Vaal Central Water invites suitably qualified and unemployed South African graduates to apply for the Graduate Development Programme (GDP) 2026
Programme Duration: 24 Months (Fixed-Term Contract)
Closing Date: 20 January 2026
Programme Location: Free State & Northern Cape Provinces, and Vaal Central Water Head Office, Bloemfontein
About Vaal Central Water
Vaal Central Water (VCW) is a Schedule 3B National Government Business Entity accountable to the Minister of Water and Sanitation and Parliament. The organisation provides bulk water services to municipalities in the Free State and Northern Cape provinces and is committed to developing scarce and critical skills within the water sector.
About the Graduate Development Programme
The Vaal Central Water Graduate Development Programme (GDP) is designed to equip unemployed graduates with practical workplace experience through structured learning and on-the-job exposure. The programme supports national development priorities by building a skilled pipeline of professionals for the water and related sectors.
A total of 20 graduate positions are available across various disciplines.
Fields of Study / Disciplines Required
Applications are invited in the following areas:
- Chemistry & Microbiology (6 posts)
- Civil, Mechanical & Electrical Engineering (4 posts)
- Safety, Health, Environment & Quality (SHEQ) / Environmental Health & Occupational Hygiene (1 post)
- Legal Services (LLB) (2 posts)
- Fleet Management (1 post)
- Water & Wastewater Treatment / Process Technology / Hydrology / Environmental Science / Water Science (4 posts)
- Human Resources Development / Management / Public Management (1 post)
- Information & Communication Technology (ICT) (1 post)
Minimum Qualifications
Depending on the discipline, applicants must have one of the following:
- N6 Certificate
- National Diploma (N Dip)
- B.Tech Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Honours Degree
- LLB (for Legal Services)
Qualifications must fall within NQF Levels 6–8.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen aged 35 years or younger
- Be unemployed
- Have no previous participation in a graduate or internship programme
- Possess computer literacy and good communication skills (where applicable)
- Have a valid driver’s licence (where applicable)
Stipend
A monthly stipend will be paid in line with the revised directive on Developmental Programmes in the Public Service.
Programme Location
Successful candidates will be placed at:
- Vaal Central Water Head Office (Bloemfontein), and
- Other operational sites within the Free State and Northern Cape
Required Documents
Applications must include:
- Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copies of South African ID
- Certified copies of academic qualifications and transcripts
- Proof of residence
How to Apply
Click here to apply for Vaal Central Water Graduate Development Programme 2025–2027:
👉 https://vaalcentralwater.simplify.hr/Vacancy/155858
Applications must be submitted online via the Vaal Central Water recruitment portal.
Closing Date
Closing Date: 20 January 2026
No late applications will be accepted.
Important Notes
- Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only
- Vaal Central Water is an equal opportunity employer and supports employment equity
- No application fees are required
- Preference will be given to:
- Applicants residing within Vaal Central Water operational areas
- Candidates from previously disadvantaged backgrounds
Enquiries
Manager: Training & Development
📞 Tel: 051 403 0800