Director: Heraldry Services – Pretoria – Department Of Cultural Affairs And Sport

Director: Heraldry Services at the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport in Pretoria, a meaningful government job in South Africa

Published 19 September 2026
Closing Date 5 October 2026
Location
Type
Opportunity

About the Role

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport is seeking a dedicated professional for the position of Director: Heraldry Services based in Pretoria. This vital role focuses on the management and preservation of heraldic artistry, ensuring that South Africa’s rich cultural heritage is documented, respected, and promoted. The Director will serve not only as a leader in heraldry but also as a guardian of the symbols that represent our national identity, making a significant impact on public service and community cohesion.

In this position, the successful candidate will oversee the development and registration of heraldic representations, providing guidance on the design and preservation of these important symbols. By engaging with various stakeholders, including schools and communities, the Director will promote civic education and enhance awareness of national symbols, thereby fostering a sense of pride and unity among South Africans.

About the Department

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport plays a fundamental role in preserving and promoting South Africa’s diverse cultural heritage. Its mandate encompasses the management of arts, culture, and sports, ensuring that these elements reflect the nation’s identity and values. Working within this department means being part of a mission that enhances social cohesion and fosters a vibrant cultural landscape, making a meaningful difference in the lives of many South Africans.

What You’ll Do

  • Manage the design and preservation of heraldic artistry in accordance with national standards.
  • Provide advice and documentation on traditional and cultural symbolism for preservation.
  • Oversee the development and registration of heraldic representations, ensuring compliance with processes.
  • Lead public awareness programs on national symbols, engaging schools and communities.
  • Coordinate the National Orders Award Ceremony and associated initiatives.
  • Develop and implement policies related to heraldry services and conduct relevant research.
  • Manage operational plans and provide strategic leadership within the directorate.

What You’ll Need

  • Senior Certificate/Matric or equivalent qualification.
  • Undergraduate qualification in Fine Arts, Cultural Heritage Management, or a related field (NQF level 7).
  • At least 5 years of relevant experience in heraldry or heritage management at a senior level.
  • Successful completion of the Pre-entry Certificate for Public Sector Senior Management Leadership.
  • Knowledge of South African heritage, culture, and public service regulations.
  • Strong leadership, project management, and communication skills.
  • A valid driver’s license and willingness to travel.

How to Apply

Please refer to the application instructions below.

Looking for more South African government jobs? Browse the latest vacancies on JobsSouthAfrica.co.za. If you are applying for the first time, read our Complete Guide to Applying for Government Jobs in South Africa, covering the Z83 form, certified copies, CV format, interview tips and more.

Requirements

Senior Certificate/Matric Certificate /Grade 12 Certificate or equivalent qualification.

An undergraduate qualification (NQF level 7) as recognised by SAQA in Fine Arts/ Visual Arts/ Cultural Heritage Management/ Heritage Studies/ History/ Museum Studies/ Indigenous Knowledge Systems/ Bachelor of Laws or any relevant qualification; Successful completion of Pre-entry Certificate for Public Sector Senior Management Leadership as endorsed by the National School of Government (NSG); 5 years relevant experience at a Middle (Deputy Director level) /Senior Management level in heraldry, heritage management within the development, registration and preservation of heraldic representations environment; A valid driver’s license and willingness to travel; Knowledge of Public Service Regulations; Knowledge and understanding of policy development; Knowledge and understanding of South African heritage, culture and history; Knowledge and understanding of Registration and preservation processes for heraldic representations; Knowledge of heraldry services; Understanding of heraldic principles, practices, standards and procedures; Knowledge and understanding of national symbols, their significance, and protocols governing their use; Knowledgeable in the Public Finance Management Act with an understanding of relevant policies, prescripts, and legislation; Knowledge of policy development and analysis processes; Knowledge of research methodologies; Strategic capability and Leadership; People management and Empowerment; Programme and Project Management; Financial Management; Service Delivery Innovation (SDI); Client Orientation and Customer Focus; Presentation skills; Good communication and Interpersonal relations; Computer Literacy; Project Management Skills.

Job Duties

Manage the heraldic artistry design and preservation-Develop, design and maintain official heraldic representations in line with prescribed standards; Provide advice on design and preservation of official heraldic artistry; Document traditional and cultural symbolism for preservation purposes; 97 Ensure preservation and safeguarding of heraldic records and artefacts; Provide guidance on heraldic symbolism and interpretation; Ensure compliance with heraldic processes; Support quality assurance of all heraldic artworks and outputs; Lead the development and processing of the Heraldry Bill; Manage the development and registration of heraldic representations- Facilitate the development and registration of heraldic representations; Manage and process applications for heraldic registration; Facilitate review and approval processes for heraldic designs; Ensure accurate documentation and recording of registered heraldic symbols; Liaise with relevant stakeholders on registration and compliance requirements; Ensure production and quality assurance of draft and final designs; Coordinate publication of approved designs in the Government Gazette; Ensure compliance with heraldic standards and legislative requirements; Engage relevant stakeholders on heraldic approval processes; Coordinate publication of approved heraldic representations; Oversee coordinate and popularization of national symbols- Facilitate the coordination and popularisation of national symbols; Implement public awareness programmes on national symbols; Oversee the coordinate of outreach programmes; Promote civic education on national identity and symbolism; Engage relevant stakeholders including schools, communities and institutions; Monitor and evaluate awareness and outreach initiatives; Oversee the distribution of national flags to schools and institutions across the country; Provide strategic leadership in conceptualising, planning, and executing the National Orders Award Ceremony and all associated deliverables; Develop and ensure implement of policies, procedures, guideline and conduct research related to Heraldry services-Conduct research on heraldry, national symbols and Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS); Source and analyse literature, archival materials and academic publications; Participate in conferences, seminars and forums; Produce research reports, articles and technical documentation; Support evidence-based improvement of heraldic and symbolic practices; Engage the Office of the State Law Adviser on legislative matters; Facilitate approval processes including SEIAS documentation; Lead initiatives to promote awareness of national symbols; Manage the Directorate- Develop and manage operational plans aligned to departmental strategy; Respond to audit queries, parliamentary questions and compliance requests; Manage risk identification and mitigation processes within the directorate; Oversee performance management systems and staff development; Ensure compliance with legislation, policies and governance frameworks; Manage stakeholder engagement and intergovernmental relations.

Salary

R1 317 384 per annum, (an all-inclusive remuneration package), consisting of a basic salary (70% of the total remuneration package), State’s contribution to the Government Employees Pension Fund (13% of basic salary) and a flexible portion that may be structured in terms of applicable rules and guidelines.

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 I Langeveld Tel No: (012) 441 3037 OTHER POSTS