Department of Tourism Vacancies: Apply for Government Jobs

Looking for a stable public sector career that promotes South Africa to the rest of the world? Applying for the latest Department of Tourism vacancies is a practical way to start working in national government.

Based primarily at their head office in Pretoria, the national department works to grow the local travel and hospitality sector. They create policies, fund local projects, and set the rules that guide how the industry operates.

Many people mistakenly think this department only hires tour guides or field workers. The reality is that they need a massive team of administrative staff, project managers, HR officers, and finance clerks to run the head office effectively.

They also run regional public works programs, such as the Tourism Monitors project. This specific program places safety and information officers at major local attractions across all nine provinces to assist visitors.

Securing a permanent government role here gives you access to excellent benefits. Employees get the standard Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), reliable housing allowances, and a highly secure monthly salary.

Let’s look at the current salary levels, the specific office and field roles they usually hire for, and the strict rules for submitting your Z83 application.

Job Overview: Salary & Benefits (2026 Estimates)

Role	Est. Monthly Salary (ZAR)	Category
Deputy Director	R65,000 – R85,000	Senior Management
Assistant Director	R40,000 – R55,000	Middle Management
Tourism Policy Developer	R30,000 – R45,000	Professional
Admin Clerk / Secretary	R16,000 – R22,000	Office / Support
Data Capturer	R14,000 – R18,000	IT / Administration
Tourism Monitor (EPWP)	R4,500 – R5,500	Contract Stipend

 Available Job Positions (2026 Breakdown)

The department manages national programs and policy development. Hiring is usually split into these three functional areas:

1. Core Administration & Finance

• Roles: Admin Clerks, Supply Chain Management (SCM) Clerks, HR Practitioners.
• The Job: Processing supplier payments, managing staff leave, filing official documents, and ensuring the head office runs smoothly every day.
• Requirement: Grade 12 (Matric) is the minimum for entry-level clerks. A clean credit record is mandatory if you will be working with government funds.

2. Policy & Sector Development

• Roles: Researchers, Policy Developers, Project Managers.
• The Job: Drafting the rules for the tourism industry, researching international travel trends, and managing state-funded tourism infrastructure projects.
• Requirement: A relevant National Diploma or Degree in Public Administration, Tourism Management, or Economics.

3. Field Work & Public Programs

• Roles: Tourism Monitors, EPWP General Workers.
• The Job: These are usually fixed-term contract roles. Monitors are deployed to national parks, beaches, or airports to help tourists with information and report safety issues.
• Requirement: Grade 12. These roles are specifically aimed at unemployed youth to help them gain workplace experience.

 The Reality of Working in Government

1. Heavy Paperwork and Bureaucracy:

Government work involves strict rules. Every decision, purchase, or project must follow the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). If you dislike paperwork and slow approval processes, you might find the public sector frustrating.

2. Slow Recruitment Process:

Applying for government jobs in Pretoria requires patience. After the closing date of an advert, it can take up to three or four months before you are called for an interview. Background checks (vetting) add even more time before you get a final offer.

3. Strict Security Clearances:

State employees handle sensitive information. HR will run your fingerprints through the SAPS database and verify your Matric and degrees directly with SAQA. Do not lie on your CV, as this will lead to immediate disqualification.

How to Apply Correctly? (Multiple Channels)

The Department of Tourism strictly follows government hiring protocols. Avoid paying anyone who promises you a government job, as recruitment is always free.

Method 1: The Standard Z83 Application

This is the required method for permanent office jobs.

1. Step 1: Download the latest Z83 application form from the DPSA website.
2. Step 2: Fill it in completely using black ink. Initial every page.
3. Step 3: Attach your updated CV. (Do not attach certified copies of your ID or qualifications initially, unless the specific advert asks for them. You only bring these if shortlisted).
4. Step 4: Put the documents in an envelope, write the exact Reference Number on the front, and post or hand-deliver it to the address listed on the specific job advert.

Method 2: DPSA Weekly Vacancy Circulars

• Action: The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) issues a PDF document every Friday containing all open government jobs.
• Why: You must check this circular weekly. All official Department of Tourism vacancies will be listed here with their exact closing dates and reference numbers.

Method 3: Local Municipalities (For Tourism Monitors)

• Action: If you are looking for the entry-level Tourism Monitor contracts (part of the EPWP), these are usually handled at a local level. Keep an eye on your local municipality notice boards or official community Facebook pages for recruitment drives in your specific town.