The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is inviting applications for Housekeeping Executive positions offering a salary of R144,024 per annum. The opportunity is aimed at applicants with a minimum Grade 9 or ABET Level 2 certificate, making it a potentially valuable entry-level government employment opportunity for job seekers who do not have matric.

According to the vacancy information supplied for this article, three posts are available: two in Pretoria and one in QwaQwa, under reference numbers CMS37/2026 and CMS38/2026 respectively. Applications must be submitted online through the DFFE eRecruitment system, with the closing date set for 31 August 2026 at 16:00.

The role goes beyond ordinary office cleaning. The successful candidates will help maintain clean and organised departmental facilities, support meetings, manage cleaning-related stock and equipment, and ensure that everyday workplace services operate smoothly.

For job seekers with limited formal qualifications, this is an important distinction: the position demonstrates how practical workplace skills, reliability, organisation and good interpersonal relations can be just as important as academic qualifications in certain entry-level public-service roles.

Housekeeping Executive vacancy at DFFE: At a glance

Programme detail	Information
Employer	Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)
Position	Housekeeping Executive
Salary	R144,024 per annum
Salary equivalent	Approximately R12,002 per month before deductions
Minimum qualification	Grade 9 or ABET Level 2 Certificate
Pretoria posts	2
QwaQwa posts	1
Pretoria reference	CMS37/2026
QwaQwa reference	CMS38/2026
Experience	Cleaning-service experience will be an added advantage
Application method	Online
Closing date	31 August 2026 at 16:00
Late applications	Not accepted
Enquiries	Ms N Molepo – (012) 399 8886

The DFFE maintains an official vacancies platform where applicants can review government employment opportunities and recruitment information.

What is the DFFE Housekeeping Executive job about?

At first glance, a housekeeping position may appear to be limited to sweeping, dusting and cleaning. The advertised duties show a broader role.

The successful candidate will contribute to the day-to-day functioning of a government workplace by keeping offices and shared facilities clean, preparing areas for meetings, assisting with refreshments, managing certain supplies and reporting damaged or missing equipment.

This means the job requires more than physical ability. A person working in this position needs to be dependable, observant and able to follow established procedures.

For example, when a departmental meeting is scheduled, the housekeeping employee may need to make sure that the meeting area is clean, cups are available, water has been supplied and used crockery is removed afterwards. At the same time, cleaning materials and stock need to be monitored so that supplies do not unexpectedly run out.

That combination of cleaning, hospitality support, stock control and workplace responsibility makes the role more varied than the job title alone might suggest.

Eligibility requirements

Applicants should carefully compare their qualifications and experience with the requirements in the vacancy advertisement before submitting an application.

The stated minimum requirement is:

• Grade 9 or ABET Level 2 Certificate.
• Previous experience in rendering cleaning services will be an added advantage.
• Applicants should understand one of the official languages used in the Department.
• Applicants must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good interpersonal relations are required.
• Good communication skills are required.
• Applicants should have sound organising and planning abilities.
• A sense of responsibility and loyalty is required.
• Applicants must be able to work long hours voluntarily when required.

Importantly, matric is not listed as the minimum educational requirement in the vacancy information supplied for this position. Applicants should therefore not automatically exclude themselves because they do not have Grade 12, provided they meet the stated Grade 9 or ABET Level 2 requirement.

Duties and responsibilities

The Housekeeping Executive will be responsible for a range of practical workplace-support activities.

Cleaning departmental facilities

The position involves providing cleaning services throughout the department, including:

• Offices
• Boardrooms
• Kitchens
• Passages
• Other designated workplace areas

The employee must maintain acceptable standards of cleanliness and ensure that work areas remain presentable.

Cleaning office equipment and furniture

The duties also include cleaning items such as:

• Computer printers
• Cabinets
• Other relevant office areas and equipment

This requires care because office equipment should be cleaned using appropriate methods and materials rather than treated like ordinary surfaces.

Supporting departmental meetings

The employee will provide practical support before, during and after meetings.

This includes:

• Preparing tea and water.
• Filling water bottles.
• Washing and supplying cups.
• Removing cups after meetings.
• Assisting with meeting-room preparation.
• Keeping the meeting environment clean and orderly.

This part of the role highlights the importance of professionalism and attention to detail.

Waste management

The employee will also be responsible for removing waste and disposing of it in the designated main dustbin or collection point.

Good waste-handling practices are particularly important in a workplace environment where cleanliness and hygiene affect employees and visitors.

Cleaning-material management

The role involves handling cleaning materials and using cleaning equipment according to prescribed procedures.

