Step into Service: Applications for the SANDF 2027 Military Skills Programme are now open — submit your forms in person or by post before 27 March! Picture Credit: Defenceweb
By Aisha Zardad
South Africa – Applications Now Open for SANDF 2027 Military Skills Development Programme. Young South Africans interested in joining must submit their forms in person or by post, as the SANDF does not process applications online.
Applications opened on 16 February 2026 and will close on 27 March 2026. Completed forms must be submitted either in person at the nearest SANDF recruitment office or by post to the relevant regional office. All application forms must be collected directly from SANDF recruitment venues.
Regional recruitment offices for submitting applications:
| Province | Recruitment Office | Address | Tel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free State | Army Support Base Bloemfontein | Pappa Brits Street, Tempe, Bloemfontein, 9300 | 051 402 1262 |
| Western Cape | Castle of Good Hope | Block C, C/O Buitengracht and Strand Street, Cape Town, 8000 | 021 787 1023/4 |
| Western Cape | School of Logistics Training | Wetton Road, Wetton, Cape Town | 021 787 1527 |
| Limpopo | Army Support Base Recruitment Office | Building T143, Gateway Road, Polokwane, 0699 | 015 299 3318 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | Recruitment Office, Lords Ground Military Base | 186 Old Ford Road (K.E. Masinga Road), Durban | 012 339 5042 |
| Eastern Cape | Army Support Base Recruitment Office | Willow Drive, Forest Hill, Port Elizabeth, 6013 | 041 505 1101/1268 |
| Northern Cape | Army Support Base Recruitment Office Kimberley | General Khan van der Spuy Avenue, Diskobolos, Kimberley, 8301 | 053 830 3204 |
| North West | Army Support Base Recruitment | C/O Grobler Street (R53) and Eleazer Road, Potchefstroom, 2531 | 018 289 3322 |
| Gauteng | Recruitment Office | C/O Visagie and Paul Kruger Street, Pretoria, 0001 | 012 339 5718/5754/5042 |
| Mpumalanga | Army Support Base | 8 Spruit Street, Mbombela, 1201 | 013 756 2113/2181 |
| Mpumalanga | 4 South African Infantry Battalion | C/O Dr Beyers Naudé and Boncker Street, Middleburg, 1050 | 013 249 3534 |
Successful applicants will receive a two-year contract with the SANDF. The first year includes basic military training, followed by specialist training in the applicant’s chosen branch: the SA Army, SA Air Force, SA Navy, or SA Military Health Service.
Applicants must submit the following:
- Completed application form
- Comprehensive CV
- Certified copies of their ID
- Matric certificate (only 2025 statement of results accepted)
- Any tertiary qualifications, if applicable
Applicants for the 2027 intake must:
- Be South African citizens (no dual citizenship allowed)
- Be between 18 and 22 years old (up to 26 for graduates)
- Have completed or currently be in Grade 12
- Have no serious criminal convictions or pending cases
- Have no visible tattoos
- Meet medical fitness requirements
- Have an Admission Point Score (APS) of at least 18 (excluding Life Orientation)
- Applicants for specialised musterings, such as aviation engineering, must have passed Mathematics and Physical Science
With the closing date set for 27 March 2026, applicants are encouraged to visit their nearest recruitment office early to collect and submit the required documentation.
