How to Apply for Department of Water and Sanitation General Worker Jobs

Interested applicants must submit their applications through the Department of Water and Sanitation’s online recruitment system.

Search for:

General Worker Civil Maintenance – Reference 051026/24

Applications close on:

5 October 2026

Applicants should complete all required information on the online application carefully.

Important Application Instructions

The Department states that supporting documentation such as copies of:

• Qualifications.
• Identity documents.
• Driver’s licences.
• Other related documentation.

does not need to accompany the initial application.

These documents must only be produced by shortlisted candidates during the interview, in line with DPSA Circular 19 of 2022.

Online Z83

Where applicants have professional or occupational registration, the relevant fields provided in Part B of the online Z83 must be completed because these fields are regarded as compulsory.

Applicants should complete or disclose all required information.

The Department warns that failure to complete or disclose all required information will automatically disqualify the applicant.

No Late Applications

The Department states that:

No late applications will be accepted.

Applicants should therefore avoid waiting until the final day if possible.

Shortlisting and Checks

Shortlisted candidates may be subjected to suitability checks including:

• SAQA verification.
• Reference checks.
• Criminal checks.
• Credit checks.

Applicants with foreign qualifications will be required to provide a SAQA evaluation certificate when shortlisted.

Assessments

Shortlisted candidates may also undergo pre-entry assessments.

According to the advertisement, one assessment may be a practical exercise designed to determine suitability based on the technical and generic requirements of the position.

Another assessment may focus on:

Integrity / ethical conduct.

Preference for Local Candidates

The Department states:

Preference will be given to candidates from the geographical area.

Applicants from the relevant geographical area should therefore ensure their contact and residential information is accurately reflected in their application.

Enquiries

For enquiries regarding the position:

Contact Person: Mr Bertram Ross
Telephone: (021) 941 6077

CV Tips for General Worker Applicants

Your CV should be simple and focused on practical skills relevant to general work and maintenance.

1. Clearly Include Your ABET Qualification

For example:

ABET Certificate
Institution: [Institution Name]
Year Completed: [Year]

If you have a higher qualification, include it accurately as well.

2. Highlight Manual-Work Experience

If you have previous experience performing manual work, clearly include it.

Relevant experience may include:

• General work.
• Gardening.
• Cleaning.
• Maintenance.
• Construction.
• Landscaping.
• Farm work.
• Grounds maintenance.
• Plumbing assistance.
• Building maintenance.

Only include experience you genuinely have.

3. Highlight Experience Using Tools

If applicable, mention genuine experience using:

• Hand tools.
• Power tools.
• Garden tools.
• Cleaning equipment.
• Maintenance equipment.

4. Highlight Gardening Experience

The position includes significant grounds and garden-maintenance responsibilities.

Relevant experience may include:

• Cutting grass.
• Pruning.
• Trimming.
• Planting.
• Watering plants.
• Raking.
• Garden maintenance.
• Grounds cleaning.

5. Highlight Cleaning Experience

Relevant cleaning experience can include:

• Cleaning buildings.
• Sweeping floors.
• Washing floors.
• Cleaning workstations.
• Cleaning vehicles.
• Cleaning equipment.
• Maintaining outdoor areas.

6. Highlight Physical Fitness and Reliability

The position involves manual work in different environments.

Your CV can highlight genuine strengths such as:

• Ability to perform physical tasks.
• Reliability.
• Punctuality.
• Ability to follow instructions.
• Teamwork.
• Willingness to work outdoors.
• Safety awareness.

Sample CV Profile – General Worker

Professional Profile

Hardworking and reliable individual seeking a General Worker opportunity with the Department of Water and Sanitation. Able to perform practical and physically demanding duties, follow instructions and work effectively as part of a team. Familiar with general cleaning, gardening and basic maintenance activities, with a strong commitment to workplace safety and maintaining clean working environments.

Applicants should adjust this profile according to their actual skills and experience.

Possible Interview Questions

Applicants preparing for a General Worker interview may want to practise the following:

1. Tell us about yourself.
2. Why do you want to work for the Department of Water and Sanitation?
3. What do you understand about the General Worker position?
4. Do you have previous manual-work experience?
5. What experience do you have with cleaning?
6. What gardening experience do you have?
7. Have you used hand tools before?
8. Have you used power tools before?
9. What safety precautions should you take when using tools?
10. How would you safely handle cleaning chemicals?
11. Why is it important to use the correct chemical dilution?
12. What experience do you have cutting grass or maintaining lawns?
13. Have you performed pruning or trimming before?
14. How would you maintain a clean working area?
15. What would you do if you noticed damaged equipment?
16. How would you work safely near a canal or dam?
17. What do you understand about workplace health and safety?
18. Are you comfortable performing physically demanding work?
19. Are you willing to work outdoors?
20. Are you willing to work in or near rivers, dams and canals?
21. Are you comfortable working in confined spaces where required?
22. Are you willing to work away from home?
23. How do you work as part of a team?
24. How do you follow instructions from a supervisor?
25. Why should the Department consider you for this General Worker position?

Interview Preparation Tips

Prepare genuine examples demonstrating:

• Reliability.
• Teamwork.
• Physical work.
• Cleaning.
• Gardening.
• Maintenance.
• Following instructions.
• Safe use of equipment.
• Problem solving.

Applicants without formal employment history can use genuine examples from community work, informal work or other practical activities.

Final Reminder

The Department of Water and Sanitation is recruiting five General Workers: Civil Maintenance in the Western Cape.

Department: Department of Water and Sanitation
Position: General Worker: Civil Maintenance X5
Reference Number: 051026/24
Post Number: 34/190
Centre: Breede/Gouritz – Worcester, Western Cape
Salary: R144,024 per annum (Level 02)
Minimum Qualification: ABET Certificate
Manual Work Experience: Added advantage
Closing Date: 5 October 2026

Successful candidates must be willing to work around rivers, dams, canals and confined spaces, work away from home when required, and perform duties at schemes throughout the Western Cape.

Applicants who meet the requirements should submit their online application before 5 October 2026.