Department of Public Works Hiring Cleaners for 2026 – No Experience Required and Grade 9 Qualification Accepted

Published: 12 June 2026
Author: Phindile Dlomo
Category: Government Jobs | Entry-Level Employment | Facilities Management Careers

Government Opens Cleaner Vacancies for South Africans Seeking Stable Employment Opportunities

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) has announced new Cleaner vacancies for 2026, creating employment opportunities for individuals seeking entry-level government jobs in Limpopo.

The department is recruiting two Cleaners for positions at the Groblersdal Magistrate Court and Thabazimbi Magistrate Court, offering an annual salary of R144,024.

Importantly, applicants only need a minimum Grade 9 qualification or ABET Level 4 equivalent, and no previous work experience is required.

At a time when many job seekers struggle to find opportunities without formal work experience, these government positions provide a valuable opportunity to secure stable employment while gaining practical workplace skills.


Why Government Cleaning Jobs Remain Important Career Opportunities

Although cleaning positions are often viewed as entry-level roles, they play a critical role in maintaining safe, professional, and productive public service environments.

Cleaners contribute directly to:

  • Workplace hygiene and health
  • Public safety standards
  • Facility maintenance
  • Professional service delivery
  • Operational efficiency

Government facilities such as courts, hospitals, schools, and administrative offices rely on facilities management personnel to ensure services can be delivered in clean and safe environments.

For many employees, entry-level support roles become stepping stones toward broader career opportunities within government departments.


Available Positions

Cleaner: Facilities Management (X2 Posts)

Reference Number

2026/253

Salary

R144,024 per annum

Locations

Groblersdal Magistrate Court

(1 Position)

Thabazimbi Magistrate Court

(1 Position)


Minimum Requirements

Applicants must possess:

  • Grade 9 qualification or
  • ABET Level 4 qualification or equivalent

Experience

  • No previous work experience required

This makes the positions particularly suitable for:

  • First-time job seekers
  • Unemployed youth
  • Individuals re-entering the workforce
  • Candidates seeking stable government employment

Skills and Competencies Required

The Department is seeking candidates with:

  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Basic literacy and communication abilities
  • Ability to perform routine cleaning duties
  • Ability to work physically for extended periods
  • Understanding of workplace hygiene standards
  • Ability to handle cleaning equipment safely
  • Ability to conduct stock counts and monitor supplies

Successful candidates must also be comfortable working with cleaning chemicals and within environments that may occasionally present hazardous conditions.


Key Duties and Responsibilities

Building Cleaning Services

Successful candidates will be responsible for maintaining clean and hygienic court facilities through duties such as:

  • Emptying dustbins
  • Dusting and polishing furniture
  • Refilling water containers
  • Cleaning walls and windows
  • Washing floors
  • Vacuuming carpets

Toilet Cleaning and Hygiene Management

Employees will perform:

  • Deep cleaning of toilet facilities
  • Refilling toilet paper dispensers
  • Refilling handwashing soap dispensers
  • Cleaning and sanitising toilet floors

Maintaining hygiene standards remains critical in public facilities where large numbers of people access services daily.

Kitchen Maintenance Support

The role also includes:

  • Cleaning kitchen areas
  • Washing kitchen utensils
  • Maintaining kitchen floors
  • Assisting with tea and coffee services during meetings and official forums

Supporting Building Safety

Cleaners are expected to assist in promoting safe working conditions by:

  • Reporting maintenance defects
  • Alerting staff about slippery floors
  • Reporting faulty lighting
  • Reporting broken locks and security concerns

These responsibilities contribute to overall workplace safety and operational effectiveness.


The Career Value of Facilities Management Experience

While often overlooked, facilities management and cleaning services provide practical workplace experience that can support future career development.

Employees gain exposure to:

  • Workplace health and safety procedures
  • Facility maintenance standards
  • Inventory management
  • Customer service environments
  • Teamwork and organisational systems

These skills can help individuals pursue future opportunities in:

  • Facilities Management
  • Building Maintenance
  • Occupational Health and Safety
  • General Administration
  • Property Management
  • Government Support Services

For many workers, gaining experience within a government department can improve employability and provide access to future vacancies and internal development opportunities.


Why Entry-Level Government Jobs Matter in South Africa

South Africa continues to face significant unemployment challenges, particularly among individuals with limited formal qualifications or work experience.

Vacancies requiring only Grade 9 or ABET qualifications are particularly important because they provide access to formal employment for individuals who may not meet the educational requirements of many other advertised positions.

Government support service roles help create economic participation opportunities while enabling workers to gain valuable experience and earn a stable income.


Income and Financial Stability Benefits

The advertised annual salary of R144,024 provides successful candidates with a predictable income and access to public sector employment conditions.

Beyond immediate earnings, stable employment can help workers:

  • Build workplace experience
  • Improve financial security
  • Develop professional references
  • Access future training opportunities
  • Strengthen long-term employability

For many households, stable employment can create opportunities for further education, skills development, and career advancement.


Application Details

Email Applications

RecruitPLK26-12@dpw.gov.za

Applications should be submitted to the Polokwane Regional Office.


Enquiries

Ms M.P. Morudu
Telephone: (015) 291 8035


Final Analysis

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure’s Cleaner vacancies at Groblersdal and Thabazimbi Magistrate Courts provide accessible employment opportunities for South Africans seeking stable government work without previous experience.

With only a Grade 9 or ABET Level 4 qualification required, these positions offer an important pathway into the public service sector while allowing candidates to earn a regular income and gain valuable workplace experience. For job seekers looking to establish themselves in government employment, these vacancies represent an opportunity worth considering.

Sources and References

  • Department of Public Works and Infrastructure Vacancy Circular 2026
  • Public Service Regulations
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act)
  • Government Facilities Management Guidelines
  • Department of Public Works and Infrastructure Recruitment Notice

Editorial Transparency

This article has been independently prepared using information contained in an official Department of Public Works and Infrastructure vacancy advertisement. The content is intended for informational and educational purposes. Applicants should verify all requirements, closing dates, and application procedures through official government sources before applying.

Phindile Dlomo

Author Bio – Phindile DlomoPhindile Dlomo is the founder of SendCV, a platform focused on making learning simple and accessible while sharing trusted online opportunities. With a passion for empowering individuals, Phindile provides practical resources to support personal growth and career development.Contact me on: phindile@sendcv.co.za