South Africa’s future infrastructure lies in the hands of skilled youth, and the Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) is proudly investing in just that. Through the Infrastructure Skills Development Grant (ISDG) Graduate Programme, GSDM is creating pathways for graduates to gain valuable professional experience while addressing the skills shortage in key technical sectors. This is more than a training initiative — it is a bridge between academic qualifications and meaningful employment in local government infrastructure.
WHAT IS THE ISDG GRADUATE PROGRAMME?
The ISDG Programme is a national initiative by the Department of Cooperative Governance (DCoG), designed to equip engineering and infrastructure graduates with work experience necessary for professional registration. The Gert Sibande District Municipality has taken the lead in implementing this transformative programme within Mpumalanga, focusing on technical disciplines such as:
- Land Surveying
- Geographic Information System (GIS)
- Town Planning
- Civil Engineering
- Environmental Science Practitioner
- Natural Sciences
The goal is to absorb young graduates into the municipal workspace and provide them with structured mentorship, hands-on project involvement, and exposure to real-life infrastructure development challenges.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE AND BENEFITS:
The ISDG Graduates Programme is typically a 3-year structured internship, during which participants are paired with registered professionals who provide supervision and mentorship aligned with the requirements of professional bodies like ECSA and SACPLAN.
BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAMME INCLUDE:
- Monthly Stipend: Graduates receive a competitive stipend throughout the internship.
- Professional Registration Support: Guidance and exposure required for registration with professional councils.
- Hands-on Municipal Experience: Participants are directly involved in planning, implementing, and maintaining infrastructure projects within the district.
- Capacity Development: Both technical and soft skills training are provided, making participants more employable across the public and private sectors.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
In making the final selection, preference will be given to applicants meeting the following important criteria:
- Suitable qualified and unemployed
- A valid Code 08 driver’s license will be an added advantage
- Appointment will be made in the context of Employment Equity
- Must be a South African citizen in possession of the valid SA ID
- Must be under the age of 35
- Academic context must be realist match to the academic requirements for professional registration with respective statutory Council.
REQUIREMENTS:
- An accredited B. Degree qualification in Environmental Management/ Environmental Science field of study
- Registration as Professional in the South African Council for Natural Scientists Professions (SACNASP)
- At least five years’ working experience
- Ability to train and mentor Environmental Science Practitioners graduates
- Computer Literacy
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Applications need to submit:
- An application letter
- A comprehensive CV
- Certified copies of qualifications and academic records
- South African ID copy
- Proof of residence within the Gert Sibande District
Interested person meeting the requirement are requested to forward applications to:
Senior Manager: Administration and HR: MA Barnabas, Gert Sibande District Municipality, PO Box 1748, Ermelo 2350
DOWNLOAD THE GERT SIBANDE MUNICIPALITY GRADUATE PROGRAMME ADVERT HERE
A Step Towards a Professional Future
With the Infrastructure Skills Development Grant Graduates Programme, Gert Sibande District Municipality is not only strengthening its infrastructure capabilities but also investing in the next generation of South African engineers, planners, and scientists. It’s a strategic response to youth unemployment, capacity shortages, and long-term infrastructure sustainability. For graduates in Mpumalanga and beyond, this programme opens the door to a fulfilling career in the public sector.
Enquiries: Ms. Nelisiwe Matlala at (017) 801-7030
CLOSING DATE: 20 JUNE 2025
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