Published: 9 June 2026
Author: Phindile Dlomo
The Department of Employment and Labour has announced new employment opportunities for Client Service Officers within its Public Employment Services division in KwaZulu-Natal.
The department is recruiting for two permanent positions located at the Labour Centres in Richards Bay and Verulam. These opportunities are open to applicants who have completed Grade 12, with no previous work experience required.
For job seekers looking to start a career in the public service sector, these positions provide an opportunity to gain experience in employment services, client support, administration, and labour market programmes.
Department Opens Two Client Service Officer Positions
The vacancies fall under the Public Employment Services branch of the Department of Employment and Labour.
Successful candidates will be responsible for assisting job seekers, employers, and members of the public who access services through local Labour Centres.
Available Posts
Client Service Officer: Public Employment Services (X2 Posts)
Salary: R280,278 per annum
Locations:
- Richards Bay Labour Centre (Ref No: HR4/4/5/8)
- Verulam Labour Centre (Ref No: HR4/4/5/9)
These positions form part of the department’s ongoing efforts to improve employment services and support job seekers across South Africa.
Grade 12 Qualification Required
One of the key attractions of these vacancies is that no previous work experience is required.
Applicants must possess:
- Grade 12 / National Senior Certificate
- Basic computer literacy
- Good communication skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Problem-solving abilities
- Listening skills
- Telephone etiquette
- Ability to interpret legislation and policies
This makes the opportunity particularly suitable for school leavers and first-time job seekers interested in government employment.
Knowledge Areas Expected
Although experience is not required, candidates should demonstrate an understanding of:
- Labour legislation and regulations
- Employment Services Act
- Public Service Act and Regulations
- Departmental policies and procedures
- Batho Pele Principles
A willingness to learn and provide professional client service will be important for success in the role.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Successful candidates will perform a variety of client-facing and administrative functions.
Key responsibilities include:
- Registering work seekers on the Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA) system
- Registering work opportunities and learning opportunities on ESSA
- Referring work seekers for employment counselling services
- Providing administrative support during placement processes
- Assisting with employment and learning opportunity programmes
- Performing general administrative duties
- Participating in advocacy and awareness sessions when required
The role plays an important part in connecting unemployed South Africans with employment and training opportunities.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Public Employment Services serve as a bridge between employers and job seekers.
Client Service Officers help individuals access government-supported employment services, career guidance, and workplace opportunities.
For candidates seeking long-term public sector careers, this position can provide valuable exposure to government operations, labour market services, client administration, and public service delivery.
Employment Equity Considerations
The Department of Employment and Labour has indicated that these appointments will support employment equity objectives.
The department specifically encourages applications from:
- Indian applicants
- White applicants
- Persons living with disabilities
Appointments will be made in accordance with the department’s Employment Equity Plan and representivity targets.
How to Apply
Applicants may submit their applications online, by post, or by hand delivery.
Richards Bay Labour Centre
Reference Number: HR4/4/5/8
Email Applications: Jobs-KZN28@labour.gov.za
Postal Address:
Deputy Director
Richards Bay Labour Centre
Private Bag X20033
Empangeni
3880
Hand Delivery Address:
11 Lira Rink Road
Richards Bay
Verulam Labour Centre
Reference Number: HR4/4/5/9
Email Applications: JobsKZN30@labour.gov.za
Postal Address:
Deputy Director
Verulam Labour Centre
PO Box 1144
Verulam
4340
Hand Delivery Address:
Wick Street
Verulam
Important Application Requirements
Applicants submitting applications online must ensure that:
- The new Z83 application form is completed
- An updated CV is included
- The Z83 form and CV are combined into a single PDF document
- Only one attachment is submitted
- The correct job title and reference number appear in the email subject line
The department has stated that ZIP, IMG, and JPEG files will not be accepted.
Failure to follow the application instructions may result in disqualification.
Application Deadline
Applications close on:
22 June 2026 at 16:00 for walk-in applications
22 June 2026 at 23:59 for online applications
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid technical or administrative delays.
Final Thoughts
The Client Service Officer vacancies at the Department of Employment and Labour provide an opportunity for Grade 12 graduates to enter the public service sector without prior work experience.
With a competitive government salary package and exposure to employment services administration, these positions may appeal to individuals interested in building a career within government and public service delivery.
Candidates who meet the requirements should ensure that they follow the application instructions carefully and submit their applications before the closing date.
Sources and References
- Department of Employment and Labour vacancy circular.
- Public Service Regulations.
- Employment Services Act.
- Government recruitment guidelines.
Editorial Disclosure
This article is intended for informational purposes only. Vacancy details were accurate at the time of publication based on information released by the Department of Employment and Labour. Applicants should consult the official vacancy advertisement and verify all application requirements before applying.
About the Author
SEND CV covers South African government vacancies, internships, learnerships, public service opportunities, and employment programmes to help job seekers access accurate and transparent career information.
