Administration · Circular 36 of 2026
Director: Communications & Marketing Services
Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs
Overview
Director of Communications and Marketing Services at the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs in Pietermaritzburg.
Requirements
- An appropriate Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations or Journalism at NQF level 7 as recognised by SAQA.
- A Postgraduate Degree in Communication and extensive experience will serve as an added advantage A minimum of five years relevant experience at Middle / Senior Managerial level in a Communications, Marketing, Public Relations or Journalism environment Completion of Nyukela Certificate for entry into the SMS (Senior Management Service) before appointment A valid driver’s licence.
- Skills, Training, And Competencies: The successful candidate must have advanced knowledge of Government communication systems and frameworks, including GCIS guidelines, Media relations, marketing, branding, and public relations principles, Strategic communication and reputation management, Crisis communication and media response management, and Policy development and strategic planning processes.
- Knowledge of the Electronic Communications Act, Broadcasting Act, Independent Communications Authority of South Africa Act, functioning of National, Provincial and Local Government, structure and functioning of the Department, Parliamentary protocol processes, linkages with government clusters, Media and Marketing industry, cross-cultural knowledge, client relations, Public Outreach.
- Demonstrable understanding of media technology, creative and graphic design, and broadcast technology. •Conceptualization and presentation of cutting-edge communication and marketing proposals.
- Demonstrate knowledge of effective communication strategies between the public sector and media.
- Working knowledge of electronic media such as computers, photography and video.
- Knowledge of formulation, interpretation and application of government policies aimed at effective delivery.
- Knowledge of the National Development Plan (NDP) and Provincial Growth and Development Strategy (PGDS).
- Knowledge and understanding of the Public Service regulatory framework, e.g., Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Public Service Act, PFMA, Treasury Regulations, Public Service Regulations, Labour Relations Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Skills Development Act, Service Delivery Frameworks (Batho Pele Principles).
- Skills: Strategic leadership and management, Communication skills (verbal and written), Presentation and public speaking skills, Media engagement and negotiation skills, Analytical thinking and problem-solving, Research and information analysis, Stakeholder management and networking, Interpersonal relations and diplomacy, Financial and project management, Report writing and presentation skills, Conflict management and decision- making, Planning, organizing, and time management, Computer literacy and digital communication skills, Content development and editing skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, Excellent leadership skills, Ability to interpret and apply policy, Presentation skills, Negotiation skills, Assertiveness skills, Coaching and mentoring skills, good planning and organizational skills, Well-developed analytical and research Skills.
- The successful candidate must demonstrate integrity and ethical conduct with a strong commitment to ethical principles and professional standards.
Duties
- Manage Internal and External Communications.
- Manage Marketing and Communication Campaigns.
- Manage Stakeholder and Community Liaison.
- Ensure the development and implementation of policies.
- Ensure effective management of the resources of the office of the Directorate.
How to apply
Applicants are encouraged to apply for posts through the KZN online e- Recruitment system at www.kznonline.gov.za/kznjobs or submit their Z83 and CV directly to the following email address: kznjobs@kznedtea.gov.za Applicants may also visit any one of our Designated Online Application Centres (DOACS), where our friendly staff will assist you with applying online or receiving your hardcopy application. You can find the Designated Online Application Centres (DOACS) List At www.kznonline.gov.za/kznjobs.” Please note that applicants should only use one of the following methods when applying for a post: Either through the online e-recruitment system, emailing the Z83 and CV directly to the relevant department, or submitting a hardcopy application as directed. Applications may alternatively be forwarded to the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Private Bag X9152, Pietermaritzburg, 3200, or hand-delivered to the Ground Floor, 270 Jabu Ndlovu Street, Pietermaritzburg, 3201, in the vacancy box provided for the attention of Ms Nondumiso Buthelezi / Mr Sipho Zangwa.
Enquiries: Mr BS Ntuli at 060 569 2315
Notes
Preferred: Females and People with Disabilities who meet the requirements OTHER POST Directions to candidates note to applicants: All information submitted will be treated as confidential. The Department reserves the right to withhold the filling of the abovementioned posts at any time before an appointment. All applications must be submitted on the new Application for Employment form (Z83), which became effective from the 1st of January 2021, obtainable from any Public Service Department or can be downloaded at www.dpsa.gov.za- vacancies. The form must be completed in full, and the application form should be initiated, signed, and dated. All required information on the Z83 must be provided. Failure to complete or disclose all information will automatically disqualify the applicant. The completed and signed Z83 must be accompanied by an updated, detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV). Dates of starting and leaving employment must be given as DD/MM/YYYY. Shortlisted candidates must submit certified documents on or before the day of the interview, following communication from Human Resources. Should an applicant have a foreign qualification, it must be accompanied by an evaluation certificate from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). It is the applicant’s responsibility to have foreign qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). Applications submitted electronically will be taken as a final application and may not be amended or supplemented in any way after the closing date indicated in the advertisement. If you have not been contacted within three (3) months after the closing date of the advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo a competency test/technical exercise. Candidates are discouraged from sending their applications through registered mail, as the Department will not take responsibility for the non-collection of those applications. The appointment is subject to a positive outcome obtained from the State Security Agency to the following checks (security clearance, qualification, citizenship, and previous employment verifications). The Department will conduct reference checks with the HR of the current and or /previous employer(s) apart from the referees listed. All shortlisted candidates for SMS posts will be subjected to a technical exercise and interview. Following the technical exercise and interview, a maximum of three (3) SMS candidates will undergo psychometric assessments to assess cognitive capabilities, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence, and integrity. All shortlisted candidates, including the SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments. One will be a practical exercise to determine a candidate’s suitability based on the post’s technical and generic requirements, and the other must be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment. Before the appointment for SMS positions, the appointee will be required to produce a Pre-entry certificate for the Senior Management Pre-Entry Programme, a public service-specific training program applicable to all applicants who aspire to join the SMS. The course is offered by the National School of Government (NSG). The course is available at the NSG under the name Certificate for Entry, and the full details can be obtained by following the link: https://www.thensg.gov.za/trainingcourse/smspre-entryprogramme. Regrettably, due to excessive budget cuts, the Department is not in a position to meet any travel and subsistence costs relating to recruitment processes. MANAGEMENT ECHELON
Post 36/175, sourced from the DPSA Circular 36 of 2026. Apply directly to Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs by 23 October 2026 (at 16h00). Applications received after the closing date and time will not be considered., quoting reference DIR-. This is an unofficial index; the advert in the circular is authoritative.
- Location
- Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal
- Salary
- R1 317 384 – R1 551 807 p/a · Level 13
- Closing date
- 23 October 2026 (at 16h00). Applications received after the closing date and time will not be considered.
- Reference
- DIR-
Apply directly to the department, by the closing date, quoting the reference.