Deadline: 5 December 2025 | Location: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Introduction: A Lifeline for Young South African Graduates
In an economy where youth unemployment remains one of South Africa’s toughest challenges, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (KZN DARD) is once again stepping up with a meaningful opportunity. Applications are now open for the 2026–2028 Internship Recruitment Programme, a 24-month paid training initiative aimed at giving unemployed graduates essential workplace experience and exposure within the province’s growing agricultural sector.
The programme will run from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2028, equipping successful candidates with the technical and professional skills needed to build sustainable careers in agriculture, environmental management, and public service.
This initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to skills development, youth empowerment, and rural economic transformation — pillars that are key to the future of food security and sustainable development in KwaZulu-Natal.
About KZN DARD: Driving Agricultural Growth and Rural Empowerment
The KZN Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is responsible for promoting agriculture, food security, land care, and environmental stewardship across the province. Its vision extends beyond farming — it’s about nurturing future leaders who can drive innovation, sustainability, and socio-economic upliftment in both rural and urban settings.
Through its structured internship programmes, KZN DARD continues to invest in the next generation of agricultural professionals, ensuring that graduates are not only employable but also capable of contributing to the province’s long-term growth and resilience.
Programme Overview
- Programme Name: KZN DARD Internship Recruitment Programme 2026–2028
- Duration: 24 Months (1 April 2026 – 31 March 2028)
- Who Can Apply: Unemployed South African graduates residing in KwaZulu-Natal
- Stipend: Determined by NQF level and DPSA guidelines
- Total Positions: 62 posts across diverse academic disciplines
- Closing Date: 5 December 2025
- Application Method: Z83 Form (via Post or Hand Delivery)
Why This Programme Matters
Internships like this are more than just stepping stones — they’re career accelerators. The KZN DARD programme is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and the practical realities of the working world. It gives graduates the confidence, professional discipline, and technical competence needed to transition smoothly into full-time employment.
This opportunity particularly supports graduates from disadvantaged backgrounds and those living with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity and equal access to public sector employment opportunities.
Internship Fields and Reference Numbers
The 2026–2028 programme offers diverse placements across scientific, engineering, agricultural, business, and administrative fields. Each position is tied to a specific reference number — an essential detail for applicants.
Useful Links:
BSc Degrees (24-Month Contracts):
- Grassland Science – 2 posts (Ref: HR5/19/2025)
- Microbiology (Hons) – 2 posts (Ref: HR5/20/2025)
- Chemistry (Hons) – 1 post (Ref: HR5/21/2025)
- Biochemistry (Hons) – 1 post (Ref: HR5/21/2025)
- Plant Pathology (Hons) – 1 post (Ref: HR5/22/2025)
- Entomology – 1 post (Ref: HR5/23/2025)
- Biometry/Statistics – 1 post (Ref: HR5/24/2025)
- Agriculture: Horticulture – 1 post (Ref: HR5/25/2025)
- Agriculture: Pasture Science – 1 post (Ref: HR5/26/2025)
- Consumer Science – 1 post (Ref: HR5/27/2025)
- Agricultural Economics/Agribusiness – 1 post (Ref: HR5/28/2025)
National Diplomas & BTech Qualifications:
- Animal Health – 3 posts (Ref: HR5/29/2025)
- Office Administration / Business Management – 11 posts (Ref: HR5/30/2025)
Agriculture, Engineering, and Management Fields:
- BSc Agriculture/Civil Engineering (NQF 8) – 1 post (Ref: HR5/1/2025)
- BTech/Advanced Diploma in Civil Engineering (NQF 7) – 2 posts (Ref: HR5/2/2025)
- Advanced Diploma in Agriculture (NQF 7) – 1 post (Ref: HR5/3/2025)
- ND/Advanced Diploma in Agriculture (NQF 6) – 4 posts (Ref: HR5/4/2025)
- Project Management (Postgraduate Diploma) – 1 post (Ref: HR5/5/2025)
- Human Resource Management/Development – 1 post (Ref: HR5/6/2025)
- Labour Relations – 1 post (Ref: HR5/7/2025)
- Operations/Production Management – 1 post (Ref: HR5/8/2025)
- Financial Management/Accounting – 2 posts (Ref: HR5/9/2025)
- Risk Management/Internal Control – 1 post (Ref: HR5/10/2025)
- Supply Chain Management – 3 posts (Ref: HR5/11/2025)
- Public Policy – 1 post (Ref: HR5/12/2025)
- Information Technology – 2 posts (Ref: HR5/13/2025)
- Public Relations/Media/Journalism – 1 post (Ref: HR5/14/2025)
Science & Agriculture Specialisations:
- Soil Science – 1 post (Ref: HR5/15/2025)
- GIS (Technologist) – 1 post (Ref: HR5/16/2025)
- Agrometeorology & Hydrology – 1 post (Ref: HR5/17/2025)
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens currently residing in KwaZulu-Natal.
- Be unemployed graduates aged 18–35.
- Have completed a relevant National Diploma, Degree, Honours, or Postgraduate qualification.
- Be applying for the first time to a government internship programme.
- Provide all required supporting documents (see below).
Preference will be given to:
- Youth from previously disadvantaged communities.
- Persons living with disabilities.
- Applicants from specified local areas within KwaZulu-Natal.
Note: Former interns are not eligible to reapply.
Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Download the Z83 Form
Applicants must complete the official Z83 Application Form, available on the KZN DARD or South African government websites.
Step 2: Prepare Certified Documents
Attach the following documents to your application:
- Application letter stating your reference number.
- Certified copy of ID and Matric certificate.
- Certified copies of academic qualifications and transcripts.
- Updated CV with contactable references.
- Proof of residence or affidavit confirming address.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Applications can be submitted by post or hand delivery at the following addresses:
Postal Address:
The Director: Human Resource Development
Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
Private Bag X9059, Pietermaritzburg, 3200
Hand Delivery (Cedara Offices):
R103, Cedara Road, Ground Floor, Main Building, Reception Area
South Service Centre:
4 Pin Oak Avenue, Hilton, 3245
North Service Centre (Richards Bay):
Lot 11634, Corner of Verbena & Aloe Loop Street, Velden Vlei, Richards Bay
Important Notes
- Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
- Certified documents must be legible and valid (not older than three months).
- If you do not receive feedback within three months after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
- Preference will be given to candidates from KwaZulu-Natal rural districts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who qualifies for this internship?
A: Any unemployed graduate residing in KwaZulu-Natal with a relevant tertiary qualification.
Q: Is the internship paid?
A: Yes, stipends are provided based on the candidate’s NQF level, following the DPSA (Department of Public Service and Administration) guidelines.
Q: Can I email my application?
A: No. Applications must be submitted by hand or post only.
Q: Can I apply for more than one position?
A: You may apply for one post per qualification — each with the correct reference number.
Final Thoughts: Investing in South Africa’s Future
The KZN Agriculture Internship Programme 2026–2028 is more than an employment opportunity — it’s an investment in South Africa’s human capital. It empowers graduates to transform their academic knowledge into practical expertise, while strengthening the agricultural backbone of KwaZulu-Natal.
For young people eager to gain professional experience, this programme represents a stepping stone into a career that directly contributes to food security, sustainability, and rural development.
If you’re a qualified, motivated graduate ready to grow, apply before 5 December 2025 and take the first step toward building your future in one of South Africa’s most vital industries.
