Port Worker

TRANSNET PORT TERMINALS (TPT) PORT WORKER VACANCY – CAPE TOWN
Company: Transnet Port Terminals (TPT)
Position: Port Worker
Reference Number: req6075
Operating Division: TPT Cape Town CT
Department: TPT Operations
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Employment Type: Non-Permanent
Grade: HRLYL1
Reporting To: Operations Manager
Closing Date: 27 October 2026
JOB DESCRIPTION
Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) is inviting suitably qualified candidates to apply for the position of Port Worker at its Cape Town operations.
The purpose of this position is to provide general labour as directed by the supervisor to maintain a safe and clean working environment and support efficient cargo-handling operations at the port.
The successful candidates will assist with various port activities, including cleaning operational equipment, inspecting containers, monitoring refrigerated containers and supporting the loading and offloading of cargo. Employees will be expected to follow standard operating procedures, comply with safety requirements and maintain cleanliness in operational areas.
This opportunity is suitable for individuals who meet the educational and experience requirements and are interested in working in a port operations environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The successful candidate will perform the following duties:
- Clean operational equipment, including ship-to-shore crane windows and cabins.
- Inspect containers and identify their condition.
- Monitor refrigerated containers (reefers) as required.
- Open and close twist-locks on rail wagons.
- Assist with loading, offloading and movement of cargo according to standard operating procedures.
- Perform hooking and unhooking activities where required.
- Assist with tarping and untarping cargo where applicable.
- Place and remove dunnage used to support or protect cargo.
- Clean operational areas, rail trucks, machinery, workshops, offices, sheds and ablution facilities as instructed.
- Complete relevant documentation, including accident reports.
- Identify the correct cargo-handling equipment and gear for assigned tasks.
- Follow workplace health and safety procedures and instructions from supervisors.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Applicants must meet at least one of the qualification and experience combinations listed in the advertisement:
Option 1
- Grade 12 / NQF Level 4.
- Minimum of one year’s work experience.
- Port operations experience will be an added advantage.
- A relevant certificate is an added advantage.
Option 2
- Grade 10 / NQF Level 2.
- Minimum of two years’ work experience.
- Port operations experience will be an added advantage.
- A relevant certificate is an added advantage.
The advertisement also mentions ROC in its qualification requirements. Applicants should check the official vacancy advertisement for clarification on any applicable certificate or ROC requirement.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Candidates should have knowledge of the following:
- Terminal layout.
- Workplace health and safety.
- Container stack positions.
The required skills include attention to detail and cleanliness. Applicants should also be prepared to follow instructions, work responsibly and comply with operational safety procedures.
EMPLOYMENT EQUITY
Preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants from designated groups in accordance with Transnet’s Employment Equity Plan and targets.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested applicants should apply through the official Transnet recruitment platform by searching for Port Worker, reference req6075, under TPT Cape Town CT.
Applicants should ensure that they meet the relevant qualification and experience requirements and submit their applications before the closing date.
Closing Date: 27 October 2026
It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that Human Resources receives the application before the closing date.
This is a non-permanent employment opportunity. Candidates interested in port operations and cargo-handling work are encouraged to review the official vacancy details and apply if they meet the requirements.

Skhumbuzo Shandu is the founder of Careers With Shandu, a platform dedicated to helping South Africans access job opportunities, learnerships, and career development resources.
He focuses on sharing clear, practical, and up-to-date information to help matriculants, graduates, and job seekers navigate applications and build their careers.
Through his work, he aims to make opportunities easier to understand and accessible to everyone, especially young people entering the workforce.

