Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) invites suitably qualified candidates to apply for the position of Port Worker in Cape Town, Western Cape. The opportunity is within the TPT Cape Town operating division and falls under the Operations Department. The successful candidates will provide operational labour to support cargo-handling activities, maintain clean working areas and help ensure that port operations are carried out safely and efficiently.
The position is classified as non-permanent employment, making it important for applicants to understand the employment category before submitting an application. Candidates with the required educational qualifications and relevant work experience are encouraged to apply.
The closing date for applications is 27 October 2026.
Transnet Port Worker Vacancy 2026: Job Overview
The following details provide an overview of the advertised position.
- Position: Port Worker
- Operating Division: TPT Cape Town CT
- Department: TPT Operations
- Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
- Employment Type: Non-Permanent
- Grade: HRLYL1
- Reference Number: req6075
- Reporting To: Operations Manager
- Closing Date: 27 October 2026
Applicants should use the reference number req6075 when referring to this vacancy and ensure that the application reaches Transnet Human Resources before the closing date.
Purpose of the Position
The primary purpose of the Port Worker position is to provide labour as directed by a supervisor to maintain a safe and clean working environment and support efficient cargo operations.
Port workers play an important role in the daily activities of a terminal. Their responsibilities may include preparing cargo-handling areas, assisting with loading and offloading activities, inspecting containers and equipment, monitoring refrigerated containers and keeping operational facilities clean.
The role requires employees to follow instructions carefully, comply with established standard operating procedures and observe workplace safety requirements. Port operations involve heavy machinery, cargo-handling equipment, rail wagons and other potentially hazardous working environments. Employees must therefore remain alert and follow the required safety procedures throughout their shifts.
Candidates applying for this position should be prepared to perform practical duties as assigned by supervisors and work as part of an operational team.
Duties and Responsibilities
The appointed Port Workers will perform various duties to support the safe movement and handling of cargo within the terminal.
1. Cleaning Operational Equipment
Employees will be responsible for cleaning operational equipment as instructed. This may include cleaning ship-to-shore crane windows, crane cabins and other equipment used during terminal operations.
Maintaining clean equipment helps support safe working conditions and allows operational personnel to work effectively.
2. Container Condition Inspections
Port Workers will assist with inspecting the condition of containers. This involves identifying visible damage or irregularities and reporting any concerns according to the applicable procedures.
Attention to detail is important because container inspections help identify potential problems before cargo is moved or handled.
3. Reefer Monitoring Operations
The position includes supporting reefer monitoring operations. Reefers are refrigerated containers used to transport temperature-sensitive goods.
Employees involved in this activity must follow instructions and established procedures when monitoring refrigerated containers and reporting any issues identified during operations.
4. Opening and Closing Rail Wagon Twist-Locks
Port Workers may be required to open and close twist-locks on rail wagons. These mechanisms help secure containers during transportation.
This duty must be performed in accordance with the relevant operating procedures and safety requirements.
5. Loading, Offloading and Slacking Cargo
Employees will assist with loading, offloading and slacking cargo in compliance with standard operating procedures.
These activities support the movement of cargo through the port and require coordination with other operational employees. Workers must follow instructions and use the correct methods when performing assigned tasks.
6. Hooking and Unhooking
The role includes hooking and unhooking activities associated with cargo-handling operations, where applicable.
Employees must follow the instructions of authorised personnel and comply with the required safety precautions when working with cargo-handling equipment and associated gear.
7. Tarping and Untarping
Port Workers may be required to cover and uncover cargo using tarpaulins where applicable. This helps protect cargo during relevant handling and operational activities.
8. Placing and Removing Dunnage
Employees will place and remove dunnage as required. Dunnage refers to materials used to support, separate or protect cargo during storage and transportation.
The correct placement and removal of these materials help support safe and organised cargo-handling activities.
9. Cleaning Operational Areas and Facilities
The position also involves maintaining cleanliness in various operational and workplace areas. These may include:
- Rail trucks
- Operational areas
- Plants and equipment
- Workshops
- Offices
- Sheds
- Ablution facilities
Employees must carry out cleaning duties as instructed by their supervisors and help maintain an orderly working environment.
