must be received by 27 March 2026 at 16:00; any submissions arriving after this date or submitted incorrectly will unfortunately not be accepted.

Applications should be completed on the official Z83 form and accompanied by a detailed CV only, with submissions directed to the relevant Air Force Base via the specified postal addresses, email addresses where provided, or hand-delivery locations. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted to submit certified copies of qualifications and other supporting documents at a later stage, and will be subject to personnel suitability checks, security vetting procedures, and possible pre-entry assessments. The Department of Defence is committed to promoting equity and will give preference to candidates whose appointments support representivity in terms of race, gender, and disability. Interested applicants are advised to contact the designated enquiry persons at each base for any necessary clarification and to confirm the correct method of submission.

South African Air Force Bases: Availble Vacancies

Driver Operator (Level 03)
Food Service Aid (Level 02)
Store Assistant (Level 02)
Groundsman (Level 02)
Cleaner (Level 02)
Household Aid (Level 02)
Messenger (Level 02)
Road Workers Aid (Level 02)
Tradesman Aid (Level 02)

POSITIONS AND REFERENCE NUMBERS

Driver Operator (Level 03)
- REF NO: AFBMKD/02/08/26/06 – AFB Makhado, Limpopo
- REF NO: AFBBSPT/02/08/26/04 – AFB Bloemspruit, Bloemfontein
- REF NO: AFBDBN/02/08/26/02 – AFB Durban, Durban
Food Service Aid (Level 02)
- REF NO: AFBMKD/02/08/26/07 (X8 Posts) – AFB Makhado, Limpopo
- REF NO: AFBBSPT/02/08/26/05 (X2 Posts) – AFB Bloemspruit, Bloemfontein
- REF NO: 2AFBDBN/02/08/26/06 (X4 Posts) – AFB Durban, Durban
- REF NO: AFBHSPT/02/08/26/05 (X2 Posts) – AFB Hoedspruit, Limpopo
Store Assistant (Level 02)
- REF NO: AFBMKD/02/08/26/08 (X10 Posts) – AFB Makhado, Limpopo
- REF NO: AFBYPLT/02/08/26/04 (X4 Posts) – AFB Ysterplaat, Western Cape
- REF NO: 2AFBDBN/02/08/26/07 (X2 Posts) – AFB Durban, Durban
- REF NO: AFBHSPT/02/08/26/07 – AFB Hoedspruit, Limpopo
Groundsman (Level 02)
- REF NO: AFBMKD/02/08/26/09 (X14 Posts) – AFB Makhado, Limpopo
- REF NO: AFSPE/02/08/26/02 (X2 Posts) – AFS Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape
- REF NO: AFBDBN/02/08/26/04 (X3 Posts) – AFB Durban, Durban
- REF NO: AFBYPLT/02/08/26/05 (X2 Posts) – AFB Ysterplaat, Western Cape
- REF NO: AFBHSPT/02/08/26/03 (X2 Posts) – AFB Hoedspruit, Limpopo
Road Workers Aid (Level 02)
- REF NO: AFBMAK/02/08/26/10 – AFB Makhado, Limpopo
- REF NO: AFBLGBW/02/08/26/03 (X5 Posts) – AFB Langebaanweg, Western Cape
Cleaner (Level 02)
- REF NO: AFSPE/02/08/26/03 – AFS Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape
- REF NO: AOTC LOHATLA/02/08/26/02 – AOTC Lohatla, Northern Cape
- REF NO: AFBDBN/02/08/26/05 (X8 Posts) – AFB Durban, Durban
- REF NO: AFBHPST/02/08/26/04 (X12 Posts) – AFB Hoedspruit, Limpopo (note: typo in some refs as AFBHSPT)
- REF NO: AFBYPLT/02/08/26/06 (X2 Posts) – AFB Ysterplaat, Western Cape
Messenger (Level 02)
- REF NO: AFBBSPT/02/08/26/06 – AFB Bloemspruit, Bloemfontein
- REF NO: AOTC LOHATLA/02/08/26/01 – AOTC Lohatla, Northern Cape
Tradesman Aid (Level 02)
- REF NO: AFBYPLT/02/08/26/07 – AFB Ysterplaat, Western Cape
- REF NO: AFBDBN/02/08/26/03 (X2 Posts) – AFB Durban, Durban
- REF NO: AFBHPST/02/08/26/06 (X8 Posts) – AFB Hoedspruit, Limpopo
Household Aid (Level 02)
- REF NO: AFBDBN/02/08/26/08 (X4 Posts) – AFB Durban, Durban

The Department of Defence invites suitably qualified South African citizens to apply for the following permanent positions at various Air Force Bases. These are entry-level support roles aimed at promoting representivity and equity in line with the Department’s Employment Equity targets (race, gender and disability).

