Department of Water and Sanitation General Worker Vacancy – ABET Qualification Required
Department of Water and Sanitation General Worker Vacancy – ABET Qualification Required
The Department of Water and Sanitation is hiring a General Worker in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, offering an annual salary of R144 024. This opportunity may suit job seekers with an ABET qualification who are comfortable performing physical and manual work in outdoor environments.
The position falls under the Department’s Infrastructure Management: Southern Operations branch and is based within the Directorate: Operations Southern.
Applications must be submitted before the closing date of 24 August 2026.
Department of Water and Sanitation General Worker Vacancy Overview
Position: General Worker
Department: Department of Water and Sanitation
Reference Number: 240826/09
Branch: Infrastructure Management: Southern Operations
Directorate: Operations Southern
Location: Mthatha
Salary: R144 024 per annum
Salary Level: Level 02
Closing Date: 24 August 2026
Application Method: Online
This is a practical, hands-on position involving the maintenance of grounds, gardens, canals, buildings and other infrastructure.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have an ABET qualification.
Previous experience performing manual work will be considered an added advantage, meaning applicants without extensive work experience may still consider applying if they meet the stated qualification requirements.
Candidates should also have a basic understanding of:
- General manual work and the handling of equipment and appliances
- Chemical products and the correct dilution or mixing of chemicals
- Daily maintenance procedures for machines and equipment
- Water utilisation and water resource strategies
- Health and safety procedures
- Garden and grounds maintenance
- Relevant Government legislation
Applicants should have good communication skills and be able to work effectively as part of a team.
The Department is also looking for candidates who are punctual, productive and loyal.
Ability to Work Near Water Is Important
Because this position is linked to water infrastructure operations, successful candidates must be comfortable working in or near rivers, dams and canals.
Applicants should therefore consider the physical nature and working environment of the position before submitting their applications.
General Worker Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will assist with maintaining Department of Water and Sanitation facilities, grounds and infrastructure.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Cleaning and maintaining grounds and canal areas
- Assisting with repairs to tools and structures
- Helping maintain buildings, fences, canal areas and benches
- Using hand and power tools where required
- Mixing, spraying or spreading fertilisers
- Using manual or automatic sprayers and spreaders
- Maintaining sidewalks and driveways
- Keeping parking areas clean and maintained
- Maintaining planters and other ground features
- Caring for existing gardens and grounds
- Maintaining grass, plants and trees
- Raking and mulching leaves
- Irrigating lawns and plants
- Sweeping walkways and surrounding grounds
- Cleaning buildings
- Sweeping and washing floors
The role requires someone who is prepared to perform various physical duties and help ensure that the Department’s facilities and surrounding areas remain clean, safe and properly maintained.
Who Should Apply?
This vacancy may be suitable for candidates who:
- Have an ABET qualification
- Are looking for an entry-level Government job
- Are physically able to perform manual duties
- Can work outdoors
- Are comfortable working near rivers, dams and canals
- Understand basic workplace health and safety practices
- Can use basic equipment and tools
- Work well with other people
- Are reliable and punctual
Experience in manual work is beneficial but is listed as an added advantage rather than a minimum requirement.
Preference for Local Candidates
The Department has indicated that preference will be given to candidates from the geographical area.
Job seekers living in or around Mthatha and surrounding areas are therefore encouraged to consider applying if they meet the requirements.
How to Apply for the Department of Water and Sanitation General Worker Vacancy
Applications must be completed online through the Department of Water and Sanitation e-Recruitment system.
When applying, make sure you select the correct vacancy and use:
Reference Number: 240826/09
Applicants should carefully complete all required information on the recruitment portal and ensure that their details are correct before submitting the application.
It is advisable not to wait until the closing date to apply, as technical problems or high website traffic could make completing an application difficult.
Closing Date
The closing date for applications is:
24 August 2026
Applications submitted after the closing date may not be considered.
Enquiries
For enquiries regarding this vacancy, contact:
Mr M. Boyce
Cell: 083 412 1966
Applicants should use the contact details for vacancy-related enquiries and submit their actual applications through the Department’s online recruitment portal.
Why This General Worker Opportunity Is Worth Considering
The Department of Water and Sanitation General Worker vacancy provides an opportunity for candidates with an ABET qualification to compete for a Government position without an advanced tertiary qualification being listed as a requirement.
The successful candidate will support the maintenance of important water infrastructure and departmental facilities while gaining practical experience in grounds maintenance, cleaning, basic repairs and general operational support.
If you meet the requirements and are based in or around Mthatha, consider submitting your application before 24 August 2026.
