The Department of Defence invites interested and suitably qualified candidates to apply for a range of entry-level support vacancies available within the South African Navy. These positions include opportunities for Handyman, Cleaner, Food Service Aid, Groundsman, Household Aid, and Messenger roles at various naval bases and establishments across South Africa. Individuals who meet the minimum requirements are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.
These vacancies provide an excellent opportunity for job seekers with an ABET qualification to secure permanent employment in the public service. Most of the advertised positions do not require previous work experience, making them suitable for first-time job seekers and individuals looking to build a career within the Department of Defence. Successful candidates will contribute to maintaining clean, safe, and efficient working environments while supporting the daily operations of the South African Navy.
Available Positions
- Handyman
- Cleaner
- Food Service Aid
- Groundsman
- Household Aid
- Messenger
The Department of Defence offers competitive government salaries, structured working conditions, and opportunities for career development within the public sector. Successful applicants will be expected to demonstrate professionalism, reliability, teamwork, and a strong commitment to service excellence. Eligible candidates are encouraged to carefully review the requirements for their preferred position and submit complete applications before the official closing date.
Handyman
Naval Base Durban
Salary: R170,226 – R200,523 per annum (Level 03)
Reference Number: NAVAL/20/23/26/28
Requirements
- A minimum of ABET qualification. No experience required
- Exposure in general building maintenance will be an advantage
- Ability to communicate effectively, written and verbal, in English
- Ability to work under pressure and meet target dates
- Supervising, planning, organising, and problem-solving skills in the painting environment
- Sound knowledge of operating various building maintenance equipment and tools
- Ability to reason, read, and interpret job requirements from instructions and drawings
- Ability to operate various building maintenance equipment
- Knowledge of safety protocols
Key Responsibilities
- Perform cleaning and first-line building maintenance, including fixtures, fittings, and plumbing systems
- Provide grounds maintenance services
How to Apply
Email: [email protected]
Post: Cdr S.K. Sibiya, SA Navy, Naval Base Durban, Private Bag X1, Durban, 4036
Hand Deliver: Naval Base Durban, Salisbury Island, Off Bay Head Road, Fynlands, Durban
Enquiries: Cdr E.J. Molema, Tel: (031) 460 6150
Cleaner
Naval Base Simon’s Town (Buffer’s Party: FCHQ)
Salary: R144,024 – R169,656 per annum (Level 02)
Reference Number: NAVAL/20/23/26/29 (X6 Posts)
Requirements
- A minimum of ABET qualification. No experience required
- Ability to communicate effectively, verbal, in English
- Basic knowledge of Health and Safety
- Knowledge of specific cleaning processes and aids
- Knowledge of basic maintenance of machinery with a low level of complexity
- Knowledge of basic hand tools and cleaning equipment
- Ability to operate cleaning machines and perform routine tasks
- Ability to work in a team and individually
- Basic numeracy and literacy skills
- Must be physically fit to perform cleaning duties
Key Responsibilities
- Perform cleaning duties in offices and other facilities, including sweeping, vacuuming, window cleaning, dusting, and polishing furniture and floors
- Clean ablution facilities, kitchenettes, utensils, workshops, and vehicles, and remove waste
- Report any defects in the workplace
- Act as team leader and assist with training and introduction of equipment to subordinate personnel
How to Apply
Email: [email protected]
Post: Mr J. Stander, SA Navy, Private Bag X1, Simon’s Town, 7995
Hand Deliver: Fleet Command HQ, Building 1097, East Dockyard, St George’s Street, Simon’s Town
Enquiries: S Lt D.M. Mogolane / WO2 S. Brijlal, Tel: (021) 787 5239
Cleaner
Naval Base Simon’s Town (Buffer’s Party West Yard: Museum)
Salary: R144,024 – R169,656 per annum (Level 02)
Reference Number: NAVAL/20/23/26/30
Requirements
