Many South Africans struggle to find employment or work opportunities that match their skills.
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One official way to improve your chances is by registering with the Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA).
This is a government-run online system managed by the Department of Employment and Labour.
ESSA helps job seekers connect with employers and training opportunities.
It also allows employers to view registered job seekers’ CVs and match candidates to relevant vacancies and learnerships. All services on ESSA are free and accessible online.
ESSA Online Registration System
ESSA stands for the Employment Services of South Africa.
It is an online job-seeker registration and employment matching platform run by the Department of Employment and Labour.
Once you register, the system compiles your information into a searchable profile and CV.
Employers and government employment practitioners use this database to find suitable candidates for jobs, internships and other work opportunities.
Who Can Register on ESSA?
Any South African citizen, permanent resident or legal resident looking for work, internships, learnerships or training opportunities can register on ESSA.
You do not need to be employed or have prior experience to create a profile.
Registration is aimed at unemployed youth, graduates, technical trainees and others seeking employment.
How Do I Access the ESSA Online Registration Page?
To start the ESSA online registration:
- Open your web browser and go to the official Department of Employment and Labour site at www.labour.gov.za.
- Find Online Services and select Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA).
- You will be taken to the ESSA portal.
- From there, you will see options to register as an individual or to log in if you already have an account.
Always make sure you use the official .gov.za domain so you are on the real South African government website.
What Do I Need to Register on ESSA?
To register successfully, you will need:
- Your full name and surname
- A valid South African ID number or legal residency details
- A current email address
- A contact phone number
You can create a free email account if you do not have one before you start the ESSA registration.
Registration asks you to complete personal details, education history, employment history and contact information so that employers and placements can match you accurately to opportunities.
How Do I Complete My ESSA Profile After Registration?
After you register and receive your login details:
- Log in to the ESSA portal using your ID number or username and password.
- Complete your profile by adding your education, any skills or qualifications, work experience and contact details.
- Upload a CV or let ESSA compile one automatically from your profile.
- Review your details to make sure they are accurate.
Once your profile is complete, you can search and apply for available opportunities through the portal.
How Do I Use ESSA to Find Jobs or Training?
Once logged in and your profile is complete:
- Use the search tool to find job vacancies, internships, learnerships and skills programmes that match your qualifications.
- Apply directly online through the system where applications are open.
- Your profile and CV can also be matched by employment practitioners to opportunities, who may forward your details to potential employers.
- Check your email regularly for notifications from ESSA or employers.
ESSA does not guarantee a job, but it increases your visibility to employers and connects you with government-linked employment and training opportunities.
What Should I Know About Safety and Best Practices?
ESSA registration and use of the portal are 100 per cent free. You should never pay any fee to register or to apply for jobs through ESSA.
There are scams that target job seekers online, including fake websites and recruitment agents asking for money.
Always make sure you are using the official ESSA site ending in .gov.za and never share banking or sensitive personal details beyond what is required for a genuine application.
If you need help with registration or do not have internet access, you can visit your nearest Department of Employment and Labour office or Labour Centre for support with the ESSA process.