SALARY LEVELS

Level 03: R163 680 – R193 131 per annum
Level 02: R138 486 per annum

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL POSTS

South African citizenship
No criminal record or pending cases
Willingness to undergo security vetting and medical examination
Ability to work irregular hours / shifts where applicable
Applications must be submitted on the new Z83 form (effective 01 January 2021), obtainable from any Public Service office or www.dpsa.gov.za
Attach a detailed CV only (no certified copies at this stage)
Indicate the specific reference number and centre on your application
Separate Z83 form required for each post applied for

CLOSING DATE: 27 March 2026 at 16:00 (No late, faxed or emailed applications without prior arrangement will be accepted unless stated)

DRIVER OPERATOR (Level 03)

Salary: R163 680 – R193 131 per annum Reference Numbers & Centres:

AFBMKD/02/08/26/06 – Air Force Base Makhado, Limpopo
AFBBSPT/02/08/26/04 – Air Force Base Bloemspruit, Free State
AFBDBN/02/08/26/02 – Air Force Base Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

Minimum Requirements:

Grade 11 (Standard 9 / NQF Level 3) or equivalent qualification
Valid Code C1 (Code 10) driver’s licence
At least 3 years’ driving experience

Key Competencies:

Safe and defensive driving ability
Good verbal and written communication
Strong listening skills and ability to follow instructions accurately
Sound time management and interpersonal relations
Vehicle maintenance awareness

Main Duties:

Daily vehicle inspection and immediate reporting of defects
Driving light and medium vehicles to transport personnel, goods and documents
Performing messenger and administrative support duties
Accurate completion of vehicle logbooks and trip authorities
Ensuring compliance with all road traffic and departmental transport prescripts
Willing to work extended / irregular hours when required

FOOD SERVICE AID (Level 02)

Salary: R138 486 per annum Posts Available: Multiple posts across various bases (e.g. 8 at AFB Makhado, 4 at AFB Durban, 2 at AFB Hoedspruit, etc.)

Minimum Requirements:

ABET Level 4 (or equivalent basic education)
No prior experience required

Key Competencies:

Basic understanding of food handling, hygiene and safety
Ability to plan and organise simple tasks
Teamwork and willingness to learn

Main Duties:

Assist with hygienic preparation, cooking and serving of meals
Prepare and serve beverages (tea, coffee, water)
Set and decorate dining tables
Clean kitchen, dining hall, storage areas and equipment after use
Remove and dispose of kitchen waste correctly
Pack and store delivered supplies
Maintain high hygiene standards and report faulty equipment

STORE ASSISTANT (Level 02)

Salary: R138 486 per annum Posts Available: Multiple posts (e.g. 10 at AFB Makhado, several at other bases)

Minimum Requirements:

ABET Level 4 (or equivalent)
No experience required

Key Competencies:

Good verbal and written communication
Basic numeracy and attention to detail
Honesty and reliability

Main Duties:

Receive, inspect and record incoming stores / equipment
Issue items according to requisitions
Maintain accurate bin cards and registers
Ensure correct storage and stock rotation
Familiarity with basic fire prevention (DD Form 19) and extinguisher use
Perform general store housekeeping and ad hoc tasks

GROUNDSMAN (Level 02)

Salary: R138 486 per annum Posts Available: Multiple posts (e.g. 14 at AFB Makhado, several at other bases)

Minimum Requirements:

ABET Level 4 (or equivalent)
No experience required

Key Competencies:

Basic knowledge of gardening tools and equipment
Awareness of health and safety practices
Ability to work outdoors in a team or independently

Main Duties:

Prepare soil, plant, fertilise, irrigate, weed and prune garden beds
Mow lawns, trim edges and maintain general grounds neatness
Load / unload materials and equipment
Remove and dispose of garden refuse
Assist with basic maintenance of grounds machinery

