The South African Police Service (SAPS) is inviting applications for 12 Cleaner vacancies within the Human Resource Development (HRD) Division. These entry-level government jobs are available at various SAPS Academies across South Africa and offer an excellent opportunity for job seekers looking for stable employment in the public sector.
The successful candidates will earn a salary of R144,024 per annum (Salary Level 02) while contributing to the cleanliness, hygiene, and overall maintenance of SAPS training facilities. These positions are ideal for individuals who take pride in maintaining clean environments, can work independently or as part of a team, and are committed to high standards of workplace hygiene.
In this detailed guide, we explain everything you need to know about the Cleaner (X12 Posts) vacancies, including the salary, locations, minimum requirements, duties, required skills, career opportunities, and tips to help you prepare a successful application.
Cleaner Vacancy Overview
Position: Cleaner
Number of Posts: 12
Division: Human Resource Development (HRD)
Salary: R144,024 per annum (Salary Level 02)
Employer: South African Police Service (SAPS)
Cleaners play a vital role in ensuring SAPS academies remain clean, safe, hygienic, and welcoming for trainees, employees, and visitors. Maintaining high hygiene standards contributes to a healthy working and learning environment while supporting the efficient operation of police training institutions.
Available Posts and Reference Numbers
The vacancies are available at the following locations:
| Centre | Reference Number | Posts |
| SAPS Academy Mankwe | HRD 100/06/2026 | 2 |
| Division HRD, ISPD Tactical Mobility (SAPS Academy Atteridgeville) | HRD 101/06/2026 | 1 |
| SAPS Academy Bhisho | HRD 104/06/2026 | 2 |
| SAPS Academy Bishop Lavis | HRD 107/06/2026 | 1 |
| SAPS Academy Graaff-Reinet | HRD 110/06/2026 | 1 |
| SAPS Academy Mthatha | HRD 113/06/2026 | 1 |
| SAPS Academy Oudtshoorn | HRD 116/06/2026 | 1 |
| SAPS Academy Philippi | HRD 118/06/2026 | 1 |
| SAPS Academy Tshwane | HRD 120/06/2026 | 1 |
| SAPS Academy Ulundi | HRD 123/06/2026 | 1 |
Because these vacancies are spread across several provinces, applicants have the opportunity to apply for positions closer to where they live.
Salary and Employment Benefits
Successful applicants will receive an annual salary of R144,024 on Salary Level 02.
Government employment with SAPS offers a number of benefits, including:
- Stable public sector employment
- Annual leave
- Sick leave benefits
- Pension benefits (where applicable)
- Skills development opportunities
- Workplace training
- Opportunities for internal promotion
- Valuable government work experience
Although this is an entry-level position, it provides an excellent foundation for individuals seeking a long-term career in the public service.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements before applying.
South African Citizenship
Applicants must be South African citizens and provide documentary proof during the recruitment process.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess one of the following:
- ABET Level 4
- Grade 9
- Standard 7
- NQF Level 1 qualification recognised by SAQA
Documentary proof of the qualification must be produced when requested.
Language Requirements
Applicants must be proficient in:
- English
- At least one additional official South African language
Good communication helps ensure effective teamwork and compliance with workplace instructions.
Also See:
- Groundsman Vacancies (X23 Posts) SAPS Academy Jobs 2026
- Security Officer Vacancies (X40 Posts) SAPS 2026
- Food Services Supervisor Vacancies (X4 Posts)
- Human Resource Clerk Vacancy
- Secretary Vacancy at SA Navy Headquarters Pretoria
Knowledge, Skills and Competencies
SAPS is looking for candidates who possess the following competencies.
Cleaning Knowledge
Applicants should understand the proper use of:
- Cleaning detergents
- Disinfectants
- Cleaning chemicals
- Cleaning equipment
Using cleaning products correctly protects both employees and government property.
Occupational Health and Safety
Candidates should have a basic understanding of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) procedures.
This includes:
- Safe handling of chemicals
- Proper waste disposal
- Preventing workplace accidents
- Using personal protective equipment (PPE)
Following safety procedures helps create a healthier working environment.
Basic Literacy and Numeracy
Applicants should be able to:
- Read instructions
- Follow cleaning schedules
- Understand safety signs
- Perform simple counting and measuring tasks
These skills support the daily responsibilities of the position.
Communication Skills
Successful candidates must communicate professionally with supervisors, colleagues, and academy personnel.
Good communication promotes teamwork and efficient service delivery.
Ability to Operate Equipment
Applicants should be able to operate basic cleaning equipment where required.
Examples include:
- Vacuum cleaners
- Floor mops
- Buckets
- Cleaning tools
- Basic cleaning machines
Previous experience with cleaning equipment will be an advantage.
Flexibility
Applicants must be willing to work extended hours whenever operational requirements make it necessary.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
The Cleaner performs a wide variety of cleaning and hygiene duties to maintain SAPS facilities.
