The Department of Tourism invites unemployed South African youth to apply for the Integrated Service Excellence Programme 2026.
Programme Application Closing Date: 10 July 2026
Programme Location: Free State, Limpopo and participating SANParks sites, South Africa
About the Department of Tourism Integrated Service Excellence Programme
The Department of Tourism, in collaboration with Harambee and SANParks, is inviting unemployed youth to apply for the Integrated Service Excellence Programme 2026.
This opportunity is offered on a 12-month contract and is aimed at widening employment opportunities in the hospitality, travel and tourism sectors.
Applicants must stay within a 30-kilometre radius of the participating sites and surrounding communities, including land claimant communities.
Programme Details
- Department: Department of Tourism
- Programme: Integrated Service Excellence Programme 2026
- Category: Internships / Youth Opportunities
- Duration: 12 Months
- Stipend: R4 600 per month
- Closing Date: 10 July 2026
The stipend is based on a maximum of 23 days worked per month.
Participating Sites
Applications are open for the following sites:
- Free State
- Mopani Rest Camp
- Oliphants Rest Camp
- Phalaborwa Gate
- Shingwedzi Rest Camp
- Punda Maria Rest Camp
- Marakele National Park
Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be between 18 and 35 years old
- Must have a Grade 12 / Matric Certificate
- Must submit a certified copy of Matric certificate
- Must submit a certified copy of ID
- Must provide proof of residence
- Must have a passion for travel, tourism and hospitality
- Must have a clear criminal record
- Must declare in the application letter if previously participated in the Department’s learnership or skills programmes
- Must live within 30 kilometres of the participating site applied for
Proof of Residence
Applicants must provide valid proof of residence, such as:
- Municipal bill
- Letter from a Tribal Authority
- Any other valid proof confirming residential address
Who Should Apply?
This programme is suitable for unemployed youth who are interested in gaining work experience in:
- Tourism
- Hospitality
- Travel services
- Customer service
- Visitor support
- Service excellence
- Conservation tourism environments
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copy of Grade 12 / Matric Certificate
- Proof of residence
- Application letter
- Updated CV, if required on the application portal
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online using the correct SAYouth link for your preferred site.
NB. Use the links given below to Apply
Free State: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yxmkrv78/o/2099795
Mopani Rest Camp: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yxmkrv78/o/2097808
Oliphants Rest Camp: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yxmkrv78/o/2097812
Phalaborwa Gate: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yxmkrv78/o/2097820
Shingwedzi Rest Camp: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yxmkrv78/o/2097824
Punda Maria Rest Camp: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yxmkrv78/o/2097832
Marakele National Park: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yxmkrv78/o/2099791
Applicants must select the site closest to where they live and complete the online application before the closing date.
Closing Date
The closing date for applications is 10 July 2026.
Late applications may not be considered. Applicants are encouraged to apply before the deadline.