COMMUNICATION OFFICER: CORPORATE SERVICES REF NO: DHET 38/09/2026 Region: Limpopo Regional Office

This vacancy is for a Communication Officer within Corporate Services at the Department of Higher Education and Training’s Limpopo Regional Office, based in Polokwane. The role operates in a regional government environment where the successful candidate will support both internal and external communication functions that help the department engage effectively with stakeholders across the province. Reporting to the Regional Manager, the officer acts as a link between the department and the public, media, and other organs of state, ensuring that information flows accurately and consistently while promoting a positive image of the department in the region.

Candidates must hold an appropriate bachelor’s degree or national diploma at NQF Level 6 in Communication, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related qualification, together with at least one to two years of practical experience in a marketing and communication environment. A valid driver’s licence is essential, as the role requires national travel. The ideal candidate will have a working knowledge of social media platforms and practices, brand guidelines and graphic design principles, stakeholder management, events management, digital marketing, and website maintenance. Familiarity with the Public Service legislative framework is also required. In terms of competencies, the post demands problem-solving and analytical skills, people and diversity management, client orientation and customer focus, accountability, ethical conduct, and the ability to work under pressure while meeting strict deadlines.

The duties are broad and hands-on. The officer will handle various matters related to internal and external communications, conduct elementary research, and gather information to assist with drafting speeches, media statements, and press releases for departmental events and occasions. A significant part of the role involves preparing and facilitating the printing of departmental publications such as annual reports, newsletters, brochures, calendars, event programmes, greeting cards, and name plates, including the design and layout of these materials for printing companies. The officer will also assist in developing and implementing the department’s communication policy, update the departmental website and liaise with the website designer, and draft responses to media queries, press releases, newsletters, and articles. Photography services for departmental activities form part of the responsibilities, as does monitoring media coverage and compiling synoptic reports on issues that may affect or impact the department. The role further includes arranging and coordinating departmental events to promote the department’s image in the region, representing the unit in various meetings, and performing any other related functions as requested by the Regional Manager.

All shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a relevant competency exercise as part of the selection process, and successful applicants will be subjected to personnel suitability checks including criminal record, citizenship, qualification, and previous employment verification. The department applies Employment Equity principles and gives preference to candidates whose appointments promote representativity in terms of race, gender, and disability, in line with the Departmental Employment Equity Policy. Applicants should note that foreign qualifications must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority, and only shortlisted candidates need to submit certified documents at the interview stage. If no feedback is received within three months of the closing date, applicants should consider their applications unsuccessful. Applications are submitted online using the new Z83 form, and a comprehensive CV must accompany the application.