SARS Customs & Excise Cadet Learnership 2026 Opens 80 Positions

How to apply

Applications are submitted directly to SARS Customs & Excise - we do not collect applications. Read the eligibility criteria, prepare your supporting documents, then complete your application on the official page.

Full details

The South African Revenue Service is recruiting 80 young South Africans for its 2026 Customs & Excise Cadet Learnership Programme. The 12-month programme targets candidates aged 18 to 35 who have an NQF Level 4 qualification with Mathematics and/or Accounting, relevant experience and a valid Code B or EB driver’s licence. Applications close on 30 September 2026.

However, this is not a conventional office-based training programme. Successful cadets may work at airports, harbours, land border posts and inland Customs operations across the country, while some placements sit in remote areas.

For candidates who want practical exposure to border management, Customs processes and public-sector operations, the programme offers a rare entry point into a highly specialised environment.

What is the SARS Customs & Excise Cadet Learnership Programme?

SARS designed the Customs & Excise Cadet Programme as a 12-month learning journey that combines workplace exposure with structured skills development.

During the programme, cadets will learn how SARS manages Customs and Excise activities while supporting day-to-day operational processes.

The programme aims to develop:

• Administrative skills
• Customs systems knowledge
• Client service abilities
• Record management skills
• Data collection and analysis
• Reporting skills
• Governance and compliance awareness
• Workplace problem-solving
• Operational discipline

Moreover, cadets will learn how to work within formal procedures while meeting service and performance standards.

A total of 80 positions are available across multiple Customs operational sites.

Who can qualify for the SARS Cadet Programme?

Applicants must meet several requirements before SARS will consider them.

Candidates need:

• NQF Level 4 with Mathematics and/or Accounting
• South African citizenship
• Age between 18 and 35 years
• Valid Code B or EB driver’s licence
• Computer literacy
• Microsoft Office proficiency
• Physical fitness for an operational environment
• Willingness to work shifts
• Willingness to work weekends and public holidays
• Willingness to work overtime when operations require it
• Willingness to work at different Customs operational sites

In addition, SARS requires one year of experience in administration, logistics or customer service.

Therefore, applicants should not rely on Matric alone when deciding whether they qualify.

Can candidates enter with Grade 12?

An NQF Level 4 qualification can include a National Senior Certificate, commonly known as Matric or Grade 12.

However, SARS specifically requires the qualification to include Mathematics and/or Accounting.

Therefore, applicants should check their school results carefully.

Simply having Grade 12 does not automatically meet the academic requirement.

Candidates should confirm that Mathematics, Accounting or both appear on their qualification before they submit.

Is previous experience required?

Yes.

SARS lists one year of experience in an administration, logistics or customer-service environment as part of the minimum requirements.

This point deserves particular attention because the opportunity is a learnership, yet SARS still requires relevant experience.

Applicants can use experience gained through roles involving areas such as:

• Office administration
• Customer assistance
• Filing and records
• Logistics support
• Data capturing
• Front-desk services
• Call-centre activities
• Retail customer service
• Operational administration

However, candidates should only claim experience they can support.

When preparing your curriculum vitae, clearly state the employer, dates and responsibilities that demonstrate the required experience.

Do applicants need a driver’s licence?

Yes.

SARS requires a valid Code B or EB driver’s licence.

Consequently, candidates who meet the academic and experience requirements but do not have the required licence should consider this condition before submitting.

The licence requirement reflects the operational nature of Customs work, where employees may need to work across different facilities or operational areas.

Where are the 80 positions available?

SARS will place cadets across Customs operational environments in different parts of South Africa.

