Security · Circular 27 of 2026

Director: Area Commissioner

Department of Correctional Services

Overview

Director Area Commissioner position overseeing correctional centres, parole boards and security programmes across regional management areas, requiring an NQF level 7 qualification and five years of management experience.

Requirements

  • An undergraduate qualification (NQF level 7) in Public Administration / Law / Criminology / Criminal Justice / Social Sciences or equivalent qualification as recognised by SAQA.
  • A certificate for entry into the Senior Management Services (SMS) obtained from the National School of Government (NSG) is compulsory (required from all applicants prior to appointment).
  • Five [5] years of experience at a middle/senior managerial level.
  • Computer literate.
  • Valid driver’s licence.
  • Required Knowledge: Knowledge and understanding of the South African Criminal Justice System and the Correctional Services architecture.
  • Understanding of public service policy and related legislative framework (Public Service Act and regulations, Public Finance Management Act, with emphasis on the Correctional Services Act 111 of 1998 as amended).
  • Competencies and Attributes: Strategic capability and leadership.
  • Programme and project management.
  • Financial, change and diversity management.
  • Knowledge management and service delivery innovation.
  • Problem solving and analysis.
  • People management and empowerment.
  • Client orientation and customer focus. Communication.
  • Honesty and integrity.

Duties

  • Oversee the effective functioning of incarceration and corrections, parole boards, corporate services, development programmes, care services, correctional centres and community corrections within the management area.
  • Oversee the administration of security systems/programmes including comprehensive risk assessments and programmes to ensure safety.
  • Ensure the implementation and adherence to policies and procedures within the management area.
  • Establish and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders within the geographical location of the management area.
  • Effective management of court appearance of remand detainees.
  • Management of the operational risks within the management area.
  • Management of human resource, finance and assets.
  • Promotion of social responsibility and development of all offenders and parolees subjected to community corrections.
  • Management of performance information.

How to apply

Indicate the reference number and position you are applying for on your application form (Z83) and send your complete application to: The Department of Correctional Services, Post Advertisement Section, Private Bag X136, Pretoria, 0001 OR hand deliver at: 124 WF Nkomo Street, Poyntons Building, Corner WF Nkomo and Sophie De Bruyn Street, Pretoria, 0001 (Previous: Corner Church and Schubart Street) OR you can submit your application online at: https://careers.dcs.gov.za/

Enquiries: Ms TP Ngobeni Tel No: (012) 305 8589 or Ms NS Khumalo Tel No: (012) 307

Notes

Appointment under the Correctional Service Act Before you apply: All costs associated with an application will be borne by the applicant. Please take note that correspondence will only be conducted with the shortlisted candidates. If you have not been contacted within three (3) months of the closing date of the advertisement, please accept that your application is unsuccessful. Please do not call the department to enquire about the progress of your application. A pre-entry certificate from the National School of Government (NSG) is required from all applicants prior to appointment. The full details of the SMS pre-entry course are obtainable on: Certificate for entry into the SMS (Senior Management Service) | thensg Applicants must note that further checks will be conducted once they are shortlisted and that their appointment is subject to positive outcomes on these checks, which include security clearance, security vetting, qualification/s and criminal records verification. Appointment to some of these posts will be provisional, pending the issue of a security clearance. If you cannot get a security clearance, your appointment will be re-considered/possibly terminated. Fingerprints will be taken on the day of the interview. All shortlisted candidates will be subjected to a technical exercise that intends to test relevant technical elements of the job, the logistics of which will be communicated by the department. Following the interview and technical exercise, the selection panel will recommend candidates to attend a generic managerial competency assessment (in compliance with the DPSA directive on the implementation of competency- based assessment). The competency assessment will be testing generic managerial competencies using the mandated DPSA SMS competency assessment tool. Applications: Applications must be submitted on the Z83 form (Public Service application form) obtainable from any Public Service department and must be completed in full. Only a detailed CV should be attached to your application form. Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies not older than 6 months of qualifications and other related documents on or before the day of the interview. Please send a separate and complete application for each post you are applying for, stating the correct reference for each position you are interested in. Candidates must comply with the minimum appointment requirements. CV’s should be aligned to reflect one’s degree of compliance with the advert requirements and responsibilities. The Department of Correctional Services reserves the right not to fill any of these advertised posts. OTHER POSTS

Post 27/14, sourced from the DPSA Circular 27 of 2026. Apply directly to Department of Correctional Services by 18 August 2026 @ 15h45. It is the sole responsibility of an applicant to ensure that their application reaches the Department of Correctional Services before closing date.. This is an unofficial index; the advert in the circular is authoritative.

Location
East London
Salary
R1 340 691 p/a
Closing date
18 August 2026 @ 15h45. It is the sole responsibility of an applicant to ensure that their application reaches the Department of Correctional Services before closing date. Closed
Reference
— · 4 posts
How to apply →

Apply directly to the department, by the closing date, quoting the reference.