The Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs is inviting applications for four Diptank Assistant vacancies in Nkomazi, Bushbuckridge North and Dr JS Moroka Municipality.
These positions offer applicants with Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification an opportunity to enter provincial government employment in animal health services. Previous animal-handling experience is not listed as a compulsory requirement; the Department states that it will be an added advantage. Applicants must, however, have a valid Code B/EB or higher driver’s licence.
Successful candidates will support animal dipping and disease-control services, work with livestock and communities, maintain dipping facilities, and assist with activities such as vaccinations, treatments and animal restraint. Applications must be submitted online, and the closing date is 11 September 2026.
Diptank Assistant Vacancy Details
Although the four positions have the same core requirements and responsibilities, applicants must use the reference number that corresponds to the vacancy and location for which they are applying.
| Centre | Sub-Directorate | Reference Number | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nkomazi | Ehlanzeni South District Animal Health Services | DARDLEA/2026/08/89 | R201,093 per annum |
| Bushbuckridge North | Ehlanzeni North Animal Health Services | DARDLEA/2026/08/90 | R201,093 per annum |
| Bushbuckridge North | Ehlanzeni North District Animal Health Services | DARDLEA/2026/08/91 | R201,093 per annum |
| Dr JS Moroka Municipality | Nkangala Animal Health Services | DARDLEA/2026/08/92 | R201,093 per annum |
Two separate posts are based in Bushbuckridge North, but they have different reference numbers and appear under different Animal Health Services sub-directorates. Applicants interested in these positions should therefore make sure that they select the correct reference when submitting an application.
Who Can Apply?
The minimum academic requirement for all four positions is Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification.
Applicants must also have a valid Code B/EB or higher driver’s licence. Animal-handling experience will be an added advantage, which means that the advertisement does not prescribe a compulsory period of previous animal-handling employment.
The Department is also looking for applicants with the following skills and competencies:
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- The ability to communicate with farmers, clients and different levels of communities.
- Problem-solving skills.
- Competence in handling livestock.
- The ability to work under pressure.
- Basic computer skills.
Prospective applicants should pay attention to the requirement concerning livestock handling. Although previous animal-handling work experience is only advantageous, the actual job involves working with animals. Candidates therefore need to be comfortable performing practical duties in an animal-health environment.
What Diptank Assistants Will Do
Diptank Assistants form part of the Department’s animal health services and provide practical support with livestock dipping and disease-control activities.
One of the main responsibilities is rendering animal dipping services. Successful candidates will help maintain the facilities used during these activities, including performing minor maintenance on animal-handling and dipping infrastructure.
The advertised duties include:
- Render animal dipping services.
- Perform minor maintenance on animal-handling and dipping infrastructure.
- Assist with animal disease-control activities.
- Assist with vaccinations and treatments.
- Help with castration, dehorning and animal restraint.
- Assist with community coordination and reporting.
- Count animals and maintain relevant records.
- Maintain the correct water level in dip tanks.
- Mix dipping material and monitor dipping activities.
- Clean the dip-tank area.
- Safeguard dipping chemicals.
The combination of these responsibilities means that the position involves both physical work and basic administrative duties. For example, successful candidates may spend part of their time handling livestock or maintaining a dipping area, and another part counting animals, keeping records or assisting with reports.
Communication is also an important part of the job because animal health services operate within communities. Diptank Assistants may need to interact with farmers, livestock owners, clients and other community members while supporting departmental activities.
Why a Driver’s Licence Is Required
A valid Code B/EB or higher driver’s licence forms part of the minimum requirements and should not be treated as an optional advantage. Applicants who have Grade 12 but do not have the required licence would not meet all the advertised requirements.
This differs from animal-handling experience. The Department specifically describes that experience as an added advantage, whereas the driver’s licence is included as a requirement.
Applicants should therefore check their eligibility carefully before applying.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the Mpumalanga provincial e-Recruitment system.
Application Portal: https://erecruitment.mpg.gov.za
The Department states that emailed applications will not be considered.
Applicants are required to provide a recent, comprehensive CV and complete the required Z83 Application for Employment information. Contactable references should also be provided, with telephone numbers and email addresses indicated.
When completing the application, applicants should check that they have selected the correct reference number:
- Nkomazi: DARDLEA/2026/08/89
- Bushbuckridge North: DARDLEA/2026/08/90
- Bushbuckridge North: DARDLEA/2026/08/91
- Dr JS Moroka Municipality: DARDLEA/2026/08/92
Because there are two separate Bushbuckridge North advertisements, checking the reference number before final submission is particularly important.
Documents Required From Shortlisted Candidates
Applicants are not instructed to submit certified copies of all supporting documents as part of the initial application. According to the Department, shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of their qualifications, Senior Certificate, identity document and driver’s licence on or before the interview date.
Applicants with foreign qualifications are responsible for having those qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). A foreign qualification must be accompanied by the appropriate SAQA evaluation certificate when required.
Candidates should ensure that the information contained in their application and CV is accurate and that the necessary supporting documents will be available if they are shortlisted.
Shortlisting and Selection Process
Submitting an application does not guarantee that an applicant will be contacted.
The Department states that correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates. If an applicant has not been contacted within three months after the closing date, the application should be regarded as unsuccessful.
Shortlisted candidates will be required to undertake two pre-entry assessments. One will be a practical exercise used to assess the candidate against the technical and generic requirements of the position. The other will be an integrity or ethical-conduct assessment.
Candidates who progress through the recruitment process should also be prepared to attend assessments and interviews at a date and time determined by the Department. The successful appointment will be subject to positive results from the required security-clearance process.
Enquiries
Different enquiry contacts apply depending on the vacancy.
For the Nkomazi post, applicants can contact Ms MH Sekoma or Ms EM Mkhonza on (013) 759 4000.
For the Bushbuckridge North posts, enquiries can be directed to Mr S. Mogakane on 082 338 2476 or Ms M. Matsoalela on 072 459 8078.
For the For the Dr JS Moroka Municipality post, applicants can contact Mr A. Kekana on 079 630 1770.
These contacts are provided for enquiries about the advertised positions. Applications themselves must be submitted through the provincial e-Recruitment system.
Mpumalanga Diptank Assistant Vacancies 2026 Closing Date
Applications close on 11 September 2026.
Applicants should make sure that they meet all the minimum requirements and select the correct vacancy reference before submitting their application.
The four Diptank Assistant opportunities are available in three areas of Mpumalanga and provide an accessible route into provincial animal health services for qualifying Grade 12 applicants. With previous animal-handling experience listed only as an added advantage, candidates who meet the remaining requirements can apply even if they have not previously held a formal animal-handling job.