The advertised allocation includes:

• Johannesburg - Alberton: 1
• OR Tambo International Airport: 14
• Lanseria International Airport: 3
• Doringkloof Hub: 2
• Port Elizabeth: 1
• Durban Harbour: 10
• Durban Hub: 4
• Richards Bay Hub: 3
• King Shaka International Airport: 1
• Groblersbridge Border Post: 1
• Beitbridge Border Post: 1
• Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport: 1
• Oshoek Border Post: 1
• Lebombo Border Post: 16
• Kopfontein Border Post: 3
• Cape Town Harbour: 8
• Cape Town International Airport: 10

Together, these placements account for the 80 advertised cadet positions.

However, candidates must also be willing to accept national deployment where operational needs require it.

Must applicants be willing to relocate?

Applicants must be willing to work across SARS Customs operational environments nationally.

These environments may include:

• Land border posts
• Airports
• Seaports
• Inland operational offices
• Customs hubs

Some border posts may sit in remote areas.

Therefore, candidates should consider the practical reality of national deployment before applying.

This programme may require far more flexibility than an ordinary Monday-to-Friday office placement.

Will cadets need to work shifts?

Yes.

Successful candidates must be willing to work:

• Shifts
• Weekends
• Public holidays
• Overtime when required

Customs operations often continue outside traditional office hours because international travel and the movement of goods do not stop at 17:00.

As a result, candidates should make sure the working pattern suits their personal circumstances.

What will SARS Customs Cadets actually do?

Cadets will support several areas of Customs operations.

For example, they may use SARS systems to process information accurately and help their division complete administrative tasks.

They may also:

• Handle information requests
• Direct requests to the correct department
• Communicate transactional information
• Resolve basic queries
• Escalate more complex problems
• Maintain accurate records
• Organise assigned work
• Report on work progress
• Follow standard operating procedures
• Support service-delivery requirements

In addition, SARS expects cadets to meet agreed performance standards.

Therefore, accuracy and organisation will play an important role throughout the programme.

Why does attention to detail matter at SARS?

Customs work involves regulated information, procedures and records.

A small error can affect processing, reporting or compliance.

For that reason, SARS highlights qualities such as:

• Attention to detail
• Analytical thinking
• Accountability
• Honesty
• Integrity
• Trust
• Respect
• Organisational awareness
• Commitment to continuous learning

Cadets must also maintain accurate records and reduce mistakes wherever possible.

SARS wants candidates who can follow procedures carefully while still thinking through problems.

What does the programme teach about client service?

SARS also expects cadets to understand the service requirements linked to their work.

Although Customs operations focus heavily on compliance, employees still interact with clients and other stakeholders.

Therefore, cadets need to communicate professionally and understand how their work affects service delivery.

Strong customer-service experience may also help candidates meet the programme’s one-year experience requirement.

Why are governance and integrity important?

SARS handles sensitive information and works in an environment where compliance plays a central role.

Consequently, cadets must follow governance standards and raise problems when they require further investigation.

The recruitment process may also include:

• Security screening
• Criminal record checks
• Qualification verification
• Integrity assessments
• Reference checks
• Security clearance where applicable
• Pre-employment screening
• Case studies
• Psychometric assessments

Successful candidates may also need to complete an oath of secrecy and declare private interests.

Therefore, candidates should provide accurate information throughout the recruitment process.

Do not treat this as a basic Grade 12 opportunity. Before applying, check all four major requirements first: your Mathematics or Accounting subject, your one year of relevant experience, your driver’s licence and your willingness to work shifts or accept national deployment.

Do candidates need to be physically fit?

Yes.

SARS requires candidates to be physically fit and capable of working in an operational environment.

Customs work may take place at airports, seaports and border posts rather than only behind a desk.

Therefore, the role may involve movement around operational areas and working under changing conditions.

Candidates should understand this requirement before submitting.

Do applicants need Customs experience?

SARS states that candidates should have a basic overview of the Customs and Excise environment.

That does not necessarily mean applicants must already have worked as Customs officers.

However, candidates can strengthen their preparation by understanding what Customs and Excise does.

At a basic level, Customs helps manage the movement of goods across South Africa’s borders and supports compliance with relevant trade and revenue requirements.

