The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is recruiting two Cleaners for its Infrastructure Management branch in Gqeberha, offering an annual salary of R144,024 at salary Level 02.
The posts are based within the department’s Water Resources Infrastructure Operations and Maintenance directorate under Southern Operations. The advertised closing date is 5 October 2026, giving eligible applicants only a limited period to submit their applications.
The department states that preference will be given to candidates who live within the Nelson Mandela District.
Cleaner posts available in Gqeberha
The vacancy is advertised under Reference Number 051026/25 and covers two positions.
The successful candidates will be responsible for maintaining clean, safe and orderly working environments at the department’s facilities.
The position does not require a matric certificate. The minimum educational requirement listed in the advertisement is an ABET certificate.
Previous experience in cleaning services is not listed as compulsory, although the department says it will be an added advantage.
Salary and location
Position: Cleaner
Reference: 051026/25
Number of posts: 2
Salary: R144,024 per year
Salary level: Level 02
Centre: Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth
Closing date: 5 October 2026
Department: Department of Water and Sanitation
Who can apply?
The minimum educational requirement is an ABET certificate.
Applicants with previous cleaning-services experience may have an advantage, but the department describes this as an added advantage rather than a minimum requirement.
The vacancy also expects applicants to have basic knowledge in several practical areas.
These include:
- Cleaning principles
- Use of cleaning equipment
- Chemical use, including dilution and mixing
- Health and safety requirements
- Basic record keeping
- Applying workplace safety rules
- Correct use of cleaning chemicals
The department also lists good communication and interpersonal skills among the requirements.
What will the successful candidates do?
The work goes beyond sweeping and general cleaning.
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The appointed Cleaners will provide basic cleaning services and help maintain cleaning equipment and supplies.
Their responsibilities include cleaning:
- Offices
- Corridors
- Elevators
- Boardrooms
- Walls
- Windows
- Doors
- Restrooms
- Kitchens
- Storerooms
- Working areas
The advertised duties include sweeping, scrubbing, vacuuming, waxing and shampooing floors where required.
Cleaners will also empty and clean waste bins, collect office waste and keep working areas fresh and presentable.
Restroom and workplace duties
Part of the role involves maintaining restroom facilities.
This includes replenishing items such as:
- Hand-wash liquid soap
- Paper towels
- Toilet paper
The employee will also be responsible for emptying and cleaning wash waste bins.
The department expects the successful applicants to report broken machines or equipment and clean equipment after use.
Managing cleaning materials
The position also involves keeping track of cleaning supplies.
Successful candidates may need to request additional cleaning materials when stocks run low and help maintain cleaning equipment.
The vacancy also states that employees may be required to assist with other duties when necessary.
This means applicants should understand that the position covers general workplace-support responsibilities rather than one narrowly defined cleaning task.
Nelson Mandela District residents given preference
One detail that local applicants should pay attention to is the department’s location preference.
The vacancy states that preference will be given to candidates residing within the Nelson Mandela District.
This does not mean that the advertisement lists district residence as the minimum educational requirement. It is specifically stated as a preference in the vacancy notice.
Applicants should therefore consider the location of the post when deciding whether to apply.
How to apply for the DWS Cleaner vacancies
Applications must be submitted through the Department of Water and Sanitation’s online recruitment system.
Applicants should make sure that their application is submitted before the stated deadline of 5 October 2026.
The vacancy notice does not require applicants to attach copies of qualifications, identity documents or driver’s licences when initially applying online.
Instead, the department states that such documentation will need to be produced by shortlisted candidates at the interview stage, in line with DPSA Circular 19 of 2022.
Applicants should nevertheless ensure that the information entered into the online application is accurate and that they meet the advertised requirements before submitting it.
What should applicants prepare?
Although supporting documents are not required with the initial application according to the notice, applicants should keep their relevant documents available.
These may include proof of:
- Identity
- ABET qualification
- Relevant cleaning experience, where applicable
Shortlisted candidates should be prepared to produce the documentation requested by the department during the recruitment process.
Enquiries
Applicants who require information about the post can contact Ms P. Adonis on (041) 504 9778.
Important deadline for applicants
The closing date is 5 October 2026.
Because the application must be submitted through the department’s online recruitment system, applicants should avoid leaving the submission until the final hours.
A completed application should also be checked before submission to ensure that the information provided corresponds with the requirements in the official vacancy advertisement.
At a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Employer | Department of Water and Sanitation |
| Position | Cleaner |
| Reference | 051026/25 |
| Number of posts | 2 |
| Salary | R144,024 per annum |
| Level | 02 |
| Location | Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth |
| Minimum qualification | ABET certificate |
| Experience | Cleaning experience is an added advantage |
| Residence preference | Nelson Mandela District |
| Closing date | 5 October 2026 |
| Application method | DWS online eRecruitment |
| Enquiries | Ms P. Adonis – (041) 504 9778 |
Why this vacancy may interest entry-level job seekers
The position may be relevant to job seekers who have an ABET certificate and are looking for an entry-level opportunity within a national government department.
The advertisement does not require matric as the minimum qualification, and previous cleaning experience is described as an added advantage rather than a compulsory requirement.
However, applicants should not assume that meeting the minimum requirements guarantees an interview or appointment. Recruitment remains subject to the department’s selection process.
The location should also be considered carefully, particularly because the department has indicated a preference for people living within the Nelson Mandela District.
Source and verification
The vacancy details in this article are based on the Department of Water and Sanitation’s advertised Cleaner, Reference 051026/25 vacancy.
The salary, qualification requirement, duties, location, residence preference, application process and closing date have been retained from the vacancy information supplied for this report.
Applicants should use the department’s official recruitment system and verify the vacancy details before submitting an application.
Editorial policy
Our job and opportunity coverage is prepared to provide practical, accurate information to South African readers.
We distinguish between official vacancy requirements and additional guidance intended to help applicants understand the recruitment process. We do not guarantee employment, interviews or selection outcomes.
Where information is subject to change, readers are encouraged to verify it with the relevant employer or official recruitment platform.
Corrections policy
We take accuracy seriously. If an error is identified in this article, we will review it against the relevant official vacancy information and correct the article where appropriate.
Significant factual corrections may be identified clearly so that readers are aware that the information has been updated.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes and does not represent the Department of Water and Sanitation.
Applicants should rely on the official vacancy advertisement and DWS recruitment system for the final requirements and application process. Meeting the advertised minimum requirements does not guarantee appointment.
