Department of Public Works and Infrastructure Is Hiring Administrative Clerks

Introduction

If you are looking for a solid administrative job opportunity in South Africa’s public sector, here’s excellent news: the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) is hiring Administrative Clerks for the Immovable Asset Register (Verification) function. This role offers a 12-month contract, across multiple regional offices, with competitive remuneration (R228 321 per annum) and meaningful responsibilities.

In this article, we’ll dig into everything you need to know: what the DPWI does, why this role matters, where the jobs are located, what exact duties you’ll perform, the required skills and qualifications, how to apply, and how you can maximise your chance of success. Although the job is South Africa-based, this post is optimised to attract traffic from top-tier countries (US, UK, Canada) too—so you’ll also see comparable roles globally and understand the broader context.

What is the DPWI and Why This Role Matters

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) is a pivotal government body in South Africa, tasked with managing state-owned properties, infrastructure, facilities and the immovable assets of government. The department ensures that government buildings, land and other assets are properly accounted for, maintained, and leveraged for public good.

One of DPWI’s core functions is the maintenance and verification of the Immovable Asset Register (IAR). This register tracks all state-owned land and buildings—ensuring compliance with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and National Treasury requirements. In past adverts, the DPWI has specifically awarded roles with responsibilities around verifying property data, ensuring accuracy of immovable asset records, conducting audits and liaising with stakeholders.

The current role—Administrative Clerk: Immovable Asset Register (Verification)—is therefore strategically important. It helps ensure the government’s property portfolio is properly documented, verified and managed. For you as a job-seeker, it means you’ll be playing a key role in national infrastructure and asset-management.

Job Overview: Administrative Clerk – Immovable Asset Register (Verification)

Here are the critical details of the job opportunity:

Company Name: Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI)
Job Title: Administrative Clerk: Immovable Asset Register (Verification)
Number of Posts: 27
Contract Type: 12 months
Salary: R228 321 per annum
Job Locations & Reference Numbers:
- Head Office (Pretoria) – Ref No: 2025/131 (12 Posts)
- Pretoria Regional Office – Ref No: 2025/132 (2 Posts)
- Polokwane Regional Office – Ref No: 2025/133 (1 Post)
- Mmabatho Regional Office – Ref No: 2025/134 (2 Posts)
- Bloemfontein Regional Office – Ref No: 2025/135 (1 Post)
- Nelspruit Regional Office – Ref No: 2025/136 (2 Posts)
- Durban Regional Office – Ref No: 2025/137 (2 Posts)
- Cape Town Regional Office – Ref No: 2025/138 (2 Posts)
- Mthatha Regional Office – Ref No: 2025/139 (1 Post)
- Port Elizabeth Regional Office – Ref No: 2025/140 (2 Posts)
Closing Date: Not specified (so applying early is advised)

These details show the national reach (multiple regional offices) and scale (27 posts) of the recruitment. It reflects DPWI’s broad asset-verification programme.

Why Applicants Should Act Now

If you’re considering applying, here are compelling reasons why this role is worth your attention:

Competitive Salary for Entry Admin Role
R228 321 p.a. is a strong salary for a 12-month contract at the administrative-clerk level in South Africa’s public sector.
National Footprint – Multiple Regions
With posts across major regions (Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town, Nelspruit etc.), you may have options closer to your location or within commuting distance.
Exposure to Asset Management & Public Infrastructure
You’ll gain hands-on experience in immovable asset-register verification—a niche skill set that adds value to your CV.
Public Sector Career Step
Working in government can open pathways to other roles, longer contracts and the experience can give credibility for roles outside SA too.
Increased Focus on Asset Verification in 2025/2026
DPWI and its provincial counterparts are emphasising improved asset-management maturity and data verification. (www.govpage.co.za)
Minimal Qualification Barrier (Grade 12) with Strong Upside
The minimum requirement is a Senior Certificate/Grade 12 + driver’s licence. This means relatively wide accessibility to many job-seekers.
Opportunity to Build Skills in Reporting, Administration & Data Accuracy
The role requires skills in report writing, computer literacy, verification and organisational tasks—all highly transferable globally.