Employees therefore need to understand that cleaning products and equipment should be used responsibly and safely.

Stock monitoring

Another important part of the position is maintaining and updating stock levels.

The employee will keep lists and monitor levels of items such as:

• Cutlery
• Crockery
• Cleaning equipment
• Beverage supplies

The employee must also receive and pack stock and report faults, losses and breakages involving utensils or equipment.

This is an important responsibility because poor stock control can result in shortages, unnecessary expenditure or delays when facilities need to support meetings and normal operations.

Skills you can gain from the position

Although this is an entry-level role, the duties provide opportunities to develop transferable workplace skills.

1. Workplace organisation

Employees learn how to plan daily cleaning activities, prioritise tasks and maintain different areas according to workplace requirements.

2. Stock control

Monitoring cleaning products, beverages, crockery and cutlery can provide practical experience in basic inventory management.

3. Communication

The position requires interaction with colleagues and potentially visitors or meeting participants. This can strengthen professional communication skills.

4. Teamwork

The department specifically requires the ability to work both individually and in a team.

5. Responsibility and reliability

Government workplaces depend on employees completing routine responsibilities consistently. Reliability is therefore an important professional attribute for this position.

6. Hospitality support

Preparing meeting rooms, supplying water and tea, and managing crockery can introduce employees to basic workplace hospitality functions.

7. Planning and time management

Housekeeping duties need to be completed while responding to meeting schedules and other workplace requirements. This develops practical time-management abilities.

Career opportunities after gaining experience

A Housekeeping Executive position can provide practical workplace experience that may become useful when pursuing other opportunities in cleaning, facilities support, hospitality or general administration.

Depending on future qualifications and experience, possible career directions could include:

• Senior housekeeping roles
• Cleaning supervisor positions
• Facilities-support roles
• Hospitality support positions
• Hotel housekeeping
• Office-services roles
• Workplace facilities management
• Stock or stores-support positions

Applicants should not interpret these as guaranteed promotions. Career progression depends on future vacancies, qualifications, experience and the requirements of the employer.

The most valuable long-term benefit can be the combination of formal government workplace experience and transferable practical skills.

Application tips for the DFFE vacancy

A strong application begins with following the instructions exactly.

1. Use the online application system

The advertisement states that applications must be submitted online through the DFFE eRecruitment platform.

The Department’s eRecruitment system identifies the Z83 application form and a detailed CV containing contact details for three recent references among the required documents for its recruitment processes.

2. Complete every required section

Do not leave mandatory sections incomplete.

The supplied advertisement specifically warns that failure to complete or disclose required information may result in automatic disqualification.

3. Prepare a detailed CV

Your CV should clearly show:

• Your highest qualification.
• Relevant cleaning experience.
• Previous employers, where applicable.
• Relevant duties performed.
• Contact details.
• At least three contactable references.

If you have previous experience cleaning offices, schools, hospitals, hotels, public buildings or other workplaces, describe the actual duties you performed rather than simply writing “cleaner”.

4. Use the correct reference number

Pay close attention to the position and centre you are applying for.

For Pretoria, the supplied vacancy information gives:

CMS37/2026 – Housekeeping Executive – Pretoria – 2 posts

For QwaQwa:

CMS38/2026 – Housekeeping Executive – QwaQwa – 1 post

5. Do not submit after the deadline

The closing date is 31 August 2026 at 16:00. The advertisement states that late applications will not be accepted.

It is advisable to submit well before the final afternoon rather than waiting until the deadline.

Where to Apply

Applications should be submitted online through the official DFFE eRecruitment platform:

DFFE eRecruitment – Official Application Portal

Applicants can also use the Department’s official vacancies page to verify recruitment information and review other available DFFE positions:

The DFFE’s official website confirms that the department operates a vacancies section for recruitment opportunities.

Enquiries: Ms N Molepo – (012) 399 8886

Important application warning

Applicants should be cautious about unofficial websites or individuals requesting money to submit an application. A genuine application should follow the method specified in the official vacancy advertisement.

The safest approach is to verify the position and application process through DFFE’s official recruitment channels before submitting personal information.

What happens after applying?

Submitting an application does not mean that an applicant will automatically be appointed.

According to the supplied vacancy notice, shortlisted candidates may be required to provide certified copies of qualifications, identity documents and a driver’s licence on or before the interview, where applicable.

The Department also states that shortlisted candidates may undergo screening and security vetting. The checks can include criminal records, citizenship status, creditworthiness, previous employment and qualification verification.

The Department reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Applicants should also note that correspondence will be limited to successful candidates at the relevant stages. The advertisement states that if an applicant has not been contacted within three months after the closing date, the application should be regarded as unsuccessful.