CLEANER / HOUSEHOLD AID (Level 02)

Salary: R138 486 per annum Posts Available: Multiple posts across bases

Main Duties Include:

Sweeping, dusting, vacuuming, mopping and polishing offices and facilities
Cleaning ablution blocks and restrooms
Washing windows and emptying bins
Reporting maintenance defects
Maintaining tidy living quarters (where applicable for Household Aid)

OTHER SUPPORT POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Messenger / Driver-Messenger
Road Workers Aid (runway / taxiway sweeping & basic maintenance)
Tradesman Aid (basic plumbing, electrical, tyre, battery & workshop support – Trade test certificate advantageous)

How to Apply Hand-deliver, post or email applications (where email is provided in the specific advert) to the relevant Air Force Base address. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard from the Department within 3 months of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Submit via one of the methods listed for each specific post (check the advert for the exact address/email/hand-delivery point):

Air Force Base Makhado, Limpopo

Postal Address: Department of Defence, Air Force Base Makhado, Private Bag X2010, Makhado, 0920
Email: [email protected]
Hand-delivery: Braambos Military Base, AFB Makhado, Louis Trichardt
Posts: Includes Driver Operator (REF: AFBMKD/02/08/26/06), Food Service Aid (X8), Store Assistant (X10), Groundsman (X14), and others at this base.
Enquiries: Lt G.P. Mophuthing / Sgt Masilo – Tel: (015) 577 2006 / 2007

Air Force Base Bloemspruit, Bloemfontein (Free State)

Postal Address: Department of Defence, Air Force Base Bloemspruit, Private Bag X20608, Bloemfontein, 9300
Email: [email protected]
Hand-delivery: AFB Bloemspruit, Maselspoort Road, Bloemfontein
Posts: Driver Operator (REF: AFBBSPT/02/08/26/04), Food Service Aid (X2), Messenger, and others.
Enquiries: Maj S Gentsana / Capt N.J. Skele – Tel: (051) 405 6377 / 6051

Air Force Base Durban, Durban (KwaZulu-Natal)

Postal Address: Department of Defence, AFB Durban, P.O. Box 1120, Amanzimtoti, 4125
Email: [email protected]
Hand-delivery: Prospecton Road, Isipingo, 4133
Posts: Driver Operator (REF: AFBDBN/02/08/26/02), Groundsman (X3), Cleaner (X8), Food Service Aid (X4), Store Assistant (X2), Tradesman Aid (X2), Household Aid (X4), etc.
Enquiries: Maj B.E. Nzimande or WO H. Steenkamp – Tel: (031) 450 4734

Air Force Base Hoedspruit, Limpopo

Postal Address: Department of Defence, Air Force Base Hoedspruit, Hoedspruit, 1380
Email: [email protected]
Hand-delivery: Main Gate, Golf 1 and Golf 8
Posts: Groundsman (X2), Cleaner (X12), Food Service Aid (X2), Tradesman Aid (X8), Store Assistant.
Enquiries: Maj M.M. Visagie / Capt. P. Ratheko – Tel: (015) 799 2924 or 2387

Air Force Base Ysterplaat, Ysterplaat (Western Cape)

Postal Address: Department of Defence, Air Force Base Ysterplaat (no specific Private Bag listed; use base address)
Email: [email protected]
Hand-delivery: 65 Piet Grobler Street, Brooklyn, Ysterplaat
Posts: Store Assistant (X4), Groundsman (X2), Cleaner (X2), Tradesman Aid.
Enquiries: Capt L.L. Watson – Tel: (021) 672 3055

Air Force Base Langebaanweg, Langebaan (Western Cape)

Postal Address: Department of Defence, Air Force Base Langebaanweg, Langebaan, 7375
Email: [email protected] (note: may be typed as [email protected] in some refs)
Hand-delivery: Main Gate, AFB Langebaanweg Military Base
Posts: Road Workers Aid (X5).
Enquiries: Maj M.L. Du Plessis / WO2 V.A. Faro – Tel: (022) 705 2515 / 2571

Air Force Station Port Elizabeth (AFS PE), Port Elizabeth (Eastern Cape)