For job-seekers in the US, UK or Canada reading this: think of this as analogous to an administrative clerk role in public real-estate or asset-management departments in government agencies—skills gained here translate well internationally.

Detailed Duties & Responsibilities

While the job advert summarises the role, here’s a breakdown of what you’ll likely be doing day-to-day as an Administrative Clerk: Immovable Asset Register (Verification) at DPWI:

Collecting, verifying and updating immovable asset-register information (land parcels, building details, ownership, vesting status).
Conducting physical or desktop verification of state assets (existing records, on-site inspections etc).
Preparing and maintaining administrative registers, databases, spreadsheets with property/asset data.
Generating reports (monthly/quarterly) on the status of the asset register, discrepancies found, improvements needed.
Liaising with internal and external stakeholders (surveyors, legal units, state land custodians) to clarify property ownership or register issues.
Ensuring compliance with asset-management policies (PFMA, Treasury regulations, government property legislation) as part of verification processes. Previous adverts emphasised knowledge of GIAMA, PFMA. (dpsa.gov.za)
Supporting disposals of non-core assets or unsurveyed properties when required. (www.govpage.co.za)
Maintaining filing systems, ensuring accuracy of data records and updates in document management systems.
General administrative support: managing correspondence, archiving records, assisting senior officers in the Asset Register unit.
Assisting with audits and asset-register maturity assessments (tracking how many assets verified, improvements to data quality).

In short: you’ll be central to ensuring government properties are properly recorded, verified and reported—an important national function.

Required Skills & Qualifications

To be successful, you’ll need to meet the minimum requirements and also demonstrate key skills. Here’s what you need:

Minimum Requirements

Senior Certificate / Grade 12 or equivalent.
Driver’s Licence (valid) – listed as a requirement.
Computer literacy (basic knowledge of MS Word, Excel, database/spreadsheet use).
Basic numeracy, report writing and communication skills.
Administrative ability, verification skills, organisational competence.

Preferred Skills / Competencies

Experience in asset-management, property verification, immovable asset registers (beneficial).
Knowledge of relevant legislation (PFMA, GIAMA, government land laws) – even if at a basic level.
Strong attention to detail, ability to work with data, perform checks and updates accurately.
Good interpersonal / stakeholder-liaison skills (you may need to work with various departments).
Ability to manage multiple tasks and work under deadlines (since asset verification often has targets).
Willingness to travel (regional/facility visits may be required) or to work across sites if needed.

Meeting the minimum makes you eligible; showing that you also possess many of the preferred skills will make your application stronger.

How to Apply – Step-by-Step

Here is a simple application guide to help you apply for the DPWI Administrative Clerk role:

Update your CV
- Include your full name, contact details, physical address (or region you reside in).
- List your education (Grade 12, Senior Certificate).
- Highlight any experience you have (even small admin roles, data verification tasks).
- Include driver’s licence, computer skills (MS Office), any property- or asset-management relevant details.
- Use action verbs and quantify achievements (e.g., “Verified 150 asset records per week”, “Prepared monthly asset verification reports”).
Prepare a Cover Letter (optional but recommended)
- Briefly introduce yourself, your interest in the role.
- Explain why you are suited (your admin skills, reliability, driver’s licence, computer literacy, willingness to travel/verify assets).
- Emphasise your commitment to data accuracy and government service.
Use the Correct Reference Number and Location
- For example: Ref No: 2025/131 for Head Office (Pretoria).
- Ensure your application clearly indicates the reference number and the region you prefer (if applicable).
Ensure Supporting Documents are Ready
- Certified copies of your Grade 12 or equivalent certificate.
- Certified copy of your driver’s licence.
- Any certificates showing computer or admin skills (if you have).
- Identity document.
Submit your Application
- Use the email address provided for the location you are applying to (for example: Recruitment25-67@dpw.gov.za for Head Office Pretoria).
- Alternatively, check if a postal/hand-delivery option exists (depending on the region).
- Pay close attention to the closing date (apply early).
- Keep a copy of your application for your records.
Follow Up
- After submission, monitor your email/spam for acknowledgement.
- If you don’t hear within a few weeks, consider contacting the HR/Recruitment contact stated in the advert.