- A minimum of ABET qualification. No experience required
- Ability to communicate effectively, verbal, in English
- Basic knowledge of Health and Safety
- Knowledge of specific cleaning processes and aids
- Knowledge of basic maintenance of machinery with a low level of complexity
- Knowledge of basic hand tools and cleaning equipment
- Ability to operate cleaning machines and perform routine tasks
- Ability to work in a team and individually
- Basic numeracy and literacy skills
- Must be physically fit to perform cleaning duties
Key Responsibilities
- Perform cleaning duties in offices and other facilities, including sweeping, vacuuming, window cleaning, dusting, and polishing furniture and floors
- Clean ablution facilities, kitchenettes, utensils, workshops, and vehicles, and remove waste
- Report any defects in the workplace
- Assist with training and introduction of equipment to subordinate personnel
How to Apply
Email: [email protected]
Post: Mr J. Stander, SA Navy, Private Bag X1, Simon’s Town, 7995
Hand Deliver: Fleet Command HQ, Building 1097, East Dockyard, St George’s Street, Simon’s Town
Enquiries: S Lt D.M. Mogolane / WO2 S. Brijlal, Tel: (021) 787 5239
Cleaner
Naval Base Simon’s Town: Project Office
Salary: R144,024 – R169,656 per annum (Level 02)
Reference Number: NAVAL/20/23/26/31
Requirements
- A minimum of ABET qualification. No experience required
- Ability to communicate effectively, verbal, in English
- Basic knowledge of Health and Safety
- Knowledge of specific cleaning processes and aids
- Knowledge of basic maintenance of machinery with a low level of complexity
- Knowledge of basic hand tools and cleaning equipment
- Ability to operate cleaning machines and perform routine tasks
- Ability to work in a team and individually
- Basic numeracy and literacy skills
- Must be physically fit to perform cleaning duties
Key Responsibilities
- Perform cleaning duties in offices and other facilities, including sweeping, vacuuming, window cleaning, dusting, and polishing furniture and floors
- Clean ablution facilities, kitchenettes, utensils, workshops, and vehicles, and remove waste
- Report any defects in the workplace
- Act as team leader and assist with training and introduction of equipment to subordinate personnel
How to Apply
Email: [email protected]
Post: Mr J. Stander, SA Navy, Private Bag X1, Simon’s Town, 7995
Hand Deliver: Fleet Command HQ, Building 1097, East Dockyard, St George’s Street, Simon’s Town
Enquiries: S Lt D.M. Mogolane / WO2 S. Brijlal, Tel: (021) 787 5239
Cleaner
Naval Station Gqeberha
Salary: R144,024 – R169,656 per annum (Level 02)
Reference Number: NAVAL/20/23/26/32
Requirements
- A minimum of ABET qualification. No experience required
- Ability to communicate effectively, verbal, in English
- Basic knowledge of Health and Safety
- Knowledge of specific cleaning processes and aids
- Knowledge of basic maintenance of machinery with a low level of complexity
- Knowledge of basic hand tools and cleaning equipment
- Ability to operate cleaning machines and perform routine tasks
- Ability to work in a team and individually
- Basic numeracy and literacy skills
- Must be physically fit to perform cleaning duties
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake unit facility and terrain cleaning services
- Perform cleaning duties in offices and other facilities, including sweeping, vacuuming, window cleaning, dusting, and polishing furniture and floors
- Clean ablution facilities, kitchenettes, utensils, workshops, and vehicles, and remove waste
- Report any defects in the workplace
- Remove waste paper bin refuse and replenish ablution consumables
- Act as team leader and assist with training and introduction of equipment to subordinate personnel
How to Apply
Email: [email protected]
Post: Mr J. Stander, SA Navy, Private Bag X1, Simon’s Town, 7995
Hand Deliver: Fleet Command HQ, Building 1097, East Dockyard, St George’s Street, Simon’s Town
Enquiries: PO S.A. Magutshwa, Tel: (041) 505 1005
Food Service Aid
Naval Base Durban
Salary: R144,024 – R169,656 per annum (Level 02)
Reference Number: NAVAL/20/23/26/33 (X2 Posts)
Requirements
- A minimum of ABET qualification. No experience required
- Exposure in a galley cleaning and venue preparation environment would be an advantage
