The Department of Agriculture (DOA) is inviting suitably qualified candidates to apply for the latest government vacancies at the Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute (GADI) in Middelburg, Eastern Cape. These opportunities are ideal for individuals looking to build a stable career in the public sector while contributing to agricultural development and support services.

Applications are currently open for the positions of Handyman and Household Aid. Candidates with basic educational qualifications and relevant work experience are encouraged to apply before the closing date.

The Department continues to promote employment equity and encourages applications from Africans and persons living with disabilities.

Handyman Vacancy – Department of Agriculture

Position Details

• Position: Handyman
• Reference Number: 3/3/1/31/2026
• Salary: R170 226 per annum (Level 03)
• Location: Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute (GADI), Middelburg, Eastern Cape

The Handyman position offers an opportunity for individuals with practical maintenance and farm experience to work in a government agricultural environment. The role focuses on maintenance, repairs, infrastructure support, and routine farm duties.

Minimum Requirements for Handyman Post

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Grade 9 or NQF Level 1 qualification
• 1–2 years of relevant experience in farm work or fence-making
• Competency Certificate in fence-making will be an added advantage
• Basic understanding of Public Service and Departmental policies
• Knowledge of general farm operations and maintenance work

Candidates should also have practical knowledge in:

• Fence installation and repairs
• Cleaning buildings and equipment
• Harvesting lucerne
• Feed storage
• Operating hand tools
• General agricultural activities

Skills Required

Successful applicants should demonstrate:

• Good communication skills
• Planning and organisational abilities
• Interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and within a team
• Problem-solving abilities

Handyman Duties and Responsibilities

The appointed candidate will be responsible for several maintenance and agricultural support duties.

Building Maintenance

Responsibilities include:

• Conducting regular inspections of buildings and equipment
• Reporting damages and defects
• Assisting with plumbing, electrical, carpentry, painting, and renovations
• Replacing damaged infrastructure where necessary

Farm Infrastructure Maintenance

The successful candidate will also:

• Repair fences and water systems
• Maintain furniture, equipment, and tools
• Detect and repair leaks and broken pipes
• Safeguard maintenance tools and supplies
• Construct farm structures such as shade ports and support frames

General Farm Work

Daily farm duties may include:

• Installing irrigation systems and pumps
• Digging trenches
• Combating veld fires
• Weeding, sowing, and irrigation activities
• Maintaining paddocks, gardens, and irrigation land

General Cleaning and Maintenance

Additional duties include:

• Cleaning roads and parking areas
• Washing official vehicles
• Cleaning gutters
• Removing and dumping refuse
• Cleaning buildings and machinery

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Household Aid Vacancies – Department of Agriculture

Position Details

• Position: Household Aid
• Reference Number: 3/3/1/32/2026
• Number of Posts: 4
• Salary: R170 226 per annum (Level 03)
• Location: Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute (GADI), Middelburg, Eastern Cape

The Department of Agriculture is also recruiting Household Aids to assist with hygiene, cleaning, and food service duties within the institution.

Minimum Requirements for Household Aid Posts

Applicants must have:

• Grade 10 or ABET qualification
• Relevant cleaning experience
• Basic understanding of hygiene and food service procedures

Required Skills

Candidates should possess:

• Verbal and written communication skills
• Professional presentation
• Confidentiality and honesty
• Ability to work under pressure
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Adaptability and accuracy
• Ability to work independently

Household Aid Duties and Responsibilities

Hygiene and Cleaning Services

Successful candidates will:

• Maintain a clean and hygienic environment
• Follow health and safety regulations
• Ensure compliance with Occupational Health and Safety standards
• Report broken equipment and unsafe conditions
• Sweep and mop work areas when required

Food Service Support

Responsibilities include:

• Washing dishes, microwaves, and refrigerators
• Cleaning food preparation equipment
• Maintaining cleanliness in kitchens and work areas
• Collecting and disposing of waste properly

Boardroom and Catering Assistance

Candidates will also assist with:

• Preparing food and water for meetings
• Serving refreshments during meetings
• Managing utensils and catering equipment
• Cleaning the boardroom after meetings
• Assisting during special catering functions

Why These Government Jobs Matter

Government jobs remain among the most sought-after employment opportunities in South Africa due to job security, stable salaries, and employee benefits. Entry-level posts such as Handyman and Household Aid can also provide long-term career growth opportunities within government departments.

The Department of Agriculture plays a major role in supporting agricultural development, food security, and rural economic growth. Working at GADI allows employees to gain valuable experience within the agricultural sector while contributing to important public service functions.

For many job seekers in the Eastern Cape, these positions offer an opportunity to secure permanent employment with a nationally recognised government department.

Application Process

Applications can be submitted through hand delivery or email.

Hand Delivery Address

20 Steve Biko Street
Agriculture Place
Arcadia
Pretoria
0002

Email Addresses

• Handyman Applications: [email protected]
• Household Aid Applications: [email protected]

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is: 22 May 2026 at 16:00

Important Note for Applicants

To apply for these Department of Agriculture vacancies, applicants must submit a fully completed Z83 application form together with a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV). Applications sent through email must be submitted as PDF documents and should not exceed 10MB in file size. Applications can either be hand delivered or submitted through the official email addresses provided in the advertisement.

The Department stated that it will not be responsible for delays caused by email servers or technical problems. Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances. Applicants are advised to submit applications well before the closing date to avoid disappointment.

Candidates applying for more than one position must submit separate applications for each reference number. Duplicate applications for the same post are discouraged.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted by the Department. If no response is received within three months after the closing date, the application should be considered unsuccessful.

Shortlisted applicants will be required to provide certified copies of qualifications, Identity Documents, and other supporting documents before the interview process. Applicants with foreign qualifications must also provide SAQA evaluation reports.

The recruitment process may include practical assessments, integrity assessments, security vetting, personnel suitability checks, reference checks, and social media verification. Any false information or fraudulent qualifications submitted during the application process will be reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS), and criminal charges may be opened against offenders.

Applicants must declare any pending criminal cases, disciplinary matters, investigations, conflicts of interest, board memberships, or directorships linked to their names. Failure to disclose relevant information may lead to disqualification or termination of employment if discovered later.

The Department of Agriculture reserves the right not to fill the advertised posts. Recruitment processes may also be cancelled or postponed if affected by restructuring, reorganisation, budget limitations, or government directives.

The Department remains committed to equal opportunity and affirmative action employment principles. Preference may be given to Africans and persons with disabilities in line with Employment Equity objectives.

Successful candidates will be expected to sign employment contracts, annual performance agreements, and financial disclosure forms where required. Candidates appointed into qualifying positions must also successfully pass all required verification and security clearance processes before assuming duty.