Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Internship Programme 2026

Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Internship Programme 2026

The Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) is offering a valuable opportunity for unemployed South African graduates to gain practical experience through its Internship Programme for 2026-2028. This 24-month program is designed to provide structured workplace exposure, professional development, and hands-on training across various fields within the department. If you are a recent graduate looking to kickstart your career in the public sector, this internship could be the perfect stepping stone.

The program aims to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge relevant to their academic qualifications. Interns will work alongside experienced professionals, contributing to departmental projects and activities. This initiative is a significant step towards addressing youth unemployment and building a skilled workforce within the agricultural and rural development sectors.

Internship Details and Benefits

The GDARD Internship Programme runs for a duration of 24 months. Successful candidates will receive a monthly stipend of R8,174.75. This financial support allows interns to focus on their professional growth and development without undue financial stress. The program is structured to offer a comprehensive learning experience, preparing graduates for future employment opportunities.

Available Internship Opportunities

GDARD has opened applications for several internship positions, each requiring specific qualifications. These roles are located at the Head Office in Johannesburg, as well as in Pretoria and Germiston.

Financial Management Internship

• Reference Number: FM2026
• Posts: 2
• Location: Head Office, Johannesburg
• Required Qualification: Diploma/Degree in Financial Management or Accounting Science. This role will involve assisting the finance department with various tasks, including budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance.

Rural Development Internship

• Reference Number: RD2026
• Posts: 1
• Location: Head Office, Johannesburg
• Required Qualification: Diploma/Degree in Developmental Studies or a related field. Interns in this position will support initiatives focused on improving rural communities and economies.

Record Management Internship

• Reference Number: RM2026
• Posts: 1
• Location: Head Office, Johannesburg
• Required Qualification: Diploma/Degree in Archives and Records Management, Library and Information Science, or a related discipline. This position is crucial for maintaining the department’s documentation and information systems.

Agro-Processing Internship

• Reference Number: AP2026
• Posts: 1
• Location: Head Office, Johannesburg
• Required Qualification: Diploma/Degree in Food Technology, Food Science, or a related qualification. This role will contribute to the department’s efforts in promoting and developing the agro-processing sector.

Agricultural Engineering Internship

• Reference Number: RTDS 2026
• Posts: 1
• Location: Head Office, Johannesburg
• Required Qualification: Degree in Agricultural Engineering or a related field. This position will involve supporting agricultural infrastructure and technology projects.

Animal Health Internship

• Reference Number: AH2026/01 and AH2026/02
• Posts: 2 (AH2026/01) and 2 (AH2026/02)
• Location: Pretoria and Germiston
• Required Qualification: Diploma/Degree in Animal Health or a related qualification. These roles will focus on animal welfare, disease prevention, and veterinary public health services.

Land Care Internship

• Reference Number: EES2026
• Posts: 1
• Location: Head Office, Johannesburg
• Required Qualification: Diploma/Degree in Project Management or Public Management. This position will support land management and conservation projects.

Duties and Responsibilities of Interns

Interns participating in the GDARD programme will engage in a variety of activities designed to foster their professional growth. They will receive structured workplace exposure, allowing them to learn from experienced professionals in their respective fields. Interns will be expected to actively participate in departmental projects and daily activities, contributing to the team’s objectives.

Furthermore, interns will gain practical experience that directly aligns with their field of study. This hands-on training is complemented by capacity-building initiatives, which may include workshops, training sessions, and mentorship. The overall goal is to provide a well-rounded experience that enhances employability and prepares graduates for future career paths.

General Requirements for Applicants

To be eligible for the GDARD Internship Programme, applicants must meet several key criteria. Firstly, they must be unemployed South African citizens. Secondly, applicants must possess a completed National Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree, or Honour’s Degree from an accredited higher learning institution.

It is also a requirement that applicants have not previously participated in a Public Service internship programme. This ensures that the opportunity is available to individuals who are seeking their first formal public sector work experience. GDARD also emphasizes that preference will be given to candidates who promote representativity in terms of race, gender, and disability, in line with the department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Application Instructions

Submitting a successful application requires careful attention to detail. All applications must be submitted using the new Z83 application form, which should be fully completed. Along with the Z83 form, applicants must include a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).

Applications should be submitted as a single PDF attachment to the specified email address. It is essential to quote the relevant reference number for the internship position in the subject line of the email. Please note that JPEG or picture format applications will not be accepted. Certified copies of qualifications are not required at the application stage; only shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit these documents.

How to Apply

Applications for the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Internship Programme 2026-2028 should be emailed to [email protected]. Ensure that your email includes the fully completed Z83 form and your detailed CV as a single PDF attachment, with the correct reference number in the subject line.

Enquiries

For any questions regarding the internship programme, applicants can contact Ms. Thandiwe Tsutsu at (011) 240 2586.

Important Notes for Applicants

Late applications will not be considered, so ensure your submission is made before the closing date of 29 May 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to suitability and integrity assessments as part of the selection process. If you do not receive any feedback within three months after the closing date, you should consider your application unsuccessful. The internship programme is non-renewable, meaning participants can only complete it once.

SHARE THIS POST WITH OTHERS