- Ability to communicate effectively, verbal, in English
- Basic knowledge of Health and Safety
- Knowledge of specific cleaning processes and aids
- Knowledge of basic maintenance of machinery with a low level of complexity
- Knowledge of cleaning equipment
- Ability to operate cleaning machines and perform routine tasks
- Ability to work in a team and individually
- Basic numeracy and literacy skills
- Must be physically fit to perform cleaning duties
- Interpersonal skills to interact with clients
Key Responsibilities
- Clean the galley and galley equipment
- Ensure food stores and surrounding areas are kept clean at all times
- Prepare dining halls for all meals
How to Apply
Email: [email protected]
Post: Cdr S.K. Sibiya, SA Navy, Naval Base Durban, Private Bag X1, Durban, 4036
Hand Deliver: Naval Base Durban, Salisbury Island, Off Bay Head Road, Fynlands, Durban
Enquiries: WO1 N.P. Soni, Tel: (031) 460 6414
Food Service Aid
Naval Base Simon’s Town: SA Naval College, Gordon’s Bay
Salary: R144,024 – R169,656 per annum (Level 02)
Reference Number: NAVAL/20/23/26/34
Requirements
- A minimum of ABET qualification. No experience required
- Ability to communicate effectively, verbal, in English
- Basic knowledge of Health and Safety procedures
- Previous housekeeping/cleaning experience would be advantageous
- Ability to apply hygiene measures
- Knowledge of basic maintenance of kitchen machinery
Key Responsibilities
- Clean and scrub the galley and dining hall area
- Clear tables and wash cutlery, pots, and other kitchen equipment
- Assist with unloading and packing away victuals
- Set up and clear tables as required
- Assist in minor food and beverage preparation and other galley functions as required
How to Apply
Email: [email protected]
Post: Mr J. Stander, SA Navy, Private Bag X1, Simon’s Town, 7995
Hand Deliver: Fleet Command HQ, Building 1097, East Dockyard, St George’s Street, Simon’s Town
Enquiries: WO2 P.W. Davids, Tel: (021) 787 4944
Groundsman
Naval Base Durban
Salary: R144,024 – R169,656 per annum (Level 02)
Reference Number: NAVAL/20/23/26/35 (X3 Posts)
Requirements
- A minimum of ABET qualification. No experience required
- Exposure to the gardening environment would be an advantage
- Ability to communicate effectively, verbal, in English
- Basic knowledge of health and safety requirements
- Physical strength to move materials and equipment
- Sound knowledge of plants and garden equipment
- Gardening skills
- Ability to work in a team, and to prioritise and organise work
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain cleanliness of outside terrains and prepare soil for planting
- Maintain trees, flowers, shrubs, and grass in gardens
- Remove alien vegetation and plant flowers, trees, and shrubs
- Water and monitor lawns, landscapes, and gardens
- Maintain sidewalks, parking lots, fountains, fences, planters, benches, and grounds-keeping equipment
- Remove refuse and practice pest control
- Assist in preparing grounds for functions and parades
- Handle and maintain basic light machinery, including mowers, trimmers, leaf blowers, weed eaters, chainsaws, and hand tools
- Check the serviceability of equipment
How to Apply
Email: [email protected]
Post: Cdr S.K. Sibiya, SA Navy, Naval Base Durban, Private Bag X1, Durban, 4036
Hand Deliver: Naval Base Durban, Salisbury Island, Off Bay Head Road, Fynlands, Durban
Enquiries: Cdr E.J. Molema, Tel: (031) 460 6150
Groundsman
Naval Base Simon’s Town: SAS Saldanha, Saldanha Military Base, Saldanha
Salary: R144,024 – R169,656 per annum (Level 02)
Reference Number: NAVAL/20/23/26/36
Requirements
- A minimum of ABET qualification. No experience required
- Exposure to gardening would be an advantage
- Ability to communicate effectively, verbal, in English
- Basic knowledge of Health and Safety
- Physical strength to move materials and equipment
- Sound knowledge of plants and garden equipment
- Gardening skills and ability to work in a team
- Ability to handle hand tools
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain cleanliness of outside terrains and prepare soil for planting
- Maintain trees, flowers, shrubs, and grass in gardens
- Remove alien vegetation and plant flowers, trees, and shrubs