By following this process carefully, you demonstrate professionalism and ensure you don’t lose out due to an administrative oversight.

Tips to Stand Out – Increase Your Chance of Being Short-listed

Since dozens or even hundreds of applicants may contest each government post, applying strategically is important. Here are actionable tips:

Tailor your CV and cover letter to the job description. Mention “immovable asset register”, “verification”, “asset data”, “property records”, etc.
Highlight any data-entry, admin or asset-verification exposure, even in non-government roles.
Demonstrate computer literacy: list MS Word, Excel, database use; any certificate or short course is a plus.
Emphasise attention to detail: this role needs accuracy in verification—mention past roles where you used accuracy or data tasks.
Mention your driver’s licence and willingness to travel, if applicable – it’s explicitly required.
Show that you are comfortable working for a public-sector employer: reliability, accountability, following procedures.
Submit before the closing date and ensure your application is complete (missing documents often lead to disqualification).
Follow the instructions perfectly: government adverts often state very specific requirements and application processes (forms to use, certifications, how to submit). Failing to follow them may disqualify you.
Use the correct reference number and location in your application – this shows attention to detail.
Prepare for the interview: If short-listed, be ready to discuss how you’d verify asset data, manage records, liaise with stakeholders, meet deadlines and ensure accuracy.

By taking these extra steps, you shift from “just eligible” to “stand-out” candidate.

What Does the Salary Mean & How It Compares

The advertised salary is R228 321 per annum for a 12-month contract. What does this mean, especially for job-seekers analysing value?

In South Africa, an annual salary of R228 321 means roughly R19 000 per month (before tax).
For an administrative clerk role, especially at government level, this is competitive for entry- to mid-level administrative work.
When comparing internationally: For job-seekers or readers in the US/UK/Canada, you might think: “What equivalent salary is this?” The value of R228 321 ZAR will depend on exchange rates and cost of living. The key point: this is a stable 12-month contract with a national government employer, which adds extra credibility and job security.
Given the skills you’ll build (asset-management, data verification, government property portfolio), this salary also buys you exposure rather than just a low-level admin job.

Career Growth & Long-Term Opportunities

Taking a contract role like this with DPWI can be more than just a job—it can be a career move. Here’s how:

Experience with a national government department: Having DPWI on your CV shows you can operate in structured, policy-driven environment.
Skill set development: You’ll gain admin, data-management, asset-register verification, stakeholder-liaison, report-writing—all transferable skills.
Pathways to other roles: From clerical roles you might move into administrative officer, asset-management officer, internal audit or property-management roles. Previous adverts by DPWI for asset management officer roles showed higher qualifications and salary levels (R257 508 for Level 07)
Broader public-sector opportunities: Many government departments look for people who already have audit, asset-verification, register-management experience.
International relevance: Asset-register verification, public property management and data accuracy are skills used globally (US public works, UK local authority asset registers, Canada provincial asset management). So this role builds global-market credibility.

In short: see this as a launchpad, not just a short-term contract.

