Temporary Government Job Opportunities in the Eastern Cape | Earn R400–R600 Per Day
Mbhashe Local Municipality invites applications from suitably qualified, motivated and committed individuals for 30 temporary Seasonal Lifeguard positions. The successful candidates will help provide life-saving services and maintain public safety at designated coastal beaches during the 2026 festive season and the 2027 Easter holidays.
The positions are temporary and will be available only during these peak holiday periods, when beaches experience increased visitor numbers. Applicants should be physically fit, able to read and write, and willing to undergo physical fitness assessments.
Candidates residing along the Mbhashe coast will receive preference. Individuals with relevant lifeguard qualifications, a Surf Proficiency Award or registration with the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) are encouraged to include supporting documents with their applications.
Job Details
| Job Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Employer | Mbhashe Local Municipality |
| Position | Seasonal Lifeguards |
| Number of Vacancies | 30 |
| Location | Mbhashe coastal beaches, Eastern Cape |
| Areas | Dutywa, Willowvale and Elliotdale |
| Employment Type | Temporary / Seasonal |
| Employment Period | Festive Season 2026 and Easter Holidays 2027 |
| Lifeguard Rate | R400 per day |
| Squad Leader Rate | R600 per day |
| Closing Date | 6 November 2026 |
| Closing Time | 16:00 |
About the Opportunity
Mbhashe Local Municipality is situated in the north-eastern part of the Eastern Cape and includes the areas of Dutywa, Willowvale, Elliotdale and surrounding rural communities.
The municipality is recruiting seasonal lifeguards to support beach safety and provide life-saving services during two major holiday periods. The appointed candidates will help protect swimmers and other beach users, identify potential hazards, respond to emergencies and promote responsible behaviour along the coastline.
The number of days worked will depend on the municipality’s operational requirements. Exact working days and schedules will be confirmed before the start of employment.
Beaches Under Supervision
The appointed seasonal lifeguards will provide services at the following coastal beaches:
- Qhora Beach – Ward 22, Gatyana
- Tenza Beach – Ward 22, Gatyana
- Mpame Beach – Ward 19, Xhora
- Lubanzi Beach – Ward 19, Xhora
- Mbolompo Beach – Ward 19, Xhora
- Bulungula Beach – Ward 19, Xhora
- Nkanya Beach – Ward 32, Xhora
- Cwebe Beach – Ward 20, Xhora
- Haven Beach – Ward 20, Xhora
- Dwesa Beach – Ward 29, Gatyana
Successful applicants may be assigned to designated beaches according to the municipality’s operational requirements.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must be able to read and write.
- Must be physically fit and prepared to undergo physical fitness tests.
- Must provide proof of residential address.
- Preference will be given to applicants residing along the Mbhashe coast.
Added Advantages
The following qualifications or registrations will be an added advantage:
- Surf Proficiency Award.
- Lifeguard Award.
- Registration with the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA).
Applicants who hold relevant qualifications or registrations should include certified copies with their application.
Duties and Responsibilities
Successful candidates will be responsible for maintaining beach safety and assisting members of the public during the designated seasonal employment periods.
Beach Surveillance and Swimmer Safety
- Monitor swimmers and other beach users within designated areas.
- Maintain continuous observation of swimming conditions and bather behaviour.
- Identify people who may be experiencing difficulties in the water.
- Help prevent drowning incidents through active supervision.
- Inform beach users about unsafe swimming conditions.
Identifying Hazards and Preventing Accidents
- Identify potential coastal hazards, including rip currents and dangerous water conditions.
- Warn members of the public about unsafe swimming areas.
- Help prevent accidents by promoting safe behaviour along the beach.
- Monitor changing beach and water conditions.
- Support restrictions on access to dangerous areas when necessary.
Water Safety Education
- Provide members of the public with practical water-safety advice.
- Explain safe swimming areas and beach warning systems.
- Advise beach users about waves, tides and changing conditions.
- Encourage responsible behaviour around the water.
- Help promote awareness of beach safety among residents and visitors.
