The Department of Correctional Services has opened a major recruitment drive in the Free State and Northern Cape Region, with 531 vacancies advertised for Mangaung Maximum Correctional Centre. The posts include security, case management, sports, library, pharmacy support and supervisory roles, giving qualified applicants a wide range of opportunities to join the correctional services environment before the closing date of 08 May 2026 at 15:45.
According to the official circular, applications for these posts must be submitted to the Free State and Northern Cape Region by post, hand delivery or email. The department says applicants must clearly indicate the relevant reference number on the Z83 form and in the subject line for emailed applications.
| Employer | Department of Correctional Services |
|---|---|
| Closing Date | 08 May 2026 at 15:45 |
| Location | Mangaung Maximum Correctional Centre, Free State and Northern Cape Region, South Africa |
| Application Email | FSNCHRM@dcs.gov.za |
| Hand Delivery Address | 103 Zastron Street, Agrimed Building, Bloemfontein, 9300 |
More Than 500 DCS Jobs Open in Mangaung
The biggest intake in this batch is for Security Officers, with 381 posts advertised under reference FSNC 2026/04/26. The department is also hiring 107 Case Officers, 14 Senior Security Officers (Team Leader): External Security, 14 Sports Facilitators, 14 Specialised Case Officers, one Librarian, and one Pharmacist Assistant (Basic): Grade 1–3. All these posts are based at Mangaung Maximum Correctional Centre.
This large-scale recruitment forms part of the Department of Correctional Services’ staffing drive in the region, and the circular notes that preference may be given to suitably qualified applicants already employed at Mangaung Correctional Centre, depending on operational requirements.
Senior Security Officer Posts Offer R313 521 a Year
The department is recruiting 14 Senior Security Officers (Team Leader): External Security under reference FSNC 2026/04/22, with a salary of R313 521 per annum. Applicants need Matric/Grade 12 or a relevant NQF Level 6 qualification in Behavioural Sciences, successful completion of the Correctional Science Learnership/Basic Training, and either 10 years of relevant experience at CB1 level or no prior experience if appointed with the relevant NQF 6 qualification. A valid driver’s licence and computer literacy are also required.
The role includes leading external security functions such as prison ground patrols, prevention of escapes, supervision of watch towers, escorting offenders to courts and hospitals, controlling unauthorized items, and managing resources including staff, finances and assets.
Librarian Vacancy Open at Mangaung Maximum Correctional Centre
One Librarian post is available under reference FSNC 2026/04/23, also with a salary of R313 521 per annum. Candidates must have Matric/Grade 12 or a relevant NQF Level 6 qualification in Library and Information Sciences or Behavioural Sciences, plus successful completion of the Correctional Science Learnership/Basic Training.
The successful candidate will supervise and market prison library services, manage book and periodical systems, assist offender-students with sourcing academic material, arrange inter-library loans and oversee library resources.
DCS Sports Facilitator Vacancies Include 14 Posts
The Department is also offering 14 Sports Facilitator posts under reference FSNC 2026/04/24, each paying R313 521 per annum. Applicants need Matric/Grade 12 or a relevant NQF Level 6 qualification in Sport Management Sciences or Behavioural Sciences, successful completion of the Correctional Science Learnership/Basic Training, a valid driver’s licence and computer literacy. Recognised coaching accreditation in at least one sport code will be an advantage.
The duties focus on developing and implementing sports and recreation programmes aligned to rehabilitation goals, managing offender participation, organising tournaments and wellness activities, maintaining sports facilities, and ensuring all activities comply with security and safety protocols.
Specialised Case Officer and Case Officer Posts Also Advertised
For applicants interested in offender rehabilitation and sentence-plan support, the department has advertised 14 Specialised Case Officer posts under reference FSNC 2026/04/25, each paying R313 521 per annum.
In addition, 107 Case Officer posts are open under reference FSNC 2026/04/27. Salaries are listed as R212 358 per annum for CB1-1, R257 895 for CB1-2, and R313 521 for CB1-3. These roles focus on sentence plans, documentation control, offender records, and maintaining safe custody procedures.
381 Security Officer Vacancies Make Up the Biggest Intake
The largest number of vacancies is for Security Officers under reference FSNC 2026/04/26, with 381 posts available. The salary scales are R212 358 per annum for CB1-1, R257 895 for CB1-2, and R313 521 for CB1-3. Applicants must have Matric/Grade 12 and successful completion of the Correctional Science Learnership/Basic Training.
The department says Security Officers will perform access control, manage inmate movement, guard inmates in correctional centres and outside institutions, conduct physical security inspections, control security equipment and support offender rehabilitation in a secure and humane detention environment.
Pharmacist Assistant Post Open Under Public Service Act
The department has also advertised one Pharmacist Assistant (Basic): Grade 1–3 post under reference FSNC 2026/04/38. The salary starts at R162 894 per annum for Grade 1, rising to R215 013 for Grade 2 and R250 383 for Grade 3.
Applicants must meet the qualification and registration requirements of the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) for the relevant grade. Duties include receiving and storing stock, following pharmacy procedures, rotating stock, stock taking, and issuing ordered stock to the health facility.
How to Apply for Department of Correctional Services Vacancies
Applications must be sent to the Regional Commissioner, Free State and Northern Cape Region, at:
- Post: Private Bag X20530, Bloemfontein, 9300
- Hand Delivery: 103 Zastron Street, Agrimed Building, Bloemfontein, 9300
- Email: FSNCHRM@dcs.gov.za
Applicants must submit a completed Z83 form and detailed CV, clearly indicating the reference number of the post.
Important Reminder for Applicants
The Department of Correctional Services is an equal opportunity employer and aims to promote representivity in terms of race, gender and disability. Applicants must indicate these details in their application.
Shortlisted candidates will undergo security vetting, criminal record checks and qualification verification. The department also reserves the right not to fill the advertised posts.