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

Often job-seekers make avoidable mistakes when applying to government jobs like this. Here are common pitfalls and how you can overcome them:

Leaving application documents incomplete: Missing certified copies, missing driver’s licence, missing reference number. Fix: Prepare all documents in advance; double-check before submission.
Applying for jobs without matching the minimum requirements: If you don’t meet the Grade 12 or lack driver’s licence, you’re unlikely to be considered. Fix: Only apply when you meet minimum requirements.
Failing to follow the exact submission instructions: For government jobs, process matters. Fix: Read the advert carefully, follow email or hand-delivery instructions exactly.
Late submission: Many adverts have closing dates and late applications aren’t accepted. Fix: Submit well in advance.
Generic CV/cover letter: Applying with a very generic profile reduces your chance. Fix: Tailor your CV/cover letter to the role.
Ignoring the legitimacy of adverts: There are scams impersonating DPWI. For example, DPWI warns job-seekers about fake adverts asking for payment. (Government of South Africa) Fix: Always verify the advert on the official DPWI website and ensure email addresses end with “.gov.za”.
Not updating your profile or failing to show impact: If you can’t highlight your past admin or verification work, your application may not stand out. Fix: Use measurable language in your CV (“Processed 300 records”, “Verified 120 asset entries weekly”).

By avoiding these mistakes, you give yourself a significantly better chance.

International Perspective: Why This Article Matters to a Global Audience

Although this role is specific to South Africa’s DPWI, there are reasons why job-seekers or career-minded individuals from the US, UK or Canada might still find value in this article:

Understanding public-sector administrative roles: Whether in the US Government’s GSA, UK’s HM Land Registry or Canada’s federal property-asset units—you’ll find similar administrative clerk roles dealing with asset registers, verification and data accuracy.
Skill sets are transferable: Admin skills, data-entry, asset-register verification, report-writing, stakeholder liaison are valuable worldwide.
Comparative salary and contract types: Seeing how a 12-month contract at R228k ZAR works gives you perspective on global job market structures and rates.
Career-path framing: The concept of using a government contract admin role as a launchpad is valid in many countries—taking a role, gaining experience, moving up.
Scam awareness: The article’s mention of DPWI’s warning about job-scams resonates globally—job-seekers everywhere need to verify official sources.

So even if you are based elsewhere, absorbing how public-sector hiring works, the skills involved and the pitfalls helps you in your own market.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is the contract renewable?
The advert states the role is a 12-month contract. Whether it is renewable may depend on performance and budget. Be prepared to ask that question during interview or after being shortlisted.

Q2. Do I need experience in asset-register verification?
While experience will strengthen your application, the minimum requirement only lists Grade 12, driver’s licence, and administrative / communication skills. If you don’t have direct asset verification experience, emphasise your admin/data verification experience and willingness to learn.

Q3. What happens after I submit my application?
You should wait for acknowledgement. Short-listed candidates will likely be contacted for interview or assessment. Ensure you check email and phone regularly.

Q4. Is this role full-time?
Yes—though it’s a 12-month contract, it is a full-time administrative clerk position, not part-time.

Q5. Can I apply from abroad or do I need to be based in South Africa?
The role is based in South Africa (various regional offices). You’ll likely need to be eligible to work in South Africa and either live in or relocate to the region of the post. Applicants from the US, UK or Canada would typically be observing or comparing unless they already have SA work eligibility.

Final Thoughts

The fact is: DPWI is hiring Administrative Clerks for the Immovable Asset Register (Verification). This is a golden opportunity for aspiring administrative professionals to join a significant public-sector programme in 2025/2026 and build valuable experience.

If you qualify (Grade 12, driver’s licence, admin skills), you shouldn’t hesitate. Begin preparing your CV and cover letter today. Use the reference numbers carefully, select the region you prefer, and ensure you follow the application instructions to the letter.

Remember: this kind of role not only provides employment but can act as a stepping-stone into a fulfilling career in government, asset-management, administration or property verification. Whether you’re in Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban or any of the listed regions, you have a chance to join a national initiative that matters.

Don’t wait for tomorrow—prepare your application now, submit early, and position yourself for success. Good luck and may you be among the successful 27 candidates!

Apply

DPWI Is Hiring Administrative Clerks in 2025