Company Profile: Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
The DHET is a key national department responsible for the development and management of post-school education and training in South Africa. Its mandate covers Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, Community Education and Training (CET) centers, and Universities. By joining the DHET, you become part of a government body dedicated to human capital development, ensuring that the country’s youth and workforce have access to high-quality training and employment opportunities. The department operates under the framework of the Public Service Act, offering stable careers with competitive government benefits (GEHS, GEMS, and GEPF).
Available Posts
🗂 Administration & Clerical
- Secretary to Director (x9)
- General Administrative Clerk (x14)
- Human Resource Clerk (x3)
- Registry Clerk (x4)
- Senior Administration Clerk
- Administrative Officer (x4)
- Chief Administrative Clerk
- Senior Administrative Officer (x4)
- Chief Typist
- Personal Assistant to the Deputy Director-General
- Personal Assistant to the Chief Director: International Relations
- Liaison Officer
💰 Finance & Accounting
- Finance Clerk
- State Accountant (x2)
- Senior State Accountant
👥 Human Resources & Labour Relations
- Personnel Practitioner: HRDM&D
- Employee Health and Wellness Officer
- Labour Relations Officer (x2)
- Senior Labour Relations Practitioner (x2)
🍽 Support & Technical Services
- Food Service Aid (x2)
- Food Service Aid Supervisor
- Cleaner
- Driver / Messenger
- Security Officer (x3)
- Groundsman Maintenance (x2)
- Trade Assistant (x3)
- Transport Officer
💻 ICT & Information Security
- IT Technician (x2)
- Senior Information Security
📞 Communication & Client Services
- Communication Officer
- Call Centre and Client Services (x2)
📚 Training & Development
- Training Practitioner
- Senior Training Practitioner (x3)
- Senior Practitioner (x2)
…and many other posts available.
Key Responsibilities (Per Sector)
- Administration: Managing office correspondence, filing systems, and the coordination of directorate meetings. Ensuring adherence to the National Minimum Information Requirements (NMIR).
- Finance: Processing payments, managing petty cash, and ensuring compliance with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and Treasury Regulations.
- HR & Labour Relations: Facilitating recruitment processes, managing employee wellness, and representing the department in dispute resolutions at the GPSSBC.
- Support Services: Maintaining departmental infrastructure, ensuring the safe transport of documents/personnel, and providing frontline security at DHET facilities.
- ICT: Providing technical support to DHET staff and ensuring the integrity of the department’s information security systems to prevent data breaches.
💡 Interview Prep: Possible Questions
- “Why do you want to work for the Department of Higher Education and Training specifically?”
- Tip: Align your answer with their mandate. “I want to contribute to the department that shapes the future of our workforce through better TVET and University oversight.”
- “Are you familiar with the Z83 form and the importance of the POPIA Act in administration?”
- Tip: “Yes, I understand that the Z83 is the gateway to public service and must be signed. I also respect that POPIA requires us to handle applicant and student data with the highest level of confidentiality.”
- “How do you handle a situation where you are asked to process a payment that doesn’t comply with the PFMA?”
- Tip: Focus on integrity. “I would respectfully flag the non-compliance to my supervisor. In government, adhering to the PFMA is non-negotiable to prevent irregular expenditure.”
- “Describe your ability to work under pressure during ‘peak’ periods like the beginning of the academic year.”
- Tip: Mention prioritization. “I use task-lists and focus on high-impact administrative duties first to ensure that student and institutional needs are met without delay.”
🚀 Career Advice for DHET Applicants
- The New Z83 is Non-Negotiable: Ensure you are using the latest Z83 form (effective from 1 January 2021). Many government applications are disqualified simply for using the old form.
- Certification Update: While recent regulations sometimes allow for uncertified documents during the initial application, it is safest to ensure your ID and qualifications are certified (not older than 6 months) to avoid any technical glitches on the portal.
- Reference Numbers: When applying via the portal z83.ngnscan.co.za/apply, double-check the Reference Number for the specific post. Applying to the wrong reference number will result in your application being lost.
- Tailor Your Skills: If you are applying for a “Secretary” role, highlight your typing speed and software proficiency (MS Word/Excel). If applying for “Labour Relations,” emphasize your knowledge of the LRA and BCEA.