Transnet – Port Worker

Applicants in Nelson Mandela Bay who are interested in port operations, cargo handling, cleaning, and practical labour support can consider this Port Worker opportunity at Transnet Port Terminals. The role is based at the Port Elizabeth Multi-Purpose Terminal and involves supporting safe, clean, and efficient terminal operations under the direction of a supervisor.

At a glance

What this opportunity is

Transnet Port Terminals is recruiting for a Port Worker at its Port Elizabeth Multi-Purpose Terminal. The position is focused on providing labour support as directed by a supervisor to help maintain a safe and clean working environment and support cargo operations.

This is a non-permanent opportunity within the TPT Operations department in the Eastern Cape. The work is practical and operational, meaning applicants should be prepared for physical tasks, cleaning duties, cargo support activities, and working according to standard operating procedures in a port terminal environment.

Who this opportunity may suit

This opportunity may suit applicants who have Grade 12 / NQF Level 4, at least one year of experience, and an interest in logistics, port operations, cargo handling, or general operational work. It may also suit applicants who are safety-conscious, attentive to detail, and comfortable performing hands-on duties in an industrial or terminal environment.

Preference will be given to people living with disabilities and applicants residing in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.

What you’ll do / learn

• Clean operational equipment such as ship-to-shore crane windows and crane cabins.
• Inspect container condition.
• Assist with reefer monitoring operations.
• Open and close rail wagon twist-locks.
• Support loading, off-loading, and stacking of cargo according to standard operating procedures.
• Perform hooking and unhooking duties.
• Assist with tarping and untarping where applicable.
• Place and remove dunnage.
• Clean operational areas, rail trucks, plant, workshops, offices, sheds, and ablution facilities as instructed.
• Complete applicable documentation, including accident reports where required.
• Identify the correct cargo-handling equipment or gear.
• Follow safety and cleanliness requirements in the terminal environment.

Note: This is listed as a non-permanent opportunity. Applicants should read the full official vacancy carefully before applying and should not assume permanent employment unless it is confirmed by Transnet.

Eligibility requirements

Applicant requirements:

• Grade 12 / NQF Level 4.
• Minimum of 1 year experience.
• Ability to follow supervisor instructions in an operational environment.
• Ability to work safely and maintain cleanliness.
• Willingness to perform practical labour and cargo-support duties.

Knowledge required:

• Terminal layout.
• Safety awareness.
• Stack positions.

Skills required:

• Attention to detail.
• Cleanliness.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures.
• Practical work discipline.
• Awareness of cargo-handling equipment and operational safety.

Employment equity note:

Transnet states that preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants who are members of designated groups in line with the Employment Equity Plan and targets of the organisation or operating division.

What this role really means

A Port Worker role is physically practical and operations-focused. The work supports the movement, handling, cleaning, and monitoring of cargo and port equipment. In this environment, safety matters because workers operate around cargo, rail wagons, handling equipment, operational areas, and terminal infrastructure.

For your CV, highlight any experience involving general labour, cleaning, warehouse work, cargo handling, logistics, safety procedures, equipment cleaning, rail or port exposure, plant environments, or shift-based operational work. Even if your previous role was not in a port, practical experience in a busy operational environment can be useful if it is described clearly.

Application checklist

Make sure your application is complete before submitting.

• Updated CV.
• Certified copy of your South African ID.
• Grade 12 / NQF Level 4 certificate.
• Details of your minimum 1 year of experience.
• Any supporting documents requested on the Transnet Talent Portal.
• Clear contact details, including phone number and email address.
• Proof of residence may be useful, especially for applicants residing in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.

Need help with CVs, certified copies, and application tips? Use our Resources & Guides Hub.

About the sponsor

Transnet is a South African state-owned freight logistics company involved in rail, ports, terminals, pipelines, engineering, property, and related logistics operations. Through Transnet Port Terminals, the group supports cargo-handling and terminal operations across South Africa’s commercial ports. For more information visit the Transnet Website.

Quick tips for applicants

• Use the exact job title and requisition number when tracking your application.
• Show Grade 12 / NQF Level 4 clearly on your CV.
• Make your one year of experience easy to find.
• Mention any practical labour, cleaning, cargo, warehouse, logistics, or operational work experience.
• Highlight safety awareness, attention to detail, and ability to follow instructions.
• Apply early because the closing date is close.

Common mistakes that get applicants rejected

• Not showing Grade 12 / NQF Level 4 clearly on the CV.
• Leaving out practical work experience that could support the application.
• Submitting a CV with missing phone number or email address.
• Not tailoring the CV to operational, cleaning, cargo, or labour-related duties.
• Uploading unclear or incomplete supporting documents.
• Waiting until the closing date before applying.

Scam warning (important)

Applicants should only apply through the official Transnet Talent Portal. Do not pay anyone for a job application, interview, medical check, background check, training placement, or guaranteed employment. If someone asks for money to secure this job, treat it as suspicious and verify the vacancy through the official Transnet careers platform.

How this opportunity was verified

This post was prepared using the official Transnet Talent Portal vacancy details for requisition number req5031. The vacancy details confirmed the employer, job title, operating division, employee group, department, location, reporting line, grade, reference number, posted date, closing date, position purpose, position outputs, qualification and experience requirements, competencies, preference note, and Employment Equity statement.

For more information about how our posts are verified, please visit our How we verify listings page.

How to apply

1. Open the official Transnet Talent Portal application link below.
2. Read the full vacancy details carefully.
3. Confirm that you meet the Grade 12 / NQF Level 4 and minimum experience requirements.
4. Prepare your updated CV and supporting documents.
5. Sign in or create a profile on the Transnet Talent Portal.
6. Complete the online application form.
7. Submit your application before the closing date.

Application Closing Date

Application Closing Date: 12 June 2026.

Transnet states that it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that HR has received the application before the closing date of the advertisement.