Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), in partnership with Gamagara Local Municipality, invites unemployed graduates to apply for the Youth Graduate Project (EPWP) 2026.
Application Closing Date: 27 February 2026
Programme Duration: 6 Months (2026)
Location: Kathu, Northern Cape (Gamagara Local Municipality)
Daily Stipend: R271.04 per day
This Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) opportunity is designed to provide practical environmental work experience for unemployed graduates.
About the Youth Graduate Project (EPWP)
The Youth Graduate Project is part of the Expanded Public Works Programme aimed at:
- Reducing graduate unemployment
- Strengthening environmental management initiatives
- Supporting local community development
- Providing practical workplace exposure
Participants will receive structured, hands-on experience aligned to their qualifications.
Fields of Study Required
Applicants must have completed at least a 3-year qualification from a recognised Higher Education Institution in one of the following fields:
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Science
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Horticulture
- Ecology
- Botany
- Nature Conservation and Forestry
Important: Ongoing students do not qualify. The qualification must be completed.
Demographic Targets
The programme aims to achieve:
- 100% Youth participation
- 60% Women
- 2% Persons with Disabilities
Persons living with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Expected Duties and Exposure
Based on your qualification, you may be involved in:
- Environmental monitoring projects
- Community environmental awareness programmes
- Conservation initiatives
- Waste management and sustainability projects
- Forestry and biodiversity assessments
- Occupational health and safety compliance support
- Horticulture and landscaping support
This is practical exposure directly aligned to environmental and conservation studies.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be unemployed South African citizens
- Be classified as youth according to project criteria
- Not have previously participated in a Public Service internship programme
- Have completed a minimum 3-year qualification
- Clearly list major subjects on the CV or attach academic record
Important Notes:
- Only shortlisted candidates will be asked for certified copies
- No emailed or faxed applications will be accepted
- Incomplete or late applications will not be considered
- If you do not receive feedback within 3 months after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of qualifications
- Certified copy of South African ID
How to Apply
Applications must be hand-delivered or posted (no email submissions allowed).
Postal Applications:
Gamagara Local Municipality
Environmental Office
P.O. Box 1001
Kathu
8446
Hand Delivery Address:
CNR Hendrick Van Eck & Frikkie Meyer Road
Municipal Reception
Kathu
A submission box will be placed at reception for applications.
Closing Date: 27 February 2026
Late applications will not be accepted.
Why Apply?
This EPWP graduate opportunity offers:
- Competitive daily stipend
- Practical environmental sector experience
- Community-focused development exposure
- Strengthened employability in environmental and conservation careers
If you are passionate about environmental management and want to gain hands-on municipal experience, this is a strong opportunity to apply.