South Africa’s agricultural sector has received a major boost — and so have unemployed graduates. The Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform (DAERL) has officially opened applications for the 2025/26 Unemployed Agricultural Graduate Entrepreneurial Development Programme, offering 80 internship placements across all five district municipalities.
This is not just an internship — it is a 24-month paid, practical, enterprise-focused agricultural development programme designed to equip graduates with real-world skills and business readiness.
Quick Overview
| Opportunity | 2025/26 Unemployed Agricultural Graduate Entrepreneurial Development Programme |
|---|---|
| Department | Northern Cape DAERL |
| Positions Available | 80 Internship Placements |
| Duration | 24 Months |
| Stipend | R7 860.50 per month |
| Who Can Apply? | Unemployed SA graduates aged 18–45 with agriculture-related diplomas/degrees |
| How to Apply | Submit Z83 + CV (via email, post, or hand-delivery) |
| Closing Date | 19 December 2025 |
| Enquiries | Mr Malebogo Mocwiri – 082 559 0827 |
What This Internship Opportunity Offers
The programme—launched under MEC Mase Manopole—aims to bridge skills gaps, support enterprise development, and empower a new generation of agricultural professionals in the Northern Cape.
Participants will receive:
- 24 months of structured, practical farm training
- Enterprise development coaching
- On-farm exposure across multiple agricultural commodities
- Mentorship from agricultural experts
- Hands-on technical and agribusiness training
Agricultural Areas Covered
Interns will gain experience in:
- Livestock Production
- Crop Cultivation
- Mixed Farming
- Hydroponics
- Agro-processing
- Vineyard/Raisin Production
- Nature Conservation & Game Management
The placements are spread across all five district municipalities in the Northern Cape.
About the Northern Cape DAERL
The Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform is responsible for:
- Developing sustainable agricultural practices
- Driving rural economic transformation
- Empowering youth through skills development
- Supporting agribusiness ventures
- Promoting responsible land use and conservation
This programme strengthens the pipeline of future agricultural experts and entrepreneurs who will contribute to provincial food security and economic growth.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
Applicants must:
✔ Be unemployed South African citizens aged 18–45
This programme supports both youth and mature graduates.
✔ Hold a qualification in:
- Agriculture
- Environmental Affairs
- Nature Conservation
- Environmental Management
- Or related fields
(Diplomas and degrees accepted)
✔ Be first-time entrants
If you have never participated in a government internship before, you will be prioritised.
✔ Women and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply
Benefits of the Programme
💰 Stipend: R7 860.50 per month
🕒 Duration: 24 months
Long enough to build industry experience, gain confidence, and prepare for employment or entrepreneurship.
🔧 Practical Agricultural & Enterprise Skills
Interns will gain real exposure in:
- Farm operations
- Production cycles
- Agribusiness processes
- Conservation techniques
- Project management
- Entrepreneurship development
🚜 Enterprise Development Support
The programme includes training designed to help graduates launch and sustain their own agribusinesses.
How to Apply
Submit the following documents:
📌 1. Completed and signed Z83 Form
Download the latest version here (link to your preferred Z83 download page).
📌 2. Comprehensive CV
Include your:
- Personal details
- Qualifications
- Work/volunteer experience
- Skills
- Contactable references
📌 3. Quote the correct reference number
This ensures your application is placed correctly.
Submission Methods
You may submit your application via:
- Post
- Hand-delivery
(DAERL will confirm the correct submission addresses in the official circular — include them in your final blog post if available.)
Contact Information
General Enquiries
📞 Mr Malebogo Mocwiri – 082 559 0827
Media Enquiries
Mr Stephen Galane – Media Liaison Officer
📱 065 707 9152
📧 sgalane@daerl.co.za | sgalane30@gmail.com