Assistant Director: Heraldic Artistry – Pretoria – Department Of Cultural Affairs And Sport

Assistant Director: Heraldic Artistry at the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport in Pretoria, a fulfilling government job in South Africa

Published 20 September 2026
Closing Date 5 October 2026
Location
Type
Opportunity

About the Role

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport is seeking a passionate and skilled Assistant Director: Heraldic Artistry based in Pretoria. This position plays a vital role in preserving and promoting South Africa’s rich cultural heritage through the design and registration of heraldic artworks. As an Assistant Director, you will be at the forefront of creating personal and institutional heraldic symbols, helping clients bring their stories and identities to life through artistry. By participating in this role, you contribute directly to the community’s understanding and appreciation of heraldry, which is an essential part of our nation’s history and tradition.

Working within this esteemed department, you will not only be designing and illustrating heraldic symbols but also engaging with clients to understand their unique needs and symbolism. Your expertise will ensure that all heraldic artworks reflect the highest standards of artistic quality and compliance with heraldic principles. This position is perfect for someone who values creativity and cultural expression while contributing to the public service in South Africa.

About the Department

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport is dedicated to promoting, preserving, and developing the cultural heritage of South Africa. By fostering an environment where arts, culture, and sports can thrive, the department plays a pivotal role in bringing communities together and enhancing social cohesion. Working here is meaningful as it allows you to engage with diverse cultural expressions and contribute to initiatives that celebrate and protect South Africa’s rich heritage.

What You’ll Do

  • Design and develop heraldic artwork, including symbols and layouts for various publications and materials.
  • Consult with clients to determine their design requirements and the significance of heraldic symbols.
  • Prepare original artwork using both traditional and digital illustration techniques.
  • Draft designs in accordance with heraldic principles, ensuring artistic quality and correctness.
  • Produce final designs for registration, maintaining consistency in heraldic colours and elements.
  • Create and paint heraldic certificates to meet high artistic and quality standards.
  • Archive completed artworks and ensure all designs are free from defects before registration.
  • Provide technical advice on heraldic design principles to clients and stakeholders.
  • Participate in exhibitions and campaigns to raise awareness of heraldic artistry.
  • Conduct research on heraldic symbols, traditions, and practices to support design projects.

What You’ll Need

  • A Senior Certificate/Matric Certificate or equivalent qualification.
  • A minimum of a three-year National Diploma (NQF level 6) or Degree (NQF level 7) in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Visual Arts, Multimedia Design, or a relevant qualification.
  • At least 2-3 years of experience as a graphic designer in creating corporate identity and heraldic artwork.
  • Proficiency in digital illustration software and graphic design applications.
  • Strong knowledge of colour theory, composition, and visual communication.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work under pressure.
  • Research and analytical skills, along with strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.

How to Apply

Please refer to the application instructions below.

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Requirements

Senior Certificate/Matric Certificate /Grade 12 Certificate or equivalent qualification; Minimum three-year National Diploma (NQF level 6) / Degree NQF level 7) as recognised by SAQA in Graphic Design/ Fine Arts/ Visual Arts/ Multimedia Design or any relevant qualification; 2-3 years relevant experience at least 2 years as a graphic designer in conceptualising, designing and producing corporate identity and heraldic artwork or any relevant graphic environment; Knowledge of Public Service Regulations; Knowledge of relevant legislation, policies and procedures applicable to the Bureau of Heraldry; Knowledge graphic design and art; Knowledge of illustration and graphic design techniques; Knowledge of calligraphy and typography; Knowledge of colour theory, composition and visual communication; Knowledge of printing and publishing processes; Ability to work under pressure; Knowledge of digital illustration software and graphic design applications; Knowledge of copyright, intellectual property and design ethics; Knowledge of records management practices; Research and analytical skills; Planning and Organising skills; 102 Strategic thinking and Problem-solving skills; Presentation skills; Good Communication and Interpersonal relations; Computer Literacy; Analytical skills.

Job Duties

The purpose of this post is to design, paint and register personal and institutional heraldic artworks for clients of the Bureau; Design and develop heraldic artwork-Design and illustrate all heraldic symbols; Develop creative concepts and layouts for publications and materials; Prepare original heraldic artwork using traditional and digital illustration techniques; Draft designs manually and electronically in accordance with heraldic principles; Consult with clients to determine design requirements and symbolism; Produce final approved designs for registration; Ensure all designs accurately reflect heraldic symbolism and artistic quality; Maintain consistency in the application of heraldic colours, charges, shields and other design elements; Produce heraldic certificates and register artwork-Paint heraldic certificates to the required artistic and quality standards; Produce register drawings for inclusion in the South African Heraldic Register; Duplicate approved artwork for official registers and archival purposes; Prepare artwork for printing, reproduction and publication; Ensure all artwork is complete, accurate and free from defects before registration; Maintain the quality and consistency of all painted certificates and register drawings; Archive completed artwork and registered drawings in accordance with prescribed procedures; Support the production of replacement and duplicate certificates were required; Prepare heraldic calligraphy and registration documentation-Produce handwritten and digital calligraphy for heraldic certificates and registers; Write blazons accurately in accordance with heraldic terminology and conventions; Apply appropriate lettering styles to complement heraldic artwork; Ensure all lettering is correctly aligned, centered and professionally presented; Complete certificates with approved calligraphic inscriptions; Verify the accuracy of names, descriptions and heraldic terminology before finalization; Prepare documentation required to support the registration of heraldic representations; Maintain high standards of presentation in all calligraphic work; Ensure heraldic compliance and quality assurance-Compare proposed designs against existing heraldic registers and publications to prevent duplication; Verify that all designs comply with heraldic legislation, policies and standards; Conduct quality assurance reviews of artwork before approval and registration; Recommend amendments where designs do not comply with heraldic requirements; Provide technical advice on heraldic design principles to clients and stakeholders; Maintain consistency and integrity of the South African Heraldic Register; Provide administrative support services within the sub directorate-Participate in exhibitions and heraldic designs awareness campaigns; Liaise with printers, designers, photographers and other service providers to coordinate production; Monitor the quality of printed and published material to ensure compliance with approved standards; Conduct research and provide technical advice to support graphic design and publication projects; Conduct research on heraldic symbols, traditions, history and international practices; Prepare reports and maintain records relating to design projects; Assist with budgeting and procurement processes where required.

Salary

R487 197 per annum (Level 09)

How to Apply

Submitted via post to: Private Bag X895, Pretoria, 0001 or hand-deliver to: The Department of Basic Education, 222 Struben Street, Pretoria or you can email your application to [email protected]/[email protected]/[email protected]./Sko [email protected] Please visit the Department of Education’s website at www.education.gov.za For Enquiries: Mr M Mothiba Tel No: (012) 441 3229