The South African National Biodiversity Institute invites South African unemployed individuals to apply for the Greening Programme 2026 under the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).
Application Closing Date: 30 April 2026 (16:00)
Programme Location: Various National Botanical Gardens across South Africa
Programme Overview
The SANBI Greening Programme 2026 provides short-term employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled participants.
This programme focuses on:
- Environmental maintenance
- Biodiversity conservation
- Garden development
- Community upliftment
It is part of the EPWP initiative, aimed at creating income opportunities while improving environmental sustainability.
Available Positions
Unskilled Participants
- Stipend: R150 per day
- Contract Duration: Until 31 March 2027
Skilled Participants
- Stipend: R200 per day
- Contract Duration: Until 31 March 2027
👉 Skilled applicants must have experience in areas such as:
- Chainsaw or brush cutter operation
- Herbicide application
- Painting, paving, bricklaying
- General maintenance or construction work
Locations & Posts
Opportunities are available across multiple provinces:
Gauteng
- Pretoria National Botanical Garden
- Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden (Roodepoort)
- National Zoological Garden (Pretoria)
Limpopo
- Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden
- Mphaphuli Cycad Nature Reserve
- Mokopane BCC
KwaZulu-Natal
- Pietermaritzburg National Botanical Garden
Mpumalanga
- Lowveld National Botanical Garden (Mbombela)
Free State
- Free State National Botanical Garden (Bloemfontein)
Western Cape
- Kirstenbosch, Harold Porter & Karoo Desert Botanical Gardens
Northern Cape
- Hantam National Botanical Garden
Eastern Cape
- Kwelera National Botanical Garden
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Reside within the local municipality of the garden
- Provide proof of residence
- Be physically fit for outdoor/manual work
- Be willing to work in a team and independently
- Be available for interviews if shortlisted
Duties and Responsibilities
Participants will:
- Maintain gardens and landscapes
- Remove invasive plant species
- Clean and maintain pathways
- Assist with tree planting and conservation activities
- Support environmental protection initiatives
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Completed SANBI application form
- Updated CV (maximum 2 pages)
- Proof of residence
How to Apply
Click here to download SANBI application form
📧 Email applications to: epwp@sanbi.org.za
📍 Or submit by hand/post to the relevant botanical garden office (based on your reference number)
Important Notes
- Use the correct reference number for your location
- Submit your application before 30 April 2026 at 16:00
- Preference will be given to:
- Women
- Youth
- Persons with disabilities
- If no feedback is received within 30 days, consider your application unsuccessful
Why Apply for SANBI Greening Programme?
- Earn daily income while gaining experience
- Work in environmental and conservation projects
- Build skills in landscaping and maintenance
- Contribute to protecting South Africa’s biodiversity