Therefore, applicants should research the environment before an interview or assessment.

What competencies could help candidates succeed?

SARS identifies several behavioural and technical competencies.

These include:

• Accountability
• Continuous learning
• Analytical thinking
• Attention to detail
• Honesty and integrity
• Organisational awareness
• Administrative support
• Business knowledge
• Data collection and analysis
• Reporting
• Service delivery
• Records management
• Compliance with procedures
• Customs systems knowledge

Applicants do not need to pretend they already master every SARS system.

Instead, they should demonstrate that they can learn quickly, follow instructions and work accurately.

Will SARS consider candidates with disabilities?

Yes.

SARS encourages persons with disabilities to apply.

The organisation will also consider its Employment Equity policy during recruitment and selection.

However, every candidate still needs to meet the relevant minimum requirements.

Does the programme offer a stipend?

The recruitment information does not state a specific monthly stipend or allowance.

Therefore, applicants should avoid relying on figures shared on social media or unofficial websites.

Until SARS confirms a specific amount, candidates should treat any stated stipend figure as unverified.

How long does the SARS Cadet Programme last?

The Customs & Excise Cadet Programme runs for 12 months.

During this period, participants will gain exposure, develop relevant skills and build knowledge connected to Customs and Excise operations.

However, the programme information does not promise automatic permanent employment after completion.

Candidates should therefore view the programme primarily as a structured skills-development opportunity.

How can candidates strengthen their curriculum vitae?

Start by making the minimum requirements easy for recruiters to find.

Your curriculum vitae should clearly show:

• Your NQF Level 4 qualification
• Mathematics and/or Accounting
• Your age eligibility
• Your driver’s licence
• Computer skills
• Microsoft Office abilities
• Relevant administration, logistics or customer-service experience

Then explain the experience requirement clearly.

For example, do not simply write:

Administrative Assistant

Instead, describe relevant responsibilities such as:

• Captured and updated records
• Assisted customers with enquiries
• Managed filing and documentation
• Prepared reports
• Supported office administration
• Updated spreadsheets

This gives recruiters clearer evidence of how your experience connects to the programme.

How can candidates submit an application?

SARS accepts applications through its online recruitment platform.

Before starting, make sure you meet the academic, experience, age, citizenship, driver’s licence and operational requirements.

Applications must be submitted through the official SARS online recruitment portal.

Requisition ID: 11620

Number of positions: 80

Programme duration: 12 months

Closing date: 30 September 2026

Applicants should submit before the deadline rather than waiting until the final hours.

What should you check before submitting?

Use this final checklist:

• Are you a South African citizen?
• Are you between 18 and 35 years old?
• Do you have an NQF Level 4 qualification?
• Did you complete Mathematics and/or Accounting?
• Do you have one year of administration, logistics or customer-service experience?
• Do you hold a valid Code B or EB driver’s licence?
• Can you use Microsoft Office?
• Are you willing to work shifts?
• Can you work weekends and public holidays?
• Are you willing to work overtime when required?
• Are you prepared for national deployment?
• Can you work in airports, seaports or land border environments?
• Are you physically fit for an operational environment?
• Are you willing to complete the required screening and assessments?
• Have you submitted before 30 September 2026?

Finally, make sure every detail on your application matches your supporting information.

Integrity matters at SARS, so accuracy starts with the application itself.

Final Thoughts

The SARS Customs & Excise Cadet Learnership Programme 2026 offers 80 young South Africans a chance to spend 12 months developing practical skills in one of the country’s most specialised operational environments.

Candidates need more than Grade 12 alone. Applicants must meet the NQF Level 4 subject requirements, have one year of relevant experience, hold a valid Code B or EB driver’s licence and be prepared for shift work and national deployment.

For candidates who meet those requirements, the programme offers exposure to administration, Customs systems, compliance, records, client service and operational processes at airports, harbours, inland offices and border posts.

Applications close on 30 September 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

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