Postal Address: Department of Defence, Air Force Station Port Elizabeth, Army Support Base, Eastern Cape, Willow Drive, Gqeberha, 6013
Email: [email protected] (or [email protected] in some refs – use .za)
Hand-delivery: Forest Hill Drive, Southdene, Port Elizabeth
Posts: Groundsman (X2), Cleaner.
Enquiries: Maj F.G. Fatyi – Tel: (041) 505 1463

AOTC Lohatla, Postmansburg (Northern Cape)

Postal Address: Department of Defence, AOTC LOHATLA, Air Operations Training Centre, Private Bag X3001, Postmansburg, 8420
Email: [email protected]
Hand-delivery: AOTC LOHATLA main gate
Posts: Messenger, Cleaner.
Enquiries: WO1 D.M. Sello – Tel: (053) 321 2251

The Department of Defence is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Preference will be given to candidates whose appointment will enhance representivity.

How to Apply for These Department of Defence Vacancies

To apply for the advertised support staff positions (Driver Operator, Food Service Aid, Store Assistant, Groundsman, Cleaner, and others) at various South African Air Force Bases, follow these steps carefully. Applications must reach the relevant base by 27 March 2026 at 16:00. Late, incomplete, faxed (unless specified), or incorrectly submitted applications will not be considered.

Step 1: Obtain the Correct Application Form

Use the official Z83 Application for Employment form (the version effective from 01 January 2021, still in use in 2026).
Download it for free from:
- Any Public Service Department office (national, provincial, or local government offices, including Labour Centres).
- The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) website: https://www.dpsa.gov.za (look under vacancies or forms).
- The Department of Defence website: http://www.dod.mil.za (under documents/forms).
Do not use an old or photocopied version without verifying it’s the current one.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Complete the Z83 form fully, accurately, and neatly (handwritten in black ink or typed).
Attach only a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) at this stage – include your full personal details, contact information, qualifications, work experience (even if limited), skills, and references.
Do not attach certified copies of ID, qualifications, driver’s licence, or other documents yet. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit these later (certified copies must not be older than 6 months).
If applying for more than one post (e.g., different reference numbers or centres), submit a separate Z83 form + CV for each one.

Step 3: Fill in the Z83 Form Correctly

Complete every section – do not leave blanks. Use “N/A” (Not Applicable) where a question does not apply to you.

Section A: The Advertised Post
- Write the exact position title (e.g., “Driver Operator” or “Food Service Aid”).
- Enter the Department as “Department of Defence”.
- Write the full Reference Number exactly as in the advert (e.g., AFBMKD/02/08/26/06).
- Indicate when you can start or notice period.
Section B: Personal Information
- Provide full legal names, ID number, date of birth, race, gender, disability status (if applicable), citizenship, contact details, criminal record declaration, etc. Be honest – false information leads to disqualification.
Section C: Contact Details & Preferred Correspondence
- Provide reliable phone numbers (at least one cellphone) and email.
- Choose your preferred method (e.g., telephone or email).
Sections D–G: Language proficiency, qualifications (list from highest to lowest), work experience (detail dates, employer, duties), and references (at least 3 non-family contacts, e.g., previous supervisors).
Declaration: Sign and date the form on every page where required (initial where asked). Unsigned forms are disqualified.
Tip: Read the form thoroughly first. Write legibly. Double-check the reference number and post details.

Do not email unless the advert allows it. No faxed copies unless stated.

Step 4: After Submission

Keep a copy of your Z83, CV, and proof of submission (e.g., registered mail receipt or hand-delivery acknowledgment).
Due to high volumes, no receipt acknowledgment will be sent.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted (usually within 3 months).
If no feedback within 3 months after closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
Shortlisted applicants will:
- Submit certified copies of documents.
- Undergo personnel suitability checks (criminal, credit, qualification verification).
- Complete security clearance.
- Possibly do pre-entry assessments (practical and integrity).

Important Reminders

Be honest in all declarations (criminal record, disciplinary issues, etc.).
The Department promotes equity – your application helps advance representivity.
For enquiries, contact the listed person/telephone number for the specific base (e.g., Lt G.P. Mophuthing at (015) 577 2006 for Makhado posts).
Good luck – prepare well, apply early, and ensure everything is complete!

If you need help accessing the Z83 form or clarifying a specific post’s submission method, let me know the reference number.

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