Finding meaningful employment can be especially challenging for young South Africans living with disabilities. Recognising the need to create inclusive opportunities, Transcend, in partnership with Thungela, has launched its 2026 Learnership Programme to provide accredited training and valuable workplace experience for unemployed persons living with disabilities.
The programme is designed to equip participants with practical business and management skills while preparing them for long-term employment. Through a combination of structured classroom learning and workplace exposure, learners will have the opportunity to build confidence, improve their employability and earn a nationally recognised qualification.
Applications are open to eligible candidates residing in selected areas of Mpumalanga, making this an excellent opportunity for young people who want to develop their careers through quality skills training.
Programme Overview
| Programme Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Thungela Learnership 2026 |
| Training Partner | Transcend |
| Partner Organisation | Thungela |
| Programme Duration | 12 Months |
| Programme Type | Accredited Learnership |
| Minimum Qualification | Grade 11 or Higher |
| Experience Required | None |
| Eligible Applicants | Persons Living with Disabilities |
| Age Requirement | 18–35 Years |
| Province | Mpumalanga |
| Areas | Witbank, Middelburg, Secunda and Surrounding Areas |
| Closing Date | 14 August 2026 |
About the Thungela Learnership Programme
The Thungela Learnership Programme forms part of a broader commitment to developing skills and creating employment opportunities for young South Africans living with disabilities.
Delivered by Transcend in partnership with Thungela, the programme combines accredited learning with supervised workplace experience. Learners are placed in supportive environments where they can apply classroom knowledge while receiving guidance from experienced mentors and facilitators.
The programme focuses on building practical business competencies that prepare learners for careers in administration, management, entrepreneurship and customer-focused industries.
Learnership Qualifications Available
Successful applicants may be enrolled in one of the following accredited qualifications:
- Business Administration
- Generic Management
- New Venture Creation
Placement into a qualification will depend on operational requirements and learner suitability.
Duties and Responsibilities
During the programme, learners may be expected to:
- Attend all scheduled classroom sessions.
- Complete practical workplace assignments.
- Participate in assessments and evaluations.
- Maintain professional behaviour in the workplace.
- Assist with administrative activities.
- Support daily business operations.
- Communicate effectively with supervisors.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues.
- Follow workplace policies and health and safety procedures.
- Complete a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) where required.
Learners are expected to remain committed throughout the full 12-month programme.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should meet the following minimum requirements:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Be unemployed.
- Be a person living with a disability.
- Have a Grade 11 qualification or higher.
- Have a clear criminal record.
- Be currently residing in:
- Witbank
- Middelburg
- Secunda
- Surrounding areas within Mpumalanga
Applicants who have previously participated in a Thungela Learnership or who are currently enrolled in another learnership programme are generally not eligible.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents before submitting their application:
- Copy of South African ID
- Bank Confirmation Letter
- SARS Letter
- Medical Certificate confirming disability
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Highest qualification certificate
- Ward Councillor’s Residential Confirmation Letter
Ensure that all documents are clear, complete and up to date.
Skills You Will Gain
Throughout the programme, learners may develop valuable workplace skills, including:
- Business administration
- Office procedures
- Customer service
- Communication
- Computer literacy
- Leadership skills
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Business management
- Record keeping
- Time management
- Workplace professionalism
- Entrepreneurial thinking
- Occupational health and safety awareness
These transferable skills are valuable across many sectors of the South African economy.
Benefits of the Learnership
Participants may benefit from:
- Accredited qualification.
- Practical workplace experience.
- Professional mentorship.
- Structured classroom training.
- Improved employability.
- Workplace exposure.
- Personal development.
- Leadership development.
- Career readiness.
- Valuable industry experience.
Completing the programme can strengthen future employment opportunities in both the public and private sectors.
Career Opportunities After Completion
Graduates may pursue entry-level positions such as:
- Administrative Assistant
- Office Administrator
- Business Support Officer
- Customer Service Consultant
- Receptionist
- Junior Supervisor
- General Office Clerk
- Business Administrator
- Team Leader
- Entrepreneur
The knowledge and practical experience gained during the programme may also support further education or career advancement.
Application Tips
To improve your chances of being shortlisted:
- Submit your application well before the closing date.
- Ensure all required documents are included.
- Use a professional and updated CV.
- Confirm that your contact information is accurate.
- Verify that your disability medical certificate is valid.
- Carefully follow the application instructions.
- Use the correct email subject line when applying.
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via email.
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Gather all required supporting documents listed in the advertisement.
Step 2: Update Your CV
Ensure your CV contains your latest qualifications, skills and contact information.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Email your CV together with all required supporting documents to:
Subject Line:
Thungela Learnerships
Applications submitted without the correct subject line may experience delays.
Where to Apply
Applicants should email their complete application to:
Email: learnerships@transcend.co.za
Only applications submitted before the deadline through the official email address will be considered.
Applicants should never pay any fee when applying for a legitimate learnership.
Closing Date
Closing Date: 14 August 2026
Late applications may not be accepted. Candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply?
South African citizens between 18 and 35 years of age who are unemployed and living with a disability.
What qualification is required?
Applicants must have completed Grade 11 or a higher qualification.
How long is the programme?
The learnership runs for 12 months.
Which qualifications are available?
Successful learners may study:
- Business Administration
- Generic Management
- New Venture Creation
Which areas are eligible?
Applicants should reside in Witbank, Middelburg, Secunda or surrounding areas in Mpumalanga.
Can I apply if I am already in another learnership?
No. Applicants currently enrolled in another learnership programme are generally not eligible.
Is there an application fee?
No. Transcend does not charge any application or registration fees.
Why This Learnership Is Worth Applying For
The Thungela Learnership 2026 demonstrates the importance of creating inclusive employment pathways for South Africans living with disabilities. By combining accredited education, workplace experience and professional mentoring, the programme equips learners with practical skills that employers value.
Participants benefit from recognised qualifications while gaining confidence in real business environments. For unemployed youth in Mpumalanga, this learnership provides an opportunity to strengthen their employability and build a solid foundation for future career growth.
Editorial Policy
This article has been independently researched using information contained in the official Transcend and Thungela learnership advertisement. Every effort has been made to present accurate and up-to-date information. Applicants should verify programme requirements, supporting documents and application procedures through the official recruitment communication before applying.
Sources and References
- Official Transcend & Thungela Learnership Advertisement
- Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
- Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO)
- South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
Disclaimer
This article is an independent editorial guide created for informational purposes only. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Thungela or Transcend unless expressly stated in official programme communications. Programme details, eligibility criteria, available qualifications and application procedures may change. Applicants should always refer to the official recruitment advertisement for the latest and most accurate information before submitting their application.