10. Completing Relevant Documentation
Port Workers may be required to complete applicable documentation, including accident reports.
Accurate documentation is important for recording incidents and supporting workplace safety and operational procedures. Employees should be able to follow instructions and provide information correctly when completing assigned records.
11. Identifying Correct Cargo-Handling Equipment
Employees must be able to identify the correct cargo-handling equipment or gear required for assigned activities.
This responsibility requires attention to detail, knowledge of terminal operations and compliance with safety procedures. Workers must follow the relevant instructions when selecting or identifying equipment.
Qualifications and Experience
Transnet has outlined two qualification and experience pathways for this position.
Option 1: Grade 12 Qualification
Applicants following this pathway should have:
- Grade 12 (Matric) or NQF Level 4.
- A minimum of one year’s work experience.
- Port operations experience, which will be an added advantage.
- A relevant certificate, which will be an added advantage.
Option 2: Grade 10 Qualification
Applicants following this pathway should have:
- Grade 10 or NQF Level 2.
- A minimum of two years’ work experience.
- Port operations experience, which will be an added advantage.
- A relevant certificate, which will be an added advantage.
The advertisement also mentions ROC in the qualification requirements. Applicants should consult the official vacancy advertisement to confirm the applicable qualification pathway and any specific requirements relevant to their circumstances.
Candidates should ensure that the qualifications and experience listed in their applications accurately reflect their backgrounds. Applicants with previous port operations experience may have an advantage, although the advertisement also recognises other relevant work experience.
Required Knowledge and Skills
Applicants should have the knowledge and skills needed to work safely and efficiently in a port terminal environment.
Knowledge Required
Terminal Layout: Candidates should understand, or be able to learn, the layout of the terminal and the locations of relevant operational areas.
Safety: Knowledge of workplace safety is important because port workers operate in an environment involving cargo, vehicles, machinery and heavy equipment. Employees must follow instructions and established safety procedures.
Stack Positions: Understanding stack positions is relevant to terminal operations and the organisation of containers within designated areas.
Skills Required
Attention to Detail: The position involves container inspections, equipment identification, operational tasks and documentation. Workers must be observant and able to identify issues that require attention.
Cleanliness: Employees must maintain clean and orderly work areas and carry out cleaning duties as instructed.
Candidates should also be prepared to follow instructions, cooperate with colleagues and carry out assigned duties responsibly.
Employment Equity
Transnet states that preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants who are members of designated groups, in line with the Employment Equity Plan and targets of the organisation or operating division.
Applicants should ensure that all information supplied during the application process is complete and accurate.
How to Apply for the Transnet Port Worker Vacancy
Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official Transnet Talent Portal.
Use the following link to access the vacancy and complete the application process:
Search for the position titled Port Worker, using reference number req6075, and follow the instructions provided on the recruitment portal.
Before submitting an application, candidates should:
- Confirm that they meet one of the stated qualification and experience requirements.
- Prepare an updated CV.
- Ensure that their educational qualifications and work experience are correctly recorded.
- Provide any supporting documents requested by the recruitment portal.
- Review the application carefully before submitting it.
- Keep a record of the application submission where possible.
Applicants should not wait until the final day to apply, as technical problems or incomplete applications could affect the submission process.
Closing Date
The closing date for the Transnet Port Worker vacancy is 27 October 2026.
Transnet has stated that it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that Human Resources receives the application before the closing date. Candidates are therefore encouraged to complete the application process as early as possible.
Important Information for Applicants
This is a non-permanent Port Worker opportunity based in Cape Town, Western Cape. Applicants should carefully review the employment category, qualification requirements, experience criteria and responsibilities before applying.
The role is suited to candidates who are interested in practical port operations, cargo handling, equipment cleaning, container inspections and maintaining safe operational areas.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection. Applicants should ensure that all information submitted is truthful and that the application follows the instructions in the official advertisement.