How to register a profile on the Department of Labour’s ESSA portal?
Finding a job in South Africa can be a full-time task in itself. Fortunately, the Department of Employment and Labour provides a powerful, free tool to help: the Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA) portal.
If you are a South African job seeker, registering on ESSA is one of the smartest moves you can make. It doesn’t just store your CV; it matches you with government opportunities, learnerships, and private-sector jobs.
Here is your comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to register and optimize your profile for 2026.
What is the ESSA Portal?
ESSA is the official online recruitment platform of the South African government. It’s designed to connect work-seekers with employers at no cost. Once registered, your profile is accessible to Departmental employment practitioners who actively match candidates to various vacancies, including massive recruitment drives like those for the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) or the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Why You Should Register:
- Zero Cost: It is completely free for all South African citizens.
- Automatic CV Generation: The system builds a professional CV for you based on your inputs.
- Exclusive Access: Many government internships and learnerships are only advertised through ESSA.
- Visibility: Professional recruitment practitioners view the database to fill roles.
What You Need Before You Start
To make the registration process smooth, have the following ready:
- Your 13-digit South African ID Number.
- A valid email address (you will receive your password here).
- Details of your work history (dates, company names, and duties).
- Details of your qualifications (schooling and tertiary certificates).
- A digital copy of your CV (preferably in PDF).
Step-by-Step: How to Register on ESSA
Step 1: Access the Official Website
Go to the official Department of Labour website at www.labour.gov.za.
- Look for the “Online Services” tab on the homepage.
- Select “Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA)” from the dropdown menu.
- Alternatively, you can go directly to the ESSA portal: essa.labour.gov.za.
Step 2: Create a New Profile
- On the homepage, click on the “Register Individual” link (usually found on the left-hand panel or under the “Individual” section).
- Read and Accept the Terms and Conditions/Disclaimer.
- Enter your Surname, ID Number, and Email Address.
- Complete the security text (CAPTCHA) and click “Submit”.
Step 3: Check Your Email
The system will automatically send your Username (which is usually your ID number) and a temporary Password to the email address you provided.
Tip: If you don’t see the email within 5 minutes, check your “Junk” or “Spam” folder.
Step 4: Login and Update Your Profile
- Return to the ESSA login page.
- Enter your username and the temporary password.
- Once logged in, you will be prompted to complete your profile. This is the most important part! Fill in:
- Personal Details: Gender, race, and contact info.
- Education: High school and tertiary info.
- Experience: Previous jobs and specific skills.
Step 5: Upload and Apply
After completing your profile, navigate to the “Search for Opportunities” tab. You can filter by province, sector, or job type. When you find a role that fits, simply click “Apply”.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Issue | Solution |
| “ID Number already exists” | You may have registered years ago. Use the “Forgot Password” link to recover your account using your ID number. |
| Website not loading | The ESSA portal can be slow during high-traffic periods (like large recruitment drives). Try accessing it early in the morning or late at night. |
| No Email Received | Ensure your email address was typed correctly. If it still doesn’t arrive, you may need to visit your nearest Labour Centre for manual assistance. |
Pro-Tips for Success on ESSA
- Keep it Updated: Log in at least once every three months to update your profile. Profiles that show “recent activity” are often prioritized by recruiters.
- Be Specific with Skills: Don’t just say “Computer Skills.” List “Microsoft Excel,” “Data Entry,” or “Python” to help the matching algorithm find you.
- Visit a Labour Centre: If you don’t have internet access, every Department of Labour office has self-service kiosks where you can register for free.