A closer look at the qualification requirement

One of the most significant aspects of this vacancy is the relatively accessible educational threshold.

The minimum requirement of Grade 9 or ABET Level 2 means the opportunity may be relevant to job seekers who left school before completing Grade 12 but have obtained the required qualification.

However, meeting the minimum qualification does not guarantee selection.

The advertisement also highlights interpersonal relations, communication, organisation, planning, responsibility and teamwork. In practice, candidates who can demonstrate relevant experience and a dependable work record may be better positioned to compete for the available posts.

This is why applicants should avoid submitting a generic CV. Even for an entry-level government position, the CV should make it easy for the selection team to see how the applicant’s previous experience relates to the advertised duties.

Closing date

Closing date: 31 August 2026 at 16:00

No late applications will be accepted.

Because online applications can take time to complete, applicants should avoid waiting until the final hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Grade 12 required for the DFFE Housekeeping Executive position?

No. The supplied advertisement lists Grade 9 or ABET Level 2 Certificate as the minimum qualification.

How much does the Housekeeping Executive position pay?

The advertised salary is R144,024 per annum, which works out to approximately R12,002 per month before deductions when divided across 12 months.

How many positions are available?

Three positions are listed: two in Pretoria and one in QwaQwa.

What are the reference numbers?

The Pretoria positions are listed under CMS37/2026, while the QwaQwa position is listed under CMS38/2026.

Is cleaning experience compulsory?

The advertisement says experience in rendering cleaning services will be an added advantage. Applicants should nevertheless provide details of any relevant experience they have.

Where will the Pretoria applicants work?

The advertised centre is Pretoria. DFFE’s official contact information lists its Pretoria office at Environment House in Arcadia.

Where will the QwaQwa position be based?

The vacancy identifies QwaQwa as the centre for reference CMS38/2026.

How do I apply?

Applications are to be submitted online through the DFFE eRecruitment platform:

Apply through DFFE eRecruitment

What documents should applicants prepare?

The vacancy notice requires applicants to complete the online Z83 and attach a detailed CV with at least three contactable references. Shortlisted applicants may subsequently be required to provide certified supporting documents.

Can a person with a disability apply?

Yes. The advertisement states that persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Will every applicant be contacted?

No. The Department states that correspondence will be limited to successful candidates. It further states that applicants who have not been contacted within three months after the closing date should regard their applications as unsuccessful.

Is this an SMS or management position?

No. The Housekeeping Executive post is not an SMS position. The long section in the supplied advertisement concerning SMS pre-entry requirements relates to senior management posts and is not a qualification requirement for the Housekeeping Executive position.

That distinction is important because applicants should focus on the requirements that specifically apply to the vacancy they are applying for.

Editorial policy

This article has been prepared to help South African job seekers understand the advertised DFFE Housekeeping Executive opportunity.

The vacancy information supplied for this article has been separated from general career guidance and analysis. Salary, reference numbers, centres, qualification requirements, duties, application method and closing date are presented according to the supplied vacancy notice and cross-checked against official DFFE recruitment information where available.

Readers should always verify the vacancy on the official DFFE recruitment platform before submitting personal information because government recruitment details can change.

This article does not guarantee employment, shortlisting or appointment. Meeting the minimum requirements only makes an applicant eligible to compete for the advertised position.

Sources and references

Primary vacancy information: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), Housekeeping Executive vacancy information supplied for this article.

Official DFFE vacancies: The Department’s official vacancies page provides recruitment information and confirms DFFE’s use of its vacancies platform.

Official DFFE eRecruitment: The Department’s recruitment platform provides online vacancy applications and identifies application documents used in its recruitment process.

DFFE official website/contact information: South African Government’s department directory confirms the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s official website and contact details.

National School of Government: Information concerning the SMS Pre-entry Programme was checked against National School of Government material. The programme is intended for Senior Management Service recruitment and is therefore distinct from the Housekeeping Executive role.

Final word for applicants

For someone looking for a first or next step into government employment, the DFFE Housekeeping Executive vacancy is worth examining closely because the minimum educational requirement is Grade 9 or ABET Level 2, rather than matric.

But the opportunity should not be approached as “just a cleaning job”. The advertised responsibilities cover workplace cleanliness, meeting support, stock management, equipment handling, communication and teamwork. Those are practical skills that can strengthen a person’s employment record over time.

If you meet the minimum requirements, have relevant experience or can demonstrate the practical skills required, prepare your application carefully and submit it through the official DFFE eRecruitment system before 31 August 2026 at 16:00.

Start the official DFFE application process