Customs & Excise Cadet Learnership at SARS

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) invites ambitious and qualified candidates to apply for the prestigious Customs & Excise Cadet Learnership Programme for the 2026 / 2027 intake. This comprehensive 12-month development journey is specifically designed to equip South African youth with practical frontline experience, technical regulatory compliance knowledge, and operational competencies across crucial customs environments, including border posts, maritime ports, and international airports.

Key Responsibilities

Successful candidates will undergo intensive structured workplace learning and operational training, taking responsibility for the following core duties:

• Operational Processing: Utilize specialized SARS electronic customs systems accurately to record transactional information and process cargo and passenger movements efficiently.

• Administrative Support: Perform end-to-end administration, process requests for information, and ensure transactional records are filed and maintained in compliance with standard operating procedures.

• Compliance & Governance: Adhere strictly to national customs legislation, excise regulations, and internal governance frameworks while identifying and reporting operational irregularities.

• Stakeholder Service Delivery: Attend to basic inquiries from traders, travelers, and clearing agents promptly while escalating complex operational bottlenecks to senior customs officers.

• Teamwork & Performance: Meet contracted performance goals and service level agreements (SLAs), actively participating in continuous skills training and peer reviews.

• Resource Efficiency: Optimize daily operational tasks to minimize administrative waste and enhance cost-effective service delivery across operational hubs.

Why Join the Company

Working at the South African Revenue Service (SARS) offers an unparalleled opportunity to contribute directly to the economic security and nation-building initiatives of South Africa. Learners receive expert mentorship, formal operational certification, and exposure to vital international trade pathways. SARS fosters a culture of integrity, professional excellence, and high performance, making this cadet learnership a high-value launchpad for long-term careers in supply chain, international trade, customs administration, and border management.

Application Strategy (Exclusive)

• Highlight Mathematical & Analytical Strength: Ensure your matric results clearly show your pass in Mathematics or Accounting, emphasizing your capability in data handling and detail-oriented record management.

• Showcase Adaptability and Mobility: Explicitly state your possession of a valid driver's license and your readiness to work rotational shifts, night duties, and operational deployments at regional ports or remote land border posts.

• Emphasize Integrity and Compliance: Detail your previous administration or customer service experience, focusing on your adherence to rules, clean background record, and personal accountability.

Interview Preparation

Candidates shortlisted for the SARS Customs Cadet assessment should prepare to answer situational and behavioural questions, such as:

• "How would you handle a situation where a traveler or trader attempts to bypass customs declaration procedures or offers an inducement?"

• "Describe a time when you had to work under intense pressure while maintaining absolute accuracy in administrative or computational tasks."

Sharpen your communication skills and practice your responses using the Xhosadev Interview Simulator before attending your official interview.

How to Apply

Interested applicants who meet the minimum entry criteria should submit their application online before the closing date of September 30, 2026.

Please apply using the Quick Apply button on this page.

• Grade 12 / Matric (NQF Level 4) with Mathematics or Accounting passed.

• South African Citizenship with a valid South African Identity Document.

• Valid Code B/EB driver's licence.

• Aged between 18 and 35 years at the time of application.

• Minimum of 1 year experience in an administration, logistics, supply chain, or customer service environment.

• Computer literacy with proven proficiency in standard Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).

• Physical fitness and readiness to work within demanding operational environments.

• Willingness to work shifts, public holidays, weekends, and overtime as operational requirements mandate.

• Willingness to be deployed nationally across land border posts, seaports, airports, and inland operational hubs.

• Willingness to undergo extensive security vetting, criminal background checks, integrity testing, and qualification verification.