- Water and monitor lawns, landscapes, and gardens
- Maintain sidewalks, parking lots, fountains, fences, planters, benches, and grounds-keeping equipment
- Remove refuse and practice pest control
- Assist in preparing grounds for functions and parades
- Handle and maintain basic light machinery, including mowers, trimmers, leaf blowers, weed eaters, chainsaws, and hand tools
- Check serviceability of equipment and machinery and report defects
How to Apply
Email: [email protected]
Post: Mr J. Stander, SA Navy, Private Bag X1, Simon’s Town, 7995
Hand Deliver: Fleet Command HQ, Building 1097, East Dockyard, St George’s Street, Simon’s Town
Enquiries: WO1 S. Mdawe, Tel: (022) 702 3630
Household Aid
Naval Base Durban
Salary: R144,024 – R169,656 per annum (Level 02)
Reference Number: NAVAL/20/23/26/37 (X2 Posts)
Requirements
- A minimum of ABET qualification. No experience required
- Exposure in a domestic cleaning and laundry environment would be an advantage
- Ability to communicate effectively, verbal, in English
- Knowledge of domestic services, processes, and procedures
- Basic knowledge of Health and Safety
- Knowledge of specific cleaning processes and aids
- Knowledge of basic maintenance of machinery with a low level of complexity
- Knowledge of cleaning equipment
- Ability to operate cleaning machines and perform routine tasks
- Ability to work in a team and individually
- Basic numeracy and literacy skills
- Must be physically fit to perform cleaning duties
- Interpersonal skills to interact with clients
Key Responsibilities
- Clean single quarters, communal ablutions, and other communal areas
- Undertake laundering of linen and clothes
How to Apply
Email: [email protected]
Post: Cdr S.K. Sibiya, SA Navy, Naval Base Durban, Private Bag X1, Durban, 4036
Hand Deliver: Naval Base Durban, Salisbury Island, Off Bay Head Road, Fynlands, Durban
Enquiries: WO1 N.P. Soni, Tel: (031) 460 6414
Household Aid
Naval Base Simon’s Town: SA Naval College, Gordon’s Bay
Salary: R144,024 – R169,656 per annum (Level 02)
Reference Number: NAVAL/20/23/26/38
Requirements
- A minimum of ABET qualification. No experience required
- Exposure in housekeeping/cleaning would be an advantage
- Ability to communicate effectively, verbal, in English
- Basic knowledge of Health and Safety procedures
- Ability to apply hygiene measures
- Knowledge of basic maintenance of machinery
Key Responsibilities
- Clean and scrub the galley and dining hall area
- Clear tables and wash cutlery, pots, and other kitchen equipment
- Clean galley equipment and assist with unloading and packing away victuals
- Set up and clear tables as required
- Assist in minor food and beverage preparation and other galley functions as required
How to Apply
Email: [email protected]
Post: Mr J. Stander, SA Navy, Private Bag X1, Simon’s Town, 7995
Hand Deliver: Fleet Command HQ, Building 1097, East Dockyard, St George’s Street, Simon’s Town
Enquiries: WO2 P.W. Davids, Tel: (021) 787 4944
Messenger
Naval Base Simon’s Town: HR Administration Support
Salary: R144,024 – R169,656 per annum (Level 02)
Reference Number: NAVAL/20/23/26/39 (X2 Posts)
Requirements
- A minimum of ABET qualification. No experience required
- Driving ability and experience would be advantageous
- Ability to obtain a Military Driver’s Licence
- Ability to communicate, written and verbal, in English
- Basic planning, organising, and problem-solving skills
- Time management skills
- Basic computer skills
- Ability to operate office equipment, including photocopiers and fax machines
- Basic knowledge of Health and Safety procedures
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with basic registry tasks, including sorting and faxing private and official mail
- Ensure the safekeeping of documents
- Distribute and deliver mail, documents, files, and parcels to internal and external service centres or satellite offices
- Collect mail, documents, and parcels from internal and external units
- Update the document register
How to Apply
Email: [email protected]
Post: Mr J. Stander, SA Navy, Private Bag X1, Simon’s Town, 7995
Hand Deliver: Fleet Command HQ, Building 1097, East Dockyard, St George’s Street, Simon’s Town
Enquiries: Cdr J. Howe, Tel: (021) 787 4220/3848
Closing Date
