The Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport, in partnership with the Department of Employment and Labour, invites unemployed South African youth to apply for 350 National Youth Service (NYS) Building Maintenance Programme opportunities for 2026.
Programme Application Closing Date: 07 October 2026 at 10:00
Programme Location: Various locations across Mpumalanga, South Africa
Applications Open: 23 September 2026
Number of Opportunities: X350
Programme Duration: 18 months
Stipend: R5,000 per month
Age Requirement: 18–35 years
Compulsory Briefing: 19 October 2026
About the Mpumalanga National Youth Service Programme
The National Youth Service Building Maintenance Programme is an 18-month youth development programme aimed at providing unemployed young people with practical workplace exposure and skills.
The programme offers 350 opportunities across the Ehlanzeni, Bohlabela, Nkangala and Gert Sibande districts.
Participants will receive a stipend of R5,000 per month.
Number of Posts per District
The 350 National Youth Service opportunities are distributed as follows:
| District | Posts |
|---|---|
| Ehlanzeni District | X87 |
| Bohlabela District | X87 |
| Nkangala District | X88 |
| Gert Sibande District | X88 |
| Total | X350 |
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old and have a valid South African identity document.
Candidates must also meet one of the following educational requirements:
- Grade 12 with Mathematics and Physical Science; or
- N3 with Mathematics and Engineering Science; or
- Relevant National Certificate Vocational (NCV) Level 3 in Engineering.
Applicants should ensure that they meet the qualification requirements before registering or applying through ESSA.
Building Maintenance Training and Experience
The programme focuses on building maintenance and practical workplace exposure.
Participants may gain basic competency and experience in areas such as:
- Landscaping
- Painting
- Bricklaying and plastering
- Tiling
- Carpentry
- Fitting doors and windows
- Glass fitting
- Plumbing
- Electrical work
Participants will also gain exposure to workplace productivity, citizenship and workplace values.
Ehlanzeni District – X87 Posts
Opportunities are available at sites including:
- Malekutu Cost Centre
- Mbombela Cost Centre
- Barberton Hospital
- Rob Ferreira Hospital
- Themba Hospital
- Tonga Cost Centre
- Tonga Hospital
- Shongwe Hospital
Bohlabela District – X87 Posts
Placement sites include:
- Acornhoek Cost Centre
- Malamule Cost Centre
- Pilgrims Rest
- Mashishing Cost Centre
- Sabie Hospital
- Matibidi Hospital
Nkangala District – X88 Posts
Opportunities are available at sites including:
- eMalahleni General Hospital
- Middelburg Cost Centre
- Delmas Cost Centre
- Belfast Hospital
- Machadodorp Hospital
- KwaMhlanga Cost Centre
- Siyabuswa Cost Centre
- Vaalbank Cost Centre
- Mmametlhake Hospital
Gert Sibande District – X88 Posts
Placement sites include:
- Elukwatini District Office
- Embhuleni Hospital
- Mayflower Cost Centre
- Carolina Hospital
- Piet Retief Hospital
- Msukaligwa District Office/Ermelo
- Ermelo Hospital
- Amajuba Hospital/Volksrust
- Elsie Ballot Hospital/Amsterdam
- Lekwa District Office/Standerton
- Standerton Hospital
- Greylingstad Cost Centre
- Evander Hospital
- Bethal Hospital
Applicants should use the correct site reference number and ESSA Opportunity Reference from the official advertisement when searching for their preferred placement.
Trade Test Opportunities
The recruitment notice also includes Trade Test opportunities for candidates with relevant technical qualifications and workplace experience.
Trade Test opportunities are available in:
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Welding
- Bricklaying and Plastering
- Carpentry
Applicants interested in these opportunities should check the specific qualification and workplace-experience requirements contained in the relevant Trade Test listing.
Important Dates
Applications for the National Youth Service Programme are open from 23 September 2026.
The application deadline is 07 October 2026 at 10:00.
The advertisement also states that applicants must attend a compulsory one-day briefing session on 19 October 2026.
How to Apply
Applications for the Mpumalanga National Youth Service Programme 2026 must be made through the Department of Employment and Labour’s Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA) system.
Click here to apply for Mpumalanga National Youth Service Programme 2026 through ESSA
Applicants should register their:
- Personal information.
- Education.
- Skills.
- Qualifications.
- Work experience.
Applicants may also visit their nearest Department of Employment and Labour Labour Centre for assistance.
When searching for an opportunity on ESSA, applicants should use the relevant ESSA Opportunity Reference from the official advertisement to ensure they apply for the correct site.
Applications must be submitted by 07 October 2026 at 10:00.