SARS Customs & Excise Cadet Learnership 2026: Apply With Grade 12 and Driver’s Licence

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is offering a 12-month learning opportunity for young South Africans through its Customs & Excise Cadet Learnership Programme 2026/2027. This programme aims to provide valuable workplace experience and training in customs operations. Applicants with Grade 12, including Mathematics or Accounting, and a valid driver’s licence are encouraged to apply.

Application Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Location: Various SARS Customs operational locations across South Africa
Programme Duration: 12 months
Stipend: Not specified
Minimum Qualification: Grade 12/NQF Level 4 with Mathematics or Accounting

About the SARS Customs & Excise Cadet Learnership Programme

The SARS Customs & Excise Cadet Programme is a structured 12-month learning journey. It is designed to equip successful candidates with practical experience and essential skills related to SARS Customs & Excise operations. The programme’s main goal is to develop participants’ knowledge and abilities, contributing to the effective functioning of customs operations nationwide.

This learnership is ideal for young South Africans interested in gaining exposure to the dynamic environment of customs operations. This includes working at airports, harbours, border posts, and inland operational offices. It offers a hands-on introduction to the public sector and the critical role SARS plays in trade and border management.

About SARS

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is a government body responsible for administering tax and customs laws in South Africa. Its mission is to ensure optimal revenue collection and compliance with tax and customs legislation. SARS plays a vital role in the country’s economy by facilitating trade, protecting borders, and collecting revenue that funds public services.

SARS operates across various sectors, including customs, excise, and income tax. The organisation is committed to serving taxpayers and traders with integrity and efficiency, aiming to build a tax administration that is respected both locally and internationally.

Available Learnership Opportunities

This learnership focuses on Customs & Excise operations. While specific roles are not detailed as separate opportunities, the programme provides a broad introduction to various functions within this division. Successful candidates will gain exposure to different aspects of customs work across the country.

What the Learnership Offers

Successful candidates will benefit from a comprehensive learning experience. This includes:

• Workplace Experience: Gaining practical skills in a real operational environment.
• Structured Training: Following a defined learning manual and programme structure.
• Exposure to Operations: Working at key entry and exit points of South Africa, such as airports, harbours, and border posts.
• Skills Development: Learning about customs procedures, administration, and client service.
• Career Development: Building a foundation for a potential career within SARS or the broader public sector.
• Professional Environment: Working within a government department with a focus on integrity and compliance.

Programme Duration and Location

The SARS Customs & Excise Cadet Learnership Programme lasts for 12 months. Successful candidates may be placed at various SARS Customs operational locations across South Africa. These include Johannesburg, OR Tambo International Airport, Lanseria International Airport, Durban Harbour, Cape Town International Airport, and several border posts like Beitbridge and Lebombo. Applicants must be willing to be deployed nationally, potentially to remote land border posts.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for this learnership, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Be between 18 and 35 years old.
• Have completed Grade 12/NQF Level 4.
• Have passed Mathematics or Accounting in Grade 12.
• Possess a valid Code B/EB driver’s licence.
• Be computer literate, with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Have one year of experience in an administration, logistics, or customer-service environment.
• Be physically fit and capable of working in an operational environment.
• Be willing to work shifts, weekends, public holidays, and overtime as required.
• Be willing to undergo security screening, criminal record checks, qualification verification, and integrity assessments.
• Be willing to be deployed nationally to Customs operational environments.

Competencies Required

Successful candidates will need to demonstrate certain skills and personal qualities to thrive in this programme:

• Communication Skills: Ability to communicate clearly and professionally.
• Computer Literacy: Proficiency in using computers and standard office software.
• Willingness to Learn: An eagerness to acquire new knowledge and skills.
• Adaptability: Ability to adjust to different work environments and schedules.
• Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy in processing information and completing tasks.
• Professional Attitude: Maintaining a responsible and ethical approach to work.
• Ability to Work Under Pressure: Performing effectively in a demanding operational setting.
• Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with colleagues.

Who Should Apply?

This learnership is designed for young, motivated South African citizens who are eager to start a career in customs operations. If you have completed Grade 12 with Mathematics or Accounting, hold a valid driver’s licence, and are willing to work in diverse operational settings across the country, this programme could be a great fit. It is particularly suitable for individuals seeking practical experience in a government environment and who are prepared for the demands of shift work and national deployment.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents for their application:

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) clearly detailing experience.
• Certified copy of South African ID document.
• Certified copy of Grade 12/NQF Level 4 certificate, showing Mathematics or Accounting.
• Certified copy of valid Code B/EB driver’s licence.
• Proof of any relevant administration, logistics, or customer-service experience.
• Any other documents requested on the SARS recruitment portal.

Ensure all certified documents are recent and meet the required standards.

How to Apply

Applications for the SARS Customs & Excise Cadet Learnership Programme 2026/2027 must be submitted online.

Click here to apply for SARS Customs & Excise Cadet Learnership Programme 2026/2027

Applicants are advised to complete the online application form accurately. Ensure that all personal details, qualifications, and experience align with the supporting documents you will upload. Double-check all information before submitting your application to avoid errors.

Important Notes

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment.
• Late applications will not be considered.
• Applicants must meet all the minimum requirements to be eligible.
• Incomplete applications may be disqualified.
• Certified copies of documents may be required during the application process.
• Be prepared for security screening and integrity assessments.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications for the SARS Customs & Excise Cadet Learnership Programme 2026/2027 is 30 September 2026. It is advisable to submit your application well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues.

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