Are you passionate about agriculture, sustainability, and rural development? The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is opening doors for enthusiastic young South Africans through its latest recruitment drive — offering 231 Assistant Agricultural Practitioner vacancies across the country. If you’re ready to take your academic knowledge into the field and contribute meaningfully to food security, rural upliftment, and land reform, this is your opportunity to shine.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
South Africa’s agricultural sector is a cornerstone of its economy, and with the country’s ongoing efforts in land reform and rural development, there’s never been a more exciting time to join the movement. DALRRD’s Assistant Agricultural Practitioner programme is designed to give recent graduates and young professionals hands-on exposure in supporting smallholder farmers, facilitating agricultural extension services, and contributing to the revitalisation of rural economies.
This vacancy aligns with DALRRD’s broader vision of empowering rural youth, promoting sustainable land use, and ensuring agricultural productivity nationwide.
POSTS: ASSISTANT AGRICUTURAL PRACTITIONER (X231 POSTS)
(7 Provinces)
Three (3) years fixed term contract (Placement will be done according to the allocated number of posts in the province).
SALARY : R193 359 per annum, (plus 37% in lieu of benefits)
CENTRE :
- Free state Province Ref No: FSDARD01/2025 (X36 Posts)
- Gauteng Province Ref No: GDARD2025/01 (X44 Posts)
- KwaZulu Natal Province Ref No: KZNDARD01/2025 (X34 Posts)
- Mpumalanga Province Ref No: MPDARD01/2025 (X52 Posts)
- Northern Cape Province Ref No: NCDARD01/2025 (X30 Posts)
- North-West Province Ref No: NWDARD01/07/2025 (X21 Posts)
- Western Cape Province Ref No: WCDARD01/2025 (X14 Posts)
REQUIREMENTS :
- A three-year Diploma in Agriculture (NQF level 06 or higher).
- Compulsory registration with South African Council for Natural Scientific Professional (SACNAP).
- No Experience Required.
- A valid code B driver’s license.
Knowledge, Competencies and skills:
- Knowledge of extension methodology, good communication skills (verbal and written), basic reporting skills, a basic level of public speaking, understanding of group dynamics and the ability to communicate with clients and farmers.
- Applicants must be prepared to physically visit farmers (farms or projects) within the areas where they will be placed.
DUTIES :
- To assist in rendering general agricultural advice to internal and external clients and to ensure sustainable development.
- Assist in demonstration of farming methods, to ensure efficient utilization resources like soil, water, veld, money, and others.
- Assist in organizing farmers day and information sessions etc.
- Assist in conducting farm visits and use visitation tools for impact assessment and the development of farm business plans.
- Source technical and functional input from specialists as required by producers.
- Assist in providing clients with information concerning financial assistance.
- To assist in providing technical support on all agricultural projects, food security initiatives, and land development support programs, assist with planning, advice, facilitation of training and after-care.
- Assist in identification and mobilize interest groups to form entities or institution.
- Assist in organizing meetings to identify training needs.
- Assist to facilitate capacity building and provide aftercare.
- Assist in the facilitating the development and implementation of business plans.
- Assist in the establishment and revival or inactive projects.
- Assist in establishing and maintaining home gardens.
- To assist in promoting a pluralistic approach and partnerships with relevant agricultural stakeholders and organized agriculture.
- Assist in gathering and analyzing relevant information, assist with identification of problems areas and prioritization thereof, e.g. conduct extension surveys.
- Assist to facilitate the establishment of cooperatives, farmer’s associations, interest groups etc.
- To assist in the promotion of sustainable production of agricultural products thus working with Agricultural advisors.
- Facilitate the identification of real and perceived needs.
- Establish structures to address the needs identified.
- Assist in building capacity of clients in to enable them to fulfil their own needs.
- Assist in providing inputs for the implementation of best practice, technologies, and latest trends.
- Support the implementation of programs.
- Assist in evaluating the success / effectiveness of production systems.
APPLICATIONS :
Application Procedure:
Free State Province: Email: recruitment@dard.gov.za for attention Ms S Hlekiso or hand delivered at Admin Building, 1st Floor, Room 228, Glen College of Agriculture, Glen, for attention Ms S Hlekiso.
Gauteng Province: please apply online at http://professinaljobcentre.gov.za or Hand Deliver at Ground floor, Main entrance 56 Eloff Street, Umnotho House Johannesburg.
KwaZulu Natal Province: Email: kznjobssouth@dard.gov.za or hand delivered at the following stations: Cedara Office Reception (Head Office) at 01 Cedara Road, Pietermaritzburg or South Service Centre Offices (Hilton) at 4 Pin Oak Avenue, Hilton or North Service Office (Richards Bay) at Lot 11634, Corner of Verbena and Aloe Loop Street, Veld ‘n Vlei, Richards Bay.
Mpumalanga Province: Email: Applications quoting relevant reference number should either be hand delivered, posted or e-mailed to the following addresses: For Head Office: to the Director: Human Resource Management & Development, Samora Machel Building, Private Bag X 11219, Riverside Park, Mbombela, (1200) or Email: dardlearecruitment–ho@mpg.gov.za.
Northern Cape Province: Email: blommiejacobs@ncpg.gov.za or tpika@ncpg.gov.za or Private Bag X5018, Kimberley, 8301 or Hand Deliver to: 162 George Street, Kimberley, 8301
North-West Province: Email: Dardrecruitment-HO@nwpg.gov.za for Attention: Ms. Keneilwe Modiegi or hand delivered to the Director Human Resource Management, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ngaka Modiri Molema District Office, (Training Centre Building), Corner Onkgopotse Tiro Road Mmabatho
Western Cape Province: Western Cape Department of Agriculture: Candidates are to only use the online application portal at www.westerncape.gov.za/jobs or https://westerncapegov.erecruit.co
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Why This Matters for South African Youth
With rising youth unemployment, particularly in rural areas, the DALRRD Assistant Agricultural Practitioner programme offers more than just a job — it’s a stepping stone to building sustainable livelihoods, empowering communities, and strengthening South Africa’s agricultural resilience.
Whether you’re a recent graduate or an aspiring changemaker in your community, this is a chance to make your mark in a sector that directly affects lives and the economy.
Don’t miss this chance to dig deep into your future — apply now and grow your impact with DALRRD!
ENQUIRIES:
- Free state Province: Ms NF Ngulube at (079) 228 1042
- Gauteng Province: Ms Gugu Nevondo at 072 756 5262
- KwaZulu Natal Province: Mr NL Ntshangase Tel No: (033) 343 8133 or Mrs. RN Ndwandwe Tel No: (033) 343 8498
- Mpumalanga Province: Ms. S.P Shongwe Tel No: (013) 766 6003 or Ms. N.E Hlatshwayo Tel No: (013) 766 6110
- Northern Cape Province: Ms L. Phayane Tel No: (067)166 2580
- North-West Province: Ms K Modiegi, Tel No: (018) 384 3134
- Western Cape Province: Mr JD Aries Tel No: (021) 808 5103
CLOSING DATE: 15 August 2025 at 16:00
EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR SCAM/FRAUD ALERT PAGE HERE