Applications for these Department of Defence vacancies must be submitted no later than 17 July 2026 at 16:00. Applications received after the closing date and time will not be considered. Faxed applications are also not accepted, so applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute issues.
Important Information for Applicants
The Department of Defence is committed to promoting employment equity and creating a representative workforce. Appointments will be made in line with the department’s Employment Equity Plan, taking into account race, gender, and disability to improve representativity.
All applications must be submitted using the new prescribed Z83 Application for Employment Form, which became effective on 1 January 2021. The form can be obtained from any Public Service Department or downloaded from the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) website. Applications submitted on an outdated or incorrect version of the Z83 form will be disqualified. The application form must be fully completed, signed, and dated by the applicant.
A detailed and up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) must accompany the completed Z83 form. At the application stage, no certified copies of qualifications or supporting documents are required. Only candidates who are shortlisted will be requested to submit certified copies of qualifications, identity documents, driver’s licences where applicable, and any other relevant supporting documents before the interview. These certified copies must not be older than six months.
Applicants interested in more than one advertised position must complete and submit a separate Z83 form and supporting CV for each vacancy. If multiple posts are listed on a single application form, only the first post indicated will be considered. Requests to withdraw an application must be submitted in writing.
Photocopied or faxed application forms will not be accepted. Failure to follow the application instructions or submit the required documentation may result in the application being disqualified.
Successful candidates will undergo a comprehensive personnel suitability assessment. This includes verification of qualifications and previous employment, criminal record checks, citizenship verification, financial and asset record screening, as well as security clearance processes. Depending on the position, applicants may also undergo social media screening as part of the pre-employment verification process.
Candidates shortlisted for interviews will be required to complete two pre-entry assessments. One assessment will be a practical exercise related to the duties of the position, while the second will assess integrity and ethical conduct. Performance in these assessments will form part of the overall selection process.
Applicants shortlisted for Senior Management Service (SMS) positions will undergo additional technical assessments and interviews. Following these evaluations, a maximum of three candidates may be invited to complete psychometric assessments designed to evaluate cognitive ability, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence, and integrity. These assessments will only be conducted for candidates who successfully progress through the interview stage.
Candidates who receive an appointment will be required to complete a full security vetting process while employed by the Department of Defence. An unfavourable security clearance outcome may result in the cancellation of the employment contract. Newly appointed employees will also be required to disclose their financial interests within one month of appointment where applicable.
Successful candidates will serve a probation period of 12 months in accordance with the applicable Public Service regulations before permanent appointment is confirmed.
Applicants who do not receive any communication within three months after the closing date should regard their application as unsuccessful. Due to the anticipated high number of applications, acknowledgement of receipt will not be provided, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Individuals requiring further information about a specific vacancy are encouraged to contact the enquiry person listed in the relevant job advertisement.