Department of Basic Education Vacancies 2025: Chief Director Positions in Pretoria
Introduction
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has officially advertised several high-level Chief Director vacancies for 2025, offering senior professionals an opportunity to contribute to the transformation and improvement of South Africa’s education system. These posts are based in Pretoria and fall within the Senior Management Service (SMS), with an attractive annual salary of R1 494 900.
This article provides a clear breakdown of the advertised DBE vacancies, requirements, duties, and application process to help qualified job seekers prepare and apply successfully.
Why These DBE Vacancies Matter
Senior leadership roles within the Department of Basic Education play a crucial role in shaping curriculum delivery, public examinations, legal compliance, and education policy across South Africa. These positions directly influence:
- Curriculum implementation from Early Childhood Development (ECD) to Grade 12
- Public examinations, assessments, and learner performance outcomes
- Legal and legislative governance in the education sector
- Achievement of national targets under the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030
In line with the Employment Equity Act, the DBE encourages applications from women and persons with disabilities, ensuring fair representation and transformation in the public service.
Available Chief Director Positions at DBE
1. Chief Director: Curriculum Implementation and Monitoring (Ref: DBE/27/2025)
Branch: Curriculum Policy, Support and Monitoring
Salary: R1 494 900 per annum
Centre: Pretoria
Key Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree (NQF Level 7) recognised by SAQA
- 5 years’ experience at senior managerial level
- Extensive knowledge of CAPS, NCF (0–4 years), and education policy
- Strong strategic leadership, financial management, and people management skills
- Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel
Main Duties
- Improve quality of teaching and learning from ECD to Grade 12
- Strengthen teacher capacity and curriculum delivery
- Oversee implementation of NCF and CAPS
- Improve learner performance in literacy and mathematics
- Enhance inclusive education and learner retention
2. Chief Director: Legal and Legislative Services (Ref: DBE/28/2025)
Branch: Finance and Administration
Salary: R1 494 900 per annum
Centre: Pretoria
Note: Re-advertisement – previous applicants need not re-apply
Key Requirements
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) – NQF Level 7
- Master’s Degree in Law (advantageous)
- 10 years’ legal experience, with 5 years at senior management level
- Admitted Attorney or Advocate
- Experience in Education Law is compulsory
Main Duties
- Manage Legal and Legislative Services Directorates
- Provide legal advice to DBE and Provincial Education Departments
- Draft and oversee education legislation and regulations
- Manage litigation involving the Minister and Director-General
- Oversee statutory bodies and international agreements
3. Chief Director: Public Examinations and Assessments (Ref: DBE/29/2025)
Branch: Curriculum Policy, Support and Monitoring
Salary: R1 494 900 per annum
Centre: Pretoria
Note: Re-advertisement – previous applicants need not re-apply
Key Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree (NQF Level 7)
- 5 years’ experience at senior managerial level
- Experience in the education sector
- Knowledge of public examinations and assessment policies
Main Duties
- Manage National Senior Certificate and Senior Certificate examinations
- Oversee Grade 12 question papers and marking quality
- Manage national and international assessments (TIMSS, PIRLS, SACMEQ)
- Improve assessment systems in GET and FET bands
- Provide accurate learner performance data
How to Apply for DBE Vacancies
Applications must be submitted using the new Z83 Application for Employment Form. Failure to use the latest Z83 form will result in disqualification.
Submission Methods
- Post: Private Bag X895, Pretoria, 0001
- Hand Delivery: 222 Struben Street, Pretoria
- Email: HR@dbe.gov.za
Closing Date: 22 December 2025
Attention: Mr M Segowa / Ms N Monyela
Important Notes for Applicants
- Submit only a completed Z83 form and detailed CV
- Certified documents will be requested from shortlisted candidates only
- SMS Pre-entry Programme certificate is compulsory before appointment
- Security clearance, integrity assessment, and competency assessments apply
- Late or faxed applications will not be considered
Common Challenges When Applying
- Using an outdated Z83 form
- Failure to clearly state the reference number
- Incomplete CVs lacking senior management experience
- Missing SMS pre-entry programme requirements
Tips for Success
- Align your CV with the listed duties and competencies
- Highlight leadership achievements and policy experience
- Prepare for strategic and ethical assessments
- Demonstrate knowledge of South Africa’s education frameworks
Useful Resources
- Department of Basic Education
- DPSA Vacancy Circulars
- SMS Pre-Entry Programme
- Latest Government Jobs in South Africa
- Join Our WhatsApp Jobs Channel
Conclusion
The Department of Basic Education vacancies for 2025 present a rare opportunity for experienced professionals to influence national education outcomes at the highest level. If you meet the requirements and have a passion for leadership, policy implementation, and educational excellence, these Chief Director posts are worth pursuing.
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