Maintaining High Hygiene Standards
One of the primary responsibilities is ensuring that SAPS premises remain clean and hygienic.
Cleaning may include both:
- Indoor areas
- Outdoor areas
Maintaining cleanliness contributes to a safe and healthy working environment.
Dusting Furniture
The successful candidate will routinely dust:
- Office furniture
- Desks
- Cabinets
- Shelving
- Tables
- Other surfaces
Regular dusting helps maintain professional office standards.
Vacuuming Floors and Carpets
Cleaners will vacuum:
- Office carpets
- Training rooms
- Corridors
- Reception areas
Vacuuming removes dust and improves indoor cleanliness.
Sweeping and Mopping Floors
Routine floor cleaning includes:
- Sweeping
- Mopping tiled floors
- Removing dirt
- Cleaning entrances
Well-maintained floors reduce health and safety risks.
Bathroom Cleaning
Cleaners will ensure that bathrooms remain hygienic by:
- Cleaning toilets
- Washing basins
- Cleaning mirrors
- Mopping floors
- Replacing consumables where required
Maintaining sanitary facilities is one of the most important responsibilities of the role.
Refuse Removal
The successful candidates will:
- Empty bins
- Remove refuse bags
- Dispose of waste appropriately
- Keep waste collection areas clean
Proper waste management supports environmental hygiene.
Safe Handling of Cleaning Materials
Cleaners are responsible for the safekeeping and correct use of cleaning supplies.
This includes:
- Storing cleaning chemicals safely
- Using detergents correctly
- Protecting cleaning equipment
- Preventing unnecessary wastage
Responsible use of materials helps reduce operational costs.
Why Work as a Cleaner for SAPS?
Working for SAPS provides several valuable advantages.
Stable Government Employment
Government support positions offer greater job stability than many temporary private-sector jobs.
Workplace Experience
Successful candidates gain practical experience in:
- Professional cleaning
- Workplace hygiene
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Government operations
These skills are transferable across many industries.
Career Development
Experience gained in this role may lead to opportunities such as:
- Senior Cleaner
- General Worker
- Facilities Maintenance Assistant
- Housekeeping Supervisor
- Building Maintenance Assistant
Internal career progression opportunities may become available over time.
Who Should Apply?
These vacancies are suitable for:
- Grade 9 graduates
- ABET Level 4 graduates
- Entry-level job seekers
- General workers
- Individuals interested in government employment
- Applicants with cleaning experience
- Candidates who enjoy maintaining clean environments
- Individuals seeking long-term public service careers
Even applicants with informal cleaning experience in schools, hospitals, offices, hotels, churches, or community organisations may find this opportunity suitable.
Tips for Preparing a Strong Application
Competition for SAPS support staff vacancies is often high.
Improve your chances by following these recommendations:
- Update your CV.
- Highlight any cleaning experience.
- Mention knowledge of cleaning chemicals.
- Include Occupational Health and Safety knowledge.
- Demonstrate teamwork abilities.
- Mention communication skills.
- Highlight reliability and punctuality.
- Include experience operating cleaning equipment.
- Ensure supporting documents are certified.
- Carefully follow all official application instructions.
A neat and professional application can improve your chances of being shortlisted.
Skills to Highlight on Your CV
When preparing your CV, consider including the following competencies:
- Cleaning Services
- Housekeeping
- Office Cleaning
- Floor Cleaning
- Bathroom Sanitation
- Waste Management
- Vacuum Cleaning
- Mopping
- Hygiene Standards
- Cleaning Chemicals
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Time Management
- Teamwork
- Communication Skills
- Attention to Detail
- General Maintenance
- Workplace Safety
- Equipment Handling
Tailoring your CV to match the advertised duties helps recruitment panels identify suitable candidates more easily.
Why These SAPS Cleaner Vacancies Are Worth Applying For
The 12 Cleaner vacancies provide an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to begin a career in the South African public service. With positions available across multiple SAPS academies, applicants have a greater chance of securing employment in their preferred province.
These roles allow successful candidates to contribute directly to maintaining clean and hygienic training environments for police recruits and staff while developing practical skills that are valuable in many industries.
Final Thoughts
The Cleaner (X12 Posts) vacancies within the South African Police Service Human Resource Development Division are an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking stable government employment. Offering a salary of R144,024 per annum, these entry-level positions are open to applicants with ABET Level 4, Grade 9, Standard 7, or an equivalent NQF Level 1 qualification who are committed to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and workplace hygiene.
Successful candidates will be responsible for cleaning offices, classrooms, bathrooms, corridors, and outdoor areas, removing refuse, maintaining hygiene standards, and safely handling cleaning materials and equipment. If you are reliable, hardworking, physically fit, and interested in building a career within the public sector, these SAPS Cleaner vacancies offer an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience while contributing to the smooth operation of police training academies across South Africa.