Emergency Response and First Aid
- Respond to swimming emergencies and other beach-related incidents.
- Assist people who are in danger in the water.
- Administer first aid when required.
- Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) when necessary and within the scope of their training.
- Help stabilise injured or distressed individuals until further medical assistance arrives.
- Check that essential rescue and first-aid equipment is ready for use.
Maintaining Order and Protecting Equipment
- Address unsafe or unruly behaviour that may place beach users at risk.
- Help maintain a safe and orderly environment.
- Monitor and safeguard municipal life-rescue equipment.
- Ensure equipment is stored appropriately and protected from damage or theft.
- Cooperate with other emergency personnel when necessary.
Additional operational activities may include attending briefings, recording incidents and participating in public beach-safety awareness activities.
Salary and Remuneration
The daily rates are as follows:
| Position | Daily Rate |
|---|---|
| Seasonal Lifeguard | R400 per day |
| Squad Leader | R600 per day |
Payment will be based on the days worked during the designated holiday periods. The total amount earned will therefore depend on the number of days assigned by the municipality.
These are temporary seasonal positions and should not be regarded as permanent employment.
Working Conditions
The positions involve working outdoors at coastal beaches during busy holiday periods. Lifeguards must be prepared to work in changing weather conditions and remain alert while supervising beach users.
The work requires physical fitness, swimming ability, concentration, sound judgement and the ability to respond calmly to emergencies. Working schedules will be determined by the municipality according to operational requirements, beach activity and prevailing conditions.
Applicants should be prepared to undergo physical fitness assessments as part of the selection process.
How to Apply
Applications must reach one of the designated municipal offices no later than 16:00 on 6 November 2026.
Applicants may submit their applications at any of the following locations:
1. Mbhashe Municipal Offices
Human Resource Vacancy Boxes near Reception
454 Streatfield Street
Dutywa, 5000
Eastern Cape
2. Willowvale Municipal Offices
Submit the application at Reception.
3. Elliotdale Municipal Offices
Submit the application at Reception.
Ensure that the application is submitted at one of the specified locations before the closing deadline.
Documents to Include
Applicants should prepare and submit the following documents:
- A comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV).
- Certified copies of relevant certificates and qualifications.
- Certified copies of a Surf Proficiency Award or Lifeguard Award, where applicable.
- Proof of SAMSA registration, where applicable.
- Proof of identity.
- Proof of residential address.
Applicants seeking preference as residents of the Mbhashe coastal areas must include proof of residence.
Check that all required documents are included before submitting the application. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Enquiries
Applicants who require further information may contact the relevant municipal officials.
LED Officer: Tourism and Heritage Development
Contact Person: Ms S. Jikicwa
Telephone: 047 489 5800 / 047 489 5804 / 063 197 0789
Email: jikicwas@mbhashemun.gov.za
Manager: Economic Development
Contact Person: Mr M. Sibaca
Telephone: 047 489 5800 / 047 489 5804 / 063 689 0667
Email: sibacam@mbhashemun.gov.za
Important Information for Applicants
- There are 30 temporary seasonal positions available.
- Lifeguards will earn R400 per day, while squad leaders will earn R600 per day.
- Employment covers the 2026 festive season and the 2027 Easter holidays.
- Preference will be given to applicants who reside along the Mbhashe coast.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old and physically fit.
- Physical fitness assessments will form part of the selection process.
- Late applications and applications with incomplete documentation will not be considered.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment.
Closing Date
6 November 2026 at 16:00
Interested applicants are encouraged to submit complete applications at the designated Mbhashe Local Municipality offices before the deadline.
Vacancy Summary
Mbhashe Local Municipality is recruiting 30 Seasonal Lifeguards for temporary work at coastal beaches in the Eastern Cape during the 2026/2027 holiday seasons. The positions offer daily rates of R400 for lifeguards and R600 for squad leaders. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, able to read and write, physically fit and able to provide proof of residence. Relevant lifeguard qualifications and SAMSA registration are added advantages, while preference will be given to coastal residents.
Submit your application by 6 November 